Alaska's Three Pigs

I have always loved re-writes of classics or traditional stories, so I was thrilled when my mom brought the girls Alaska's Three Pigs, written by Arlene Lavernde and illustrated by Mindy Dwyer, as a gift.

I enjoyed reading a "comfortable" tale and seeing how the author would add her own creativity. In the story, three brother pigs have travelled to Alaska. When the seasons shift, they realize that they need to switch from they camping and playing to establishing homes.

As to be expected with the typical tale, each brother dedicates a different amount of time to the task, ranging from the first settling for a pre-existing cabin that he encounters to the third pig taking the time to build a sturdy igloo. Then of course, the pigs encounter danger; however, this time it is with a bear whose hibernating they disturbed and the author has some special twists in store to explain how the pigs escaped their bleak fate.

Each of the pages with text have a border similar to the style on the front cover, although featuring different designs, such as fish and trees. In addition, certain words are in a larger, different, and colorful font in order to attract the readers' attentions. On one of our favorite pages the pigs are each participating in different winter sports, and the words "YEE HAW!", "BARK BARK!", and "WHEEEE!" swirl around tem.

Just as with different versions of Cinderella this book made me think about what the Oregon twist on the three little pigs would be!