cover image The Three Little Pigs/Los tres cerditos

The Three Little Pigs/Los tres cerditos

Teresa Mlawer, illus. by Olga Cuéllar. Adirondack, $4.99 paper (24p) ISBN 978-0-9883253-4-0

Mlawer, former president of Spanish-language publisher and distributor Lectorum, brings a dash of fresh characterization to the story of the Three Little Pigs. The youngest pig, described as “a bit lazy but very playful,” tells readers, “I will build my house of straw, which is light. I will finish right away so that I can go out to play.” Through somewhat unpolished, Cuéllar’s scraggly illustrations also sneak in a bit of humor, such as the way the wolf’s pointy snout can often be seen peeking out from behind trees as he spies on the pigs. A sturdy and accessible retelling (in both languages), if not one that does much to distinguish itself. Bilingual versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk are available simultaneously. Ages 3–7. (Feb.)