The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale

Guarnaccia, Steven. 2010. The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale. New York: Abrams Books.  ISBN 9780810989412

 (Photo obtained from abramsbooks.com)

   Plot Summary

The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale is an artistic retelling of the classic three little pigs story which follows three pigs who each build their house out of a different material which either withstands or crumbles when the well-known wolf comes “puffing.”  The plot follows the same recourse with the last pig, who builds his house of concrete and stone, providing solace for his homeless brothers while also outsmarting the wolf who attempts to get to the pigs after he realizes he cannot blow the house of stone and concrete down.

Analysis

At first glance, the story line in this retelling of the Three Little Pigs leaves something to be desired as there does not appear to be any deviation from the classic which may cause a reader to question who would market this story as it appears to just be rebound and re illustrated.  However, after some reasearch it becomes clear that the story line is a nod of acknowledgement to three famous architects: Frank Gehry, Phillip Johnson and Frank Lloyd Wright and also showcases their most well-known designs.  The first house made of scraps embodies the Frank Gehry’s Gehry House 1978; the second house made of glass embodies Phillip Johnson’s Glass House 1949; and finally, the last house embodies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater 1935.  The illustrations, also by Guarnaccia, are stellar reproductions of the originals (both house and décor) in cartoon format which enhance the architectural meaning behind the story.  Guarnaccia even goes as far as putting all of the inspired-by elements on the inside of the front and back cover serving as a “key” of reference. 

In terms of text, the words may be somewhat advanced for beginning readers despite being marketed for ages four and up.  The text is blocked page by page and also may be intimidating to beginning readers.  However, the story in itself is something that children of all ages can enjoy and follow.  Serving as an introduction into the world of architecture, The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale is a clever adaptation that, an adult reader may feel could have included more architectural merit.  However, with the inclusion of such material, the book may shift from a children’s tale into the adult genre. 

Review Excerpts

BOOKLIST – “Guarnaccia combines a delightfully fractured fairy tale with an ultrastylish, kid-friendly primer of twentieth-century design.”

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