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

The Mitten

Jan Brett (1989), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Cozy up with Brett’s adaption of a traditional Ukrainian folktale this winter. An endearing tale of a Grandmother who cautiously knits a pair of white mittens at her grandson’s request. Fearing that he may lose the snow-white mittens outdoors, Baba goes ahead and knits a pair for Nicki (her grandson). And the very next day, Nicki does lose one – but who finds it? A pack of forest animals seeking refuse from the cold winter wind and snow. As more animals climb inside the warm woolen mitten to avoid the cold “the mitten swelled and stretched. It was pulled and bulged to many times its size. But Baba’s good knitting held fast” that is, until the last animal makes her way inside!

Although this book is published both as a board book and a picture book, I prefer the traditional picture book form for this story … I find the illustrations translate so much better in the larger format since the main narrative is illustrated along with inset side panels. Brett’s decorative touches are beautiful especially the embroidery motifs, which flank the bordered pages (in my opinion these touches further echo the author’s handcrafted fiber-inspired storyline) along with Baba and Nick’s traditional garb. Brett seamlessly adapts this traditional Ukrainian folktale into a charming, fantastical tale for children – it is one of the best fairytale/folktales for children 0-4.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen

Other books by this author: Town Mouse, Country Mouse, The Three Snow Bears, Gingerbread Baby, and Hedgie’s Surprise

My Lucky Day

Keiko Kasza (2003), 30 pages

Audience: Toddlers, Pre-K to 2^nd grade

Format: picture book

A hilarious twist on the traditional fairytale of Three Little Pigs, Kasza updates and creates a playful new story for both kids and parents. What kind of twist? Well, this time the piglet is in charge and the fox is left scrambling and exhausted especially after he is tricked into cleaning, feeding, and massaging his future roast pig. With colorful and emotive illustrations—even your toddlers will understand the plot! A very clever book, in the end children will roll with laughter and parents will smile as this smart, witty pig enjoys his lucky day.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Wolf’s Chicken Stew by Keiko Kasza or Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Other books by this author: A Mother for Choco, Badger’s Fancy Meal, The Dog Who Cried Wolf, The Mightiest, When the Elephant Walks, and Ready for Anything!