The Three Little Javelinas

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Bibliography:

Lowell, Susan. 1992. THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS. Ill. by Jim Harris. Rising Moon. ISBN 0873585429

Summary:

Once upon a time way out in the desert three little javelinas trotted off together to seek their fortunes and soon after parted ways.  Along their journeys they encountered the wily coyote who was tired of eating mice and rabbits and wanted to gobble the enticing javelinas up.  The coyote desirously tries his best to blow in the first pig’s tumbleweed home, the second’s saguaro cactus abode, and finally the sturdy adobe dwelling of the third pig.  To no avail does he succeed in this witty adaptation, and the three little javelinas lived happily ever after.

Book Analysis:

In this adaptation of the classic folktale The Three Little Pigs, Susan Lowell has presented a southwestern spin on a classic story loved by many.  Instead of three pigs and a wolf, Lowell has chosen three javelinas and a coyote that live in the desert.  As with the traditional tale, the sneaky coyote repeats, “Then I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house in!” and is unsuccessful in eating his prey, then falls into the wood stove at the end.  However, this tale goes further and explains why the coyote calls “yip yap yeep yeowww” at night, he is remembering his fateful fall into the stove.

The illustrations by Jim Harris are vivid and entertaining.  He offers a somewhat whimsical rendition of the characters.  Such as, when the three little javelinas go off into the world, they are skipping merrily down the path together.  Each turn of the page engrosses the reader visually into the southwestern culture and perspective of a desert habitat. 

In addition, Lowell has taken this traditional tale originally influenced by European culture and embellished it with the Native American, Mexican, and Anglo cultures of the southwest.  One way she did this was by choosing to use the fabled coyote of southwest cultures that is often viewed as a trickster that is frequently outsmarted by others.  Furthermore, she adds to the spice of culture in this tale by including culturally specific words and their pronunciations, such as javelinas, saguaros, ha’u, and adobe.  Overall, children will enjoy the rich word choice and engrossing culture that is brought to life in Lowell’s adaptation and Harris’s illustrations.

Review Excerpts:

“This clever and flavorful change of scene puts a diverting spin on an old favorite…Sprightly fun.” –Publishers Weekly

“Pure fun on paper!” –Children’s Bookwatch

“Harris’ illustrations are appealing and humorous, and children who loved the original will enjoy this version.” –Booklist

“Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Whether read aloud in school or in amused solitude, this is a picture book that will be enjoyed again and again.” –School Library Journal

Connections:

-Read other versions of The Three Little Pigs, then compare and contrast the adaptations

-Write your own fractured version of the tale

-Adapt and perform a reader’s theatre

-Research southwestern cultures and/or desert habitats