Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas

"Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig [Anniversary Edition]" by Eugene Trivizas is a delightful and humorous twist on the classic fairy tale, "The Three Little Pigs." In this version, the roles are reversed, with three little wolves as the protagonists and a big bad pig as the antagonist. The story begins with the wolves constructing a sturdy brick house, only to have it demolished by the pig using a sledgehammer when his huffing and puffing fails. Undeterred, the wolves build a concrete house, which the pig destroys with a pneumatic drill. Their next attempt involves a fortress-like structure made of steel, barbed wire, armor plates, and a video entry system, but the pig manages to bring it down as well.

The narrative takes a surprising turn when the wolves decide to build a delicate house made of cherry blossoms, daffodils, pink roses, and marigolds. This unexpected choice leads to a change of heart in the pig, adding a heartwarming twist to the tale. The book is recommended for children aged 5 and up, offering a hilarious and subversive read-aloud experience.

Eugene Trivizas, the author, is a prolific writer with over 100 books to his name and numerous national and international awards. His work has been adapted for various media, including stage, screen, and radio. The book's illustrations are provided by Helen Oxenbury, whose warm and witty watercolor illustrations have captivated audiences for years. Oxenbury is a celebrated illustrator, having won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Award twice and the Smarties Book Prize three times. Her collaboration with Trivizas in this book creates a visually and narratively engaging experience for young readers.