Kiya!
I am taking time out between punches and kicks
for my favorite time of the week.
I bought a new book and
knew you’d want a look
So I’m happy to give you a peek.
The Three Ninja Pigs
Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Illustrated by Dan Santat
G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2012
Ages: 5-10
Theme: Fractured Fairy Tale
Synopsis: (From Corey Rosen Schwartz’s website) When the big bad wolf threatens their village, three pigs sign up for different martial arts lessons to prepare to take him down. Pig One and Pig Two don’t stick with their training, though, and are no match for their foe. But after practice and dedication, Pig Three becomes great at karate (including perfecting the perfect pork chop!) and saves the day.
Opening: Once upon a dangerous time,
a wolf loved to huff and to puff.
He’d go around town
and blow houses down
till three little pigs cried,
ENOUGH!
We’ve got to get rid of that bully!”
“We’re tired of letting him rule.”
“We must put an end
to this terrible trend.”
“Let’s train at that new
Ninja school!”
Resources: Corey Rosen Schwartz has an excellent Teacher’s Guide on her website HERE. It includes several activities. Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.
Why I Like This Book: If you read my reviews, you know I love rhyming picture books. This is perfect rhyme! Spectacular rhythm and meter. Corey Rosen Schwartz has taken a familiar tale and made it new in the cleverest of ways. It’s full of humor and action which will make it a favorite among children. Dan Santat’s illustrations will blow your house down! Just awesome!
Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.
Penny Parker Klostermann 
HAHAHAHA! I have to get this book!
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Penny, great review of an awesome picture book! I LOVE Corey’s limerick-like rhyme…she is the rhymer extraordinaire in my book. 🙂 And I definitely believe that older kids still need picture books…here’s the perfect one! Wonderful message that encourages kids to put their heart and soul into their dreams and goals. 🙂
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I agree with you, Vivian….she is the rhymer extraordinaire! Just perfect!
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I can’t wait to dig into the resources that go along with this book. It all looks like a fun read/treat!
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It is a real treat, Stacy. Hope you enjoy it 🙂
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Just loved your pick. The rhyming is wonderful. Such a different take on the Three Little Pigs. This certainly will be a winner with kids. It looks very, very funny.
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It is funny. I have laughed each time I have read it. I was reading parts of it to a friend over the phone, and she was cracking up.
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Love it already. Just from your review. It is on my hold list at the library. Some of my kindergarten kids are going to be so delighted – have some karate kids and some 3 pigs fans.
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Oh perfect! They are going to like it. In fact, after this story, you may have more that want to take karate!
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I so want to read this book! It sounds great and I love Dan Santat’s illustrations.
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I love his illustrations, too. He nails it in every book I have seen him illustrate!!!!
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So glad you added this to our list, Penny – just mad you beat me to it 🙂 I think it’s a book tons of kids will get a kick out of 🙂
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Sorry….once I read it, I couldn’t resist adding it to the list right away. I figured if I didn’t grab it, someone would very quickly.
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I cannot wait to get my hands on this one! It’s topping my must buy wish list at the moment. My Arthur loves rhyming books and his birthday is coming up…perfect timing?
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That is perfect timing! This book will be an awesome birthday gift.
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cute intro. loved the lines in the book. i have the book on hold at the library. it so hard to be patient when you hear how wonderful the story is!
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It is hard to be patient. I want to buy every book out there so I won’t have to be on a waiting list, but I don’t have to money to do or the space! I did buy this one just based on the skill I have seen from Corey and the trailer. I;m so happy to have it in my collection.
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I hate to say that I haven’t read this book….yet! With your review Penny, it has just moved to the top of my list.
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Well, it’s really new. I pre-ordered it and the minute I read it knew I wanted to review it.
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Aw, you are full of awesomeness! 🙂
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And so are you. I just love this book. Your rhyming skill is amazing!
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Did you get the age level from the publisher’s website? Because after all we heard at the conference this book should not exist – and what a pity that would be!!! Yeah for PBs for ‘older’ kids and yeah for Three Ninja Pigs! I think I need a 3NP t-shirt!
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Actually, I took a little liberty with the age level. It said 5 and up on Amazon. The publisher said 5-8. In my opinion as a retired teacher, I believe this book can be used for rhyming lessons and for creative writing with older kids writing fractured fairy tales. I think because of the martial arts connection that they would like the humor.
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I think you’re right!
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Oh goodie! I’m so glad someone has added this to our PPB list, and I’m so glad that someone is YOU, Penny! Love your introductory poem! This book sounds so cool. Kiya!
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Thanks, Beth. It just had to be on the list. It’s delightful!
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I was wondering who’d jump on this one to review it for PPBF. Between ninjas, the fractured fairy tale, and great rhyme, this sounds like a must-read for me. Thanks, Penny!
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Yes, Carrie, You;ll love the rhyme. I have read it several times just to hear the beauty of the rhythm and meter.
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Now I really can’t wait to get it! Sounds awesome!!!
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Awesome, it is!
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I’m excited to read about pigs.
Your review is a definite winner!
When it comes to great rhyme,
Corey’s perfect each time.
But me, I’m just a beginner!
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Oh…you;re far from a beginner! With your talent, “published” is in your future!
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Oh GOOD! I was really hoping someone would review this for PPBF this week. Thank you for the great addition and review, Penny!
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You’re so welcome. I have kept the book with me for a week now so that I can read it at any point. It cracks me up!
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Well you certainly blew me away with your lovely review. So that’s what all the huffing and puffing is going on over here, you are into kick boxing or karate,…. or something!!! (just kidding) This is certainly one delightful story and I know rhyming is up there for you! Thanks for sharing Penny.
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Ha! I need to hone some martial arts skills….just in case someone wants to blow my house down! Thanks for stopping by for the review!
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