Los Tres Cerdos = The Three Little Pigs

Gr K-2-Winner of the 1998 Tom s Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award, this book offers a spicy retelling of the familiar tale of the three little pigs. In this version, they are named Nacho, Tito, and Miguel. They eat fresh tortillas and roast corn. They cook green chile stew (recipe included) and prefer to dress in zoot suits, cowboy hats, and guayaberas (a traditional men's shirt). The landscape they inhabit is definitely Southwestern, as are their speech patterns. Violence has been toned down from the original folk tale. Although the wolf, Jos , still dreams of eating the pigs (""Chicharrones and carnitas sound good!"") the most violent scene shows the wolf getting bowled over by a runaway barrel. The excellent illustrations are entertaining, intelligent, and witty, offering lots of visual jokes and cross-cultural references to the likes of Elvis Presley, Frida Kahlo, C sar Ch vez, and Cantinflas. The moderate use of Spanglish in the English text will irritate some readers and delight others. This book is meant to be read out loud. Aside from the recipe for green chile stew, it also offers costume ideas for classroom plays, a glossary, and biographical notes about the author. Highly recommended for all bookstore and library collections. M.O.B.