The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale

Steven Guarnaccia (2010), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Adapting the traditional folktale Three Little Pigs, Guarnaccia plays homage to three famous architects Frank Gehry, Phillip Johnson, and Frank Lloyd Wright in a modern retelling of this story. The houses are stylized after each architect’s signature style and made from scraps, glass, and concrete. The Big Bad Wolf is tougher than ever in his sunglasses and black leather jacket as he chases the little piggies from one house to another. Using the classic narrative of “Little Pig, Little Pig, let me come in” …. But the little pig answers “not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin” keeps this retelling true to the classic, fun to read, and appropriate for kids. Yet by updating certain elements (such as house architecture) Guarnaccia keeps this rendition fresh and innovative! This book is published in a large picture book format with colorful illustrations that are simple yet detailed, and are not too overwhelming for the storyline.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Roberto, The Insect Architect by Nina Laden

Other books by this author: Goldilocks and the Three Bears: A Tale Moderne