The Three Little Pigs

Name: The Three Little Pigs
Availability: InStock
Author: Traditional

Three little pigs build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks, learning that hard work and careful planning keep them safe from the Big Bad Wolf.

Three little pigs leave home to make their own way in the world. The first pig quickly builds a house of straw, the second builds one of sticks, but the third pig takes his time to build a strong house of bricks. When the Big Bad Wolf comes huffing and puffing, only the brick house stands firm, teaching that patience and hard work are the best protection.

Author: Traditional

Themes: hard work, perseverance, planning ahead, family, cleverness

Once upon a time, there lived a mother pig with her three little pigs. They were very happy together, but as the little pigs grew bigger, there was not enough room for everyone in their small house. 'My dear children,' said the mother pig one sunny morning, 'it is time for you to go out into the world and build your own homes. Remember: work hard, be clever, and always look out for the Big Bad Wolf!'

The three little pigs hugged their mother goodbye and set off down the winding road, excited for their new adventure. They walked together until they came to a crossroads. 'This is where we must part,' said the oldest pig. 'Let us each find our own way, and may we all build wonderful homes!' They waved goodbye and went in three different directions.

The first little pig walked until he met a man carrying a bundle of golden straw. 'Please, sir, may I have some straw to build a house?' The man gave him the straw, and the first little pig built his house in no time at all. 'All done!' he squealed happily, and spent the rest of the day dancing and playing in the sunshine.

The second little pig met a man with a bundle of sticks. He built his house a bit sturdier than his brother's, with walls of wooden sticks tied together. 'Not bad!' he said proudly, admiring his work. 'Now I can play!' He didn't notice the dark shadows moving in the forest nearby.

The third little pig found a man selling bricks. 'Building with bricks takes time,' the man warned. 'But a brick house will last forever.' The third pig worked day after day, carefully mixing mortar and laying brick upon brick. While his brothers played, he built his strong, sturdy house with a tall chimney.

Soon, the Big Bad Wolf came prowling through the forest. His yellow eyes spotted the straw house, and he licked his lips. 'Little pig, little pig, let me come in!' he growled. 'Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin!' cried the first pig. 'Then I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house down!' With one mighty breath, the straw house flew apart!

The first little pig ran as fast as he could to his brother's stick house. 'Let me in! The wolf is coming!' The two pigs huddled inside, trembling. Soon they heard heavy footsteps outside. 'Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in!' 'Not by the hair on our chinny chin chins!' 'Then I'll huff, and I'll puff...' The wolf took two deep breaths, and down came the stick house!

Both little pigs squealed and ran toward their brother's brick house as fast as their trotters could carry them. 'Quick, let us in!' they cried. The third pig welcomed them inside. 'Don't worry, brothers,' he said calmly, locking the heavy wooden door. 'This house is built to last.' They could hear the wolf's hungry howl getting closer and closer.

'Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in!' roared the wolf. 'Not by the hair on our chinny chin chins!' all three pigs shouted bravely. 'Then I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house down!' The wolf huffed and puffed. He puffed and huffed. His face turned red. His legs wobbled. But the brick house stood firm. Not a single brick moved!

The wolf spotted the chimney and climbed onto the roof. 'I'll come down the chimney!' But the clever third pig had heard the wolf scrambling above. He hung a big pot of water over the fire and made it boil. When the wolf slid down—SPLASH!—he landed right in the hot water! 'YOWWW!' howled the wolf, leaping out and running far, far away, never to return. The three little pigs danced with joy, and from that day on, they lived together in the strong brick house, safe and happy forever.

The Three Little Pigs

The Three Little Pigs is a timeless fairy tale that teaches children the value of hard work and careful planning. This beloved story follows three pig siblings who each build a house, but only one takes the time to build it strong enough to withstand the Big Bad Wolf. Perfect for bedtime reading, this classic tale has entertained generations with its memorable 'I'll huff and I'll puff' refrain.

About This Tale

This traditional English folk tale has been passed down through generations of storytellers. While the author remains anonymous, the story's enduring popularity speaks to its universal themes of preparation, hard work, and family unity. The tale has been adapted countless times in books, films, and theater productions around the world.

Lessons and Values

The Three Little Pigs teaches valuable life lessons about the importance of planning ahead and doing things properly the first time.

Hard work pays off in the end
Taking time to do things right is better than rushing
Family members should help and protect each other
Cleverness can overcome brute strength
Perseverance leads to success

Fun Activities After Reading

Extend the learning and fun with these engaging activities based on The Three Little Pigs.

🎨Build mini houses using straws, sticks, and blocks to test which is strongest
💬Act out the story with family members, taking turns as the wolf and the pigs
✨Draw and color your own illustrations of the three houses
📝Count to three and practice building patterns with different materials
🎯Create a puppet show using paper bag puppets of the characters

Frequently Asked Questions

❓What is the main lesson of The Three Little Pigs?

The main lesson is that hard work and careful planning are important. The pig who took time to build a strong brick house was safe from the wolf, while those who rushed had their houses destroyed.

❓What age is The Three Little Pigs appropriate for?

The Three Little Pigs is perfect for children ages 3-5, though kids up to age 8 enjoy it too. The story uses simple language, repetitive phrases, and clear moral lessons that young children understand.

❓Why does the wolf want to eat the three little pigs?

In the original story, the wolf is simply a hungry predator looking for food. This represents the dangers and challenges that children will face in life, making the story about preparation and protection.

❓What materials do the three pigs use to build their houses?

The first pig builds with straw (quick and easy), the second pig uses sticks (a bit sturdier), and the third pig builds with bricks (strong and lasting). Each material represents different levels of effort and durability.

❓How does the story of The Three Little Pigs end?

The wolf tries to come down the chimney of the brick house, but the clever third pig has a pot of boiling water waiting. The wolf falls in and runs away forever, and the three pigs live happily together in the strong brick house.

❓Is The Three Little Pigs a true story?

No, it's a fairy tale that originated in England in the 1800s. Like many folk tales, it uses animal characters and magical elements to teach children important life lessons in an entertaining way.