The Three Little Javelinas

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

 

PLOT SUMMARY

The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell is a version of The Three Little Pigs which is set in the Sonoran Desert. This retelling features the protagonists as pig-type animals native to this area: javelinas. As is typical in tales from this region, the coyote acts as the antagonist.

As the three little javelinas seek their fortune, they make homes of the materials commonly found in the area: tumbleweeds, sticks from dried-up cacti, and adobe bricks. The coyote, hoping for an easy meal, threatens to blow down the tumbleweed house.

After the coyote succeeds, the first javelina runs off to stay with his brother in the stick house. Following closely, the coyote also blows down the stick home.

The brothers run to their sister’s adobe house, which is too sturdy for the coyote. In an attempt to enter the house through the stove pipe, coyote gets burned—he runs away in a puff of smoke leaving the three javelinas to live peacefully in the adobe house.

The story ends by telling the reader that the coyote howls at night when he remembers this event.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Three Little Javelinas is very closely based on the well-known European version of The Three Little Pigs. Favorite repeated lines appear in this book: “I’ll hug, and I’ll puff…” as well as the victory of the good, innocent javelinas over the trickster coyote.

The author in the opening paragraphs describes the javelinas wonderfully in words which are complemented with the detailed illustrations. The setting of the story is noted in a short preface and elaborated on with the illustrations depicting geographical features, climate, and local peoples. The illustrations also complement the fast-paced plot, showing the urgency of the javelinas as they run for safety.

The setting of the book gives insight into the culture. Because the Sonoran Desert is the setting of this version, many of the terms used in the book are used by native Spanish speakers. The author provides pronunciation guides to assist readers with the new vocabulary. The skills and trades of local citizens is spotlighted with the building materials the javelinas used to make their homes.

REVIEWS

Mockingbird Award Nominee, 1993-94 (Texas)

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

—Publisher’s Weekly, 1992

“This engaging retelling appears in both Spanish and English, and has many accurate regional details. The text is fast-paced and witty in both languages, and is accompanied by energetic, full-page illustrations done in rich earthy tones that evoke the setting as faithfully as the text. Whether read aloud or in amused solitude, this is a picture book that will be enjoyed again and again.”

—School Library Journal, 1992

CONNECTIONS

Read another (or 2 or 3) variant(s) of Three Little Pigs and make a foldable Venn diagram to compare the similarities and differences.

Reader’s theater with props—make small houses of similar materials to show the coyote blowing the house down.

Incorporate with social studies—Texas history, Southwest US history—types of homes commonly built in the region.

Science—study the inherited traits/adaptations of the javelinas and coyote that help them survive in the Southwest

Write an alternate ending. Variations of this activity include:

Letting evil win out

Adding a character from another tale (i.e. Paul Bunyan, Little Red Riding Hood’s wolf)