Los tres pequeños jabalíes / The Three Little Javelinas (urspr publ 1992; utgåvan 2004)

A southwestern adaptation of The Three Little Pigs.This story takes place in the Sonoran Desert.

I enjoyed The Three Little Javelinas because of its creative spin on the Three Little Pigs, The creative and colorful pictures, and the multicultural elements. The Three Little Pigs is a traditional tale that has been retold in hundreds of different ways. This book puts a different spin on the tale and makes it unique to a southwestern culture. This makes the story unique and engaging while remaining true to the traditional fable. The pictures in the book also enhance the story. The pictures depict a colorful pack of javelinas (pig-like animals typically found in dessert climates). The pictures give each javelina a unique personality, while the story doesn’t directly address this. Finally, the book has several multicultural elements. For example, some of the words are repeated in Spanish and the only human in the book is a Native American woman. These multicultural elements enhance the story and engage the reader. They also introduce children to different cultures and different ways of life. ( )

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. As it can relate to the story, "The Three Little Pigs," this book provides a cultural outlook which is very important for children, especially at a young age. At this age, the students are aware this story sounds familiar, however are able to see cultural differences, which can be a beneficial lesson. It provides challenges, friendship, and diversity. Within the book are also Spanish words where the students can use context clues to figure out what they mean. I feel this book would work great in a third to fifth grade classroom! I would definitely recommend this book to be used in a reading lesson! ( )

"The Three Little Javelinas" was a very enjoyable book to read. As the javelinas journey through the desert, they face obstacles that they must overcome. The story was very engaging for readers. I liked this book a lot because it gives the reader an opportunity to see a culturally diverse version of the traditional story "The Three Little Pigs". While sticking true to the story line of the traditional version, Susan Lowell added details unique to southern culture, including Spanish-speaking characters and a Native American character that the javelinas come across on their journey. I would highly recommend this book for younger readers because it allows them to see the similarities/differences between the traditional version while also experiencing a different culture. ( )

I really enjoyed reading this book because the illustrations really grabbed my attention. When the targeted audience are younger readers, it is important for the story they are reading to be engaging. This book is really interesting because it is a different version of The Three Little Pigs. This can give readers a different perspective of the story they have heard many times. Even though this story has many similarities, there are a few differences that really stick out. There is a Native American women in the story, which represents a population that is hardly seen in children's books today. I would highly recommend this book. ( )