The Three Ninja Pigs



Last updated Monday, March 23, 2015

Author: Corey Rosen Schwartz
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 0399255141
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2014

Synopsis: Practice makes perfect in this kick-butt fractured fairy tale. 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!

Note to readers:
•  See definitions & pronunciations on the back inside cover. The kids may be familiar with some of these terms from watching Kung-Fu Panda or their own experience.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you know the story The Three Little Pigs?

Vocabulary:
•  ninja - a person trained in ancient Japanese martial arts
•  aikido [ahy-kee-doh] - a Japanese art of self-defense employing locks and holds and utilizing the principle of nonresistance to cause an opponent's own momentum to work against him
•  drills - to engage in an exercises
•  jujitsu [joo-jit-soo] - a form of fighting without weapons that was developed in Japan : a Japanese martial art
•  -san [sahn] - a term used after a person's name to show respect, similar to Mr. or Ms.
•  sayonara [sahy-uh-nahr-uh] - good-bye in Japanese
•  sensei [sen-say] - a teacher or instructor usually of Japanese martial arts (as karate or judo)
•  karate - a form of fighting that was developed in Japan in which your feet and hands are used to kick and hit an opponent : a Japanese martial art
•  retreat - an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
•  gi [gee] - karate uniform
•  outrivaled - exceeds or surpasses and sometimes overpowers or defeats
•  mojo - a power that may seem magical and that allows someone to be very effective, successful, etc.
•  dojo [doh-joh] - a school for training in various arts of self-defense (as judo or karate)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How is this story similar to classic tale The Three Little Pigs? How is it different?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw your own ninja pig!

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!