The Three Little Pigs retold by Lisa Trumbauer, Illustrated by Aaron Blecha

The Three Little Pigs is probably one of the first stories you heard.  This folk tale has been told and retold for generations.  The story teaches young listeners the value of hard work.  Personally, I remember watching the old Disney cartoon version of the singing little pigs.  As a kindergarten teacher, I typically read aloud several versions of this story because of its easy sequence of events and role playing potential.  This classic story has now been adapted into graphic novel form.

This graphic novel retelling by Lisa Trumbauer, illustrated by Aaron Blecha appeals to those reluctant boy readers in your classroom.  The depictions of the pigs are a far cry from the sweet little curly-tailed piglets typically seen in children's literature.  Instead Blecha's pigs are slightly grotesque--a little boy's dream.  The writing is excellent.  Trumbauer retells the story in a simple, yet interesting fashion.  Humor is found throughout.  The ending leaves you wondering.  I would highly recommend adding this graphic novel to your fairy tale/ folk tale collection.  The readability of the text is appropriate for the end of first grade.

As with Airplane Adventure, the creators decided to include resources at the back of the book.  There is a glossary and a history of the tale.  There are discussion questions.  There are even writing prompts.