The Story of the Three Little Pigs

Kelly L. Green is the co-editor of the Children’s Literature edition
of the Canadian Book Review Annual.

This retelling of the redoubtable children’s classic is remarkable
primarily because it is a concept book. This version comes complete with
dress-up props for dramatic play—pig trotters, wolf paws, and wolf and
piggy ears. The dramatic play concept was developed by early childhood
consultant Dede Sinclair, who also provides a note for adults with tips
on how to encourage children’s pretend play.

With regard to the book, Lilly Barnes’s story sticks to tradition for
the most part, but purists will note that no little pigs get eaten (they
run home), and no big bad wolf gets boiled (the bucket of water at the
bottom of the chimney is icy). Barnes’s retelling is lively and
entertaining, and will provide children with a delightful introduction
to or reacquaintance with this tale. Lindsay Grater’s charming
illustrations are brightly colored and stylistically cartoonish (kids
will love the individualistic pigs and the big-eyed wolf).

As a new and original take on an old story, this package succeeds
beautifully. The dress-up props truly add value to the book.
Recommended.