Traditional Literature

Artwork by Jim Harris, Image from
 www.jimharrisillustrator.com

Three Little Cajun Pigs

by Mike Artell

Illustrated by Jim Harris

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Artell, Mike. 2006. THREE LITTLE
CAJUN PIGS. Ill. by Jim Harris.
New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
ISBN 0803728158

PLOT SUMMARY

When Trosclair, Thibodeaux and Ulysse (“dey all call him ‘Boo’”) get sent out into the world by their Mama, all three little Cajun pigs try their hand at building a home of their own. Trosclair builds his out of straw, Thibodeaux out of sticks, and wise Boo decides on bricks. Meanwhile, “dat big gator,” Ol’ Claude is watching the three little pigs from the bayou. As expected, Claude goes after the pigs, knocking down the straw and stick homes with his big gator tail. All three pigs take refuge in Boo’s brick house, while Claude tries to knock it down with a flip of his tail. When he realizes he can’t knock it down, he spots a chimney and decided to go in that way. But, Boo, who was making a roux, decided to turn up the heat when Claude gets stuck in the chimney. Out of mercy, the pigs decide to cover the pot, and help Claude get out. The younger pigs decide to stay the night with big brother Boo, but build their own brick houses the very next day. And, Claude? “He got him an ice pack on his derriere,” and has no plans to visit the pigs anytime soon.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this variation of the Three Little Pigs, Mike Artell adds a Cajun twist and makes the well-known story lyrical and lively. His poetic retelling incorporates a Cajun accent and unique vocabulary into a familiar story. The Big Bad Wolf is replaced by Ol’ Claude, an alligator who lives in the nearby bayou. And while his three good-guy characters remain pigs, he gives them Cajun names and of course, accents.

Jim Harris’ illustrations work to give the story additional insight into the Cajun culture with small touches like his depiction of the pigs’ second-line parade when they leave home, Boo’s home built on brick pilings or piers, and the gator’s floating house in the swamp, complete with washboard and tub. His watercolor and pencil drawings are full of rich details that invite the reader to spend an extra minute on each spread, admiring the work and being transported to the bayous of Louisiana. Harris also brings back the mouse from his earlier collaboration with Artell, Petite Rouge, to add to the fun.

Recommended for ages 4 to 8, but enjoyed by all who love the Cajun culture.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

“This retelling of the traditional story is Cajun both in language and lesson.” Kirkus (Sept. 2006)

“Although Cajun variations on folktales are becoming plentiful, this one should not be missed.” School Library Journal (Dec. 2006)

CONNECTIONS

Use this book for a lesson comparing and contrasting different variations of the Three Little Pigs in different cultures and settings.

--The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett

--The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Will Grace

--The Three Little Tamales by Eric A. Kimmel

--The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell

--The Three Swingin’ Pigs by Vicky Rubin

After reading several books based on the Three Little Pigs, have student create a simple Reader’s Theater script, either as a class or in small groups, using a unique setting and set of characters.

Other familiar children’s stories featuring the Cajun culture:

--Petit Rouge by Mike Artell

--Jacques and De Beanstalk by Mike Artell

--There was an old Cajun by Deborah Kadair

--Cajun Night Before Christmas by James Rice

Visit the author’s website at http://www.mikeartell.com/

Visit the illustrator’s website at http://www.jimharrisillustrator.com/