The Children’s Book Review | May 9, 2014
By Mark Teague
Age Range: 3-5 years
Hardcover: 48 Pages
Publisher: Orchard Books (April 30, 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-0439915014
What to expect: Humor, Classic story reimagined
A funny reimagining of the Three Little Pigs story, where the wolf isn’t so much big and bad but just hungry … and a bit grouchy.
The farmer and his wife are moving to Florida, so the pigs (after a generous severance package) need to go out and find their own homes. The first pig builds a straw house, happy to have lots of money left over to buy potato chips; the second pig uses sticks, and has plenty left over to buy soda pop; while the third, who spends a great deal on bricks and mortar, has to plant a garden to grow food.
Meanwhile, the hungry wolf has visited a donut shop, a hotdog stand, and a pizza place—they’re all closed, or simply don’t want to serve a wolf. Angry and hungry, the wolf arrives at the first house, and blows it down. Ditto the second. Everyone is surprised this actually works, including the wolf. But he’s still hungry.
When he arrives to the third, all the pigs are there. The wolf is so hungry he faints while trying to blow the house down. He’s offered chips and soda pop, but the industrious pig turns everyone on to vegetables. The wolf, now fed, isn’t so bad after all.
This is a fun and creative turn on a well-known story, with humorous dialogue and compelling illustrations.
Add this book to your collection: The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf
About the Author
Mark Teague is the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator of his own bestselling Dear Mrs. LaRue series as well as FIREHOUSE!, FUNNY FARM, and many other humorous picture books. In addition to his prized art for the How Do Dinosaurs books, his recent illustrated novel, THE DOOM MACHINE, received excellent reviews. Mark lives in the Hudson River Valley with his wife and their two daughters.
The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf, by Mark Teague, was reviewed by Trevor Laurence Jockims. Follow along with our Mark Teague tag to discover more of his books, or, check out our Humor category for more books that will make you laugh.