Everyone’s heard of the three little pigs, but what about the three little guinea pigs?
Way up in the Andes Mountains, Urku, Inti, and Nina have just finished building three new homes when a surprise visitor arrives. It’s Fox, and being pigs, the guineas are quick to judge that he’s up to no good, though he wears a stylish scarf and patiently calls, “Guinea pigs, guinea pigs, come with me. I have something for your family.”
As young readers familiar with the traditional story will recall, many a pig has been tricked before, so it’s not surprising that the trio wishes to huddle inside. What the guinea pigs don’t see is how the animals are banding together to help them. In the end, it just might take the whole mountain of creatures to show them that things aren’t always as they seem and traditional fairy-tale foes could actually be friends.
Set in Andean South America, this fresh, lighthearted twist on a classic tale invites readers to challenge assumptions, embrace community, and trust in teamwork.
Kirkus Review - A clever upending of a beloved fairy tale
Three South American guinea pigs attempt to reconstruct their homes in this take on the well-known story.
When floods wash away the homes of Urku, Inti, and Nina in an Andean valley, they hike in search of a new place to rebuild. Urku heads toward a mountain peak and builds a house from hay, Inti goes to the woods and makes a home from sticks, and Nina goes into town and opts for a house made from stone. But the trio are troubled by a persistent Andean fox who tries to oust them from their homes: “Guinea pig, guinea pig, come with me. / I have something for your family. / Your home design just isn’t wise. / Strong winds could blow it across the skies.” Unlike the wolf in the familiar story, however, the fox is trying to get the guinea pigs to attend a party in their honor; the community has come together to build them a much sturdier home that combines all the materials. It’s a far less scary story than the source material, accompanied by lively, warm illustrations rendered in a muted palette. References to South American culture—the use of Kichwa and Spanish, and the inclusion of Andean animals such as condors—make for an original reimagining. Adults will want to make sure kids are familiar with “The Three Little Pigs” first to ensure they get the most out of this one.
A clever upending of a beloved fairy tale. (glossary, information on animals of the Andes, snow treat recipe) (Picture book. 4-8)
Three South American guinea pigs attempt to reconstruct their homes in this take on the well-known story.
When floods wash away the homes of Urku, Inti, and Nina in an Andean valley, they hike in search of a new place to rebuild. Urku heads toward a mountain peak and builds a house from hay, Inti goes to the woods and makes a home from sticks, and Nina goes into town and opts for a house made from stone. But the trio are troubled by a persistent Andean fox who tries to oust them from their homes: “Guinea pig, guinea pig, come with me. / I have something for your family. / Your home design just isn’t wise. / Strong winds could blow it across the skies.” Unlike the wolf in the familiar story, however, the fox is trying to get the guinea pigs to attend a party in their honor; the community has come together to build them a much sturdier home that combines all the materials. It’s a far less scary story than the source material, accompanied by lively, warm illustrations rendered in a muted palette. References to South American culture—the use of Kichwa and Spanish, and the inclusion of Andean animals such as condors—make for an original reimagining. Adults will want to make sure kids are familiar with “The Three Little Pigs” first to ensure they get the most out of this one.
A clever upending of a beloved fairy tale. (glossary, information on animals of the Andes, snow treat recipe) (Picture book. 4-8)
