Traditional Literature Review- The Three Little Pigs

Bibliography

Guarnaccia, Steven. 2010.  The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale.  Abrams Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 9780810989412

Plot Summary

This is a pleasant version of The Three Little Pigs that highlights the architectural world.  Just as the original story of The Three Little Pigs, each pig builds their house out of some special material that they think will withstand the powerful blowing of the mischievous wolf.  All of the pigs model their masterpiece from three well known architects.  The first pig builds his home out of scraps, the second pig build his home out of glass and the third pig builds his home from concrete and stone.

Critical Analysis        

In this story the reader can appreciate the different types and styles of houses.  All of the core elements of the original story are present, however this story adds emphasis on architecture and the style of a beautiful home.  Knowing that the houses in the story actually represent an actual design from a real house makes this story more interesting.  The illustrations will catch the young eye but the information will seize the older audience.  However, this would be a great introduction for children to learn about architecture.

The pigs have human like characteristics of actual architects.  The illustrations appears to be like blueprints from an architectural sketch. Inside the cover are representations of architectural furniture and the design with the credited architect. 

Reviews Excerpts/Awards/Honors

Booklist, "The story works without the sophisticated references, but the endpapers, printed with design icons featured on the pages, provide a fun, interactive game and will pique kids' interest in the subject. Grades K-3." --Gillian Engberg

Publishers Weekly, "Of the trio, Guarnaccia favors Wright, and the puckish architect outwits the wolf on several occasions. He plays to design fans, decorating the pigs' homes with objects by the likes of Noguchi and Starck, and his endpapers provide a visual index to the allusions. Without a background in 'starchitects,' though, children will need a design history lesson to appreciate this retelling. Ages 4 — up. (June)"

Connections

• Have the students to draw a house that they would build to keep out the wolf.
• Look at actual architecture blueprints for the structure of a house.
• Read another version of Three Little Pigs and discuss similarities and differences.
• Complete research on each of the architects featured in this story.

·         Have children create their own retelling of a classic tale by using art and architecture magazines to create a collage.