The Three Ninja Pigs (Review by Leighanne Massey)
Bibliography
Schwartz, Corey Rosen. The Three Ninja Pigs. New York: Penguin Young Readers Group, 2012. ISBN 9780399255144
Plot Summary
For an interesting spin on the traditional tale of The Three Little Pigs, Corey Rosen Schwartz delivers with this action-packed fractured tale of three pigs who decide to learn the art of Aikido, Jujitsu, and Karate to defeat the big bad wolf and his tyranny. Set against the backdrop of a typical Asian village, the story builds in a series of events leading up to a distinctly original confrontation. When Wolf's antics have sent pig 1 and 2 running for their sister's house, he is hot on their tail anticipating sweet victory. Although, to his surprise, Wolf is not prepared for what pig 3 has up her sleeves and soon realizes he is no match for her.
Critical Analysis
At the very beginning of the story Big Bad Wolf is established as the villain who "liked to go around town and blow houses down." Sensing danger, the protagonists formulate a plan of defense. Representing relevant trends in martial arts and dialogue seen in today's culture, young readers will relate instantly to the pigs in this tale.
Many elements of the original story line of The Three Pigs can be found throughout this book and even anticipated. Seasoned readers and new alike might find it surprising and refreshing to read about the female heroine of the story and the context with which the story takes place. There are many depictions of Asian culture that lie within the pages from which to glean interest.
As an Asian-based variant to the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, readers will delight in the fast-paced rhymes and amusing story line with colorful detailed illustrations by Dan Santat depicting Asian culture. With dialogue such as "Stay out of my hut or I'll kick your big butt. I'm telling you, you'd better run," children will want to hear this story out loud more than once.
Many elements of the original story line of The Three Pigs can be found throughout this book and even anticipated. Seasoned readers and new alike might find it surprising and refreshing to read about the female heroine of the story and the context with which the story takes place. There are many depictions of Asian culture that lie within the pages from which to glean interest.
As an Asian-based variant to the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, readers will delight in the fast-paced rhymes and amusing story line with colorful detailed illustrations by Dan Santat depicting Asian culture. With dialogue such as "Stay out of my hut or I'll kick your big butt. I'm telling you, you'd better run," children will want to hear this story out loud more than once.
Review Excerpt(s)
"K-Gr 2-In this fractured fairy tale, three little pigs are portrayed as frustrated siblings fed up with a wolf that loves to huff and puff and blow houses down. In an attempt to protect their homes in their Japanese village, they train at a Ninja school." -School Library Journal
"This riotous rumble of a takeoff begins with three pigs—two brothers and a sister—saying enough to the huffy puffy wolf destroying houses in their town. So it’s off to the ninja school, where the first brother takes up aikido, but he drops out in two weeks. The second brother takes jujitsu and makes good progress, but he is too impatient to keep up his lessons. Only sister pig, a karate student, becomes so skilled that she can break boards by “performing a perfect pork chop!”
-Booklist
"A fractured fairy tale to outcharm the original, “The Three Ninja Pigs” manages to one-up the well-worn story by setting it in Japan, sprinkling it with the language and discipline of martial arts. All in hilarious, impeccable rhyme." — The New York Times Book Review
"This riotous rumble of a takeoff begins with three pigs—two brothers and a sister—saying enough to the huffy puffy wolf destroying houses in their town. So it’s off to the ninja school, where the first brother takes up aikido, but he drops out in two weeks. The second brother takes jujitsu and makes good progress, but he is too impatient to keep up his lessons. Only sister pig, a karate student, becomes so skilled that she can break boards by “performing a perfect pork chop!”
-Booklist
"A fractured fairy tale to outcharm the original, “The Three Ninja Pigs” manages to one-up the well-worn story by setting it in Japan, sprinkling it with the language and discipline of martial arts. All in hilarious, impeccable rhyme." — The New York Times Book Review
Connections
Other Corey Rosen Schwartz books to check out:
- Schwartz, Corey Rosen. Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks. ISBN 9780399176265
- Schwartz, Corey Rosen. Ninja Red Riding Hood. ISBN 9780399163548
- Schwartz, Corey Rosen. Goldi Rocks & the Three Bears. ISBN 9780399256851
Corey Schwartz's books can be used to compare the tales to the traditional stories and compare/contrast the different elements.
Students can also do an author study/find out what kinds of martial arts are represented by each book by the author.
Students can have discussions on the Asian depictions in Three Ninja pigs and read more material on different cultures such as Japan and China.
Students can have discussions on the Asian depictions in Three Ninja pigs and read more material on different cultures such as Japan and China.
Students can write their own fractured tales based on either of these stories.
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