The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

A picture book by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith is a twist on the story The Three Little Pigs. The story is about Alexander Wolf’s explanation of how he was framed for the tragedy that happened to the three little pigs. His detailing of the events starts innocently enough with Alexander baking a cake for his grandmother. The only thing is he doesn’t have any sugar to make a cake, so he goes to a neighbor for a cup of sugar. At the first house, he comes to the wolf accidentally sneezes and blows down the house. There is a pig inside, but Alexander does not want to waste food, so he eats the deceased pig. The same thing happens to the second stick house and the third brick house. However, the wolf’s sneeze does not knock down the third brick house. Afterward, the police show up and the press writes incorrect stories about what really happened. This story is humorous and will have children and parents laughing out loud. The illustrations are comical with details that give away little clues about the wolf’s true nature. Teachers can use this for a lesson in truthfulness, witnesses, and evidence.

Scieszka, J. (1996). The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. (L. Smith, Illust.) Puffin Books.