The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Theme:

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, explores the theme of Good versus bad.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka – forbestory.com – story for kids

“The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith, is a delightful and clever retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs.” First published in 1989, the book offers a fresh and humorous perspective by presenting the story from the point of view of the “Big Bad Wolf.” Here’s an overview of the story and its main themes:

Summary:

Narrator: The story is narrated by the Big Bad Wolf, who insists that he has been wronged and misunderstood. He claims that he is not a villain but rather a victim of unfortunate circumstances.

Plot:

1. The Wolf’s Side: According to the Wolf, he was simply trying to bake a cake for his grandmother, who was ill. Unfortunately, he caught a cold and had to sneeze frequently.
2. The Straw House: The Wolf explains that he went to the first little pig’s house, made of straw, to borrow a cup of sugar. When he sneezed, the straw house fell apart. The Wolf asserts that his sneezing was an accident and that he never intended to harm the pig.
3. The Stick House: He then moved on to the second little pig’s house, made of sticks. Again, he sneezed, and the house collapsed. The Wolf repeats that he was only trying to ask for more sugar.
4. The Brick House: Finally, the Wolf reached the third little pig’s house, which was made of bricks. Despite his repeated sneezing, this house did not fall down. Frustrated and still needing the sugar, he eventually leaves, still misunderstood.
5. The Wolf’s Appeal: The Wolf concludes his story by pleading his case, asking readers to believe that he was simply a misunderstood and ill wolf who never meant any harm.

Moral:

The moral of the story is often interpreted as “Consider different perspectives before passing judgment.” It encourages readers to think about how different viewpoints can change the understanding of a situation.

Key Themes:

1. Perspective and Subjectivity: The book highlights how different perspectives can alter the perception of events. The Wolf’s version contrasts with the traditional portrayal of him as a villain.
2. Misunderstanding and Judgment: It underscores the theme of misunderstanding and how initial judgments can be misleading.
3. Humor and Satire: Jon Scieszka uses humor and satire to challenge conventional narratives and entertain readers, especially children, with a new take on a familiar story.

Illustrations:

Lane Smith’s illustrations complement Scieszka’s text with their quirky and whimsical style, adding to the book’s humor and appeal. The visual representation of the Wolf as a somewhat comical character further supports the story’s playful tone.

“The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” is celebrated for its inventive approach to storytelling and its ability to engage readers in thinking critically about perspective and truth.