Review: THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS by Susan Lowell

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowell, Susan. 1992. The Three Little Javelinas. Ill. Jim Harris. Flagstaff, Ariz.: Rising Moon. ISBN 0873585429

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this southwestern adaptation of The Three Little Pigs, the pigs are replaced with javelinas, a relative of the pig. The three little javelinas are, as tradition dictates, out to seek their fortunes, when they encounter a coyote. Much like their pig cousins in the original tale, the three javelinas build homes; but in this tale the homes are made out of tumbleweed, saguaro cactus ribs, and adobe bricks. The first two javelina brothers manage to escape from the coyote and run to their sister’s house of adobe bricks. Meanwhile, the wily coyote uses his magic to follow the javelinas, only to find that he can’t huff and puff this house down. The coyote climbs up to the roof and, once again, uses his magic, this time to make himself thin enough to fit down the stovepipe, but the pigs have already built a fire in the potbellied stove. The coyote shoots out of the stove and runs out of the house howling. He can still be heard howling to this day.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Susan Lowell has represented elements of both the classic story of The Three Little Pigs and the coyote fables told by southwestern Indians in this entertaining adaptation. The original characters of the three little pigs and the Big Bad Wolf have been replaced by the three Javelinas and the wily coyote in order to fit into the Southwestern setting. This book is written in a way which captures the flavor of the southwest, with its usage of the tumbleweeds, saguaro cacti and adobe bricks.

The simple action of the story is familiar to the readers, and the personalities of the characters remain true to those in the original story. The author stays true to the classic folktale, with the first two somewhat lazy “pig” characters choosing easy methods of building their houses, while the third, (female in this tale), uses a method requiring more effort, but achieving sturdier results. The muted desert coloration and lively illustrations accurately represent the landscape found in southwest regions of the United States. The comical figures of the hairy javelinas dressed in cowboy garb add to the flavor of the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Young Reader’s Award

Elementary School Library Collection

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “This clever and flavorful change of scene puts a diverting spin on an old favorite.”

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “Scurrying from a tumbleweed shack to a saguro rib hut to an adobe brick house, three pint-sized wild pigs try to outwit a huffing, puffing big, bad coyote.”

5. CONNECTIONS

The Three Little Javelinas has many similarities and differences with The Three Little Pigs. It could be used to teach the skill of comparison. Students and teachers should read both books and use a T-chart or Venn diagram to compare the stories. This type of activity would be suitable for younger students if the story is read to the students and the class completes the comparison chart together. It would also be an appropriate activity for older students who could read the two stories independently and make a comparison.

Other southwestern versions of fairytales by Susan Lowell:
Lowell, Susan. Dusty Locks and the Three Bears. ISBN 0805075348
Lowell, Susan. Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella. ISBN 0060274468