In an inviting edition of an old tale, Marshall draws upon conventional elements in humorous ways. A sow cannot support her three sons, tearfully seeing them leave home unequally equipped to seek their fortunes: "Now be sure to write . . . and remember I love you." A lean, hungry wolf gobbles up the first two pigs; is tricked into the usual turnip and apple picking ruses by the third pig; gets chased by a rolling butter churn; and becomes a delectable dinner for the surviving member of the porcine trio. In Marshall's ink and watercolor paintings, the clothed, more-or-less debonair pigs and the bicycle-riding, rough-and-ready wolf reside in the early 20th century. Jacket art showing all three pigs taking a bow implies the staging of a dramatic production rather than the permanent demise of two main characters. A solid addition to Marshall's lighthearted sequence of picture book folklore including GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS (1988) and RED RIDING HOOD (1987). (Ages 3-7)

Think you know the story of the three little pigs? Not until you've read this version, retold and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner James Marshall. Children will know and love the familiar characters—three pig brothers and one huffing-puffing wolf—and they will giggle over the funny, new dialogue and cartoon like illustrations, which put a fresh, modern twist on the classic tale.