The Three Ninja Pigs - by Corey Rosen Schwartz (Hardcover)

About the Book

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 and saves the day. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Practice makes perfect in this kick-butt fractured fairy tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat.

Why does this wolf think he can come to town and blow all the houses down? These three little pigs just aren't going to take it from that bully anymore! The first starts aikido lessons--he'll make mincemeat out of that wolf! His brother learns a little jujitsu--he'll chop that guy to pieces!

But when the wolf actually appears, it turs out these two pigs aren't quite ready after all. Good thing their sister has been training every day to master some serious karate moves that save the day. KIYA!

Corey Rosen Schwartz serves up a fun combination of smart-aleck dialogue and tongue-in-cheek rhymes that'll have kids howling, and rising star Dan Santat's spunky illustrations are sure to pack a punch! Be sure to look for just-as-clever companion books Ninja Red Riding Hood and Hensel & Gretel: Ninja Chicks!

Review Quotes

A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
Los Angeles Public Library Best Book of the Year
Storytelling World Award Honor Book
Maryland Blue Crab Book Award Winner
Texas 2x2 Reading List
Montana's Treasure State Award nominee
Bank Street Best Book of the Year

"A fractured fairy tale to outcharm the original, "The Three Ninja Pigs" manages to one-up the well-worn story by setting it in Japan, sprinkling it with the language and discipline of martial arts. All in hilarious, impeccable rhyme." --The New York Times Book Review

"For young martial arts fans seeking a lighthearted book about their hobby, Schwartz's story should fit the bill. . . . The idea of three gi-clad pigs fighting the big bad wolf is a winner." --Publishers Weekly

"A standout among fractured fairy tales, masterfully combining rollicking limerick verse with a solid story. . . . Have the contact info for the local dojo handy--readers will want to try out these martial-arts styles for themselves." --Kirkus Reviews

"This standout version has so much motion, action, and laughs, kids will feel like they're hearing it for the first time. Schwartz's clever rhyming text flows nicely, and illustrator Santat (who holds a black belt in shotokan) really gets into things." --Booklist

About the Author

Corey Rosen Schwartz has no true ninja training, but she can sure kick butt in Scrabble. She lives in Warren, New Jersey, with her two kiddie-chans and her incredibly patient husband-san..

Dan Santat holds a black belt in Shotokan. He lives with his family in Alhambra, California.