Higgledy Piggledy: A Tale of Four Little Pigs

PreS—Four little pigs live together happily, except for when Curly, Twirly, and Whirly tease Higgledy Piggledy about his odd name. One day, Mr. Wolf moves into the neighborhood and pignaps the four friends. To enjoy his victory more, Mr. Wolf trifles with the pigs, offering them an escape if he cannot guess their names. He guesses Curly, Twirly, and Whirly effortlessly. However, Mr. Wolf is unable to say the fourth pig's funny name. Higgledy Piggledy escapes and frees his three friends, who rue their rude behavior and come to appreciate Higgledy Piggledy, funny name and all. The pen and muted watercolor illustrations are inconsistent in execution. Within the same picture, some parts are tenderly detailed yet others seem haphazard. Pictures typically face a full page of large font, rambling text strewn with bolded and italicized phrases. The general wordiness of the story creates a tiresome read-aloud. For a better triumphant underdog tale, stick with Tacky the Penguin (Houghton Harcourt, 1990).—Emily E. Lazio, The Smithtown Special Library District, NY