Ep 16. "Three Little Pigs": Third Time's a Charm

A Children's Guide to Folklore and Wonder Tales season 1 episode 16, "Three Little Pigs: Third Time's a Charm," is a delightful exploration of the tale of the three little pigs and the big, bad wolf. This classic story has been retold countless times over the years, but this episode focuses on some of the lesser-known versions of the tale.

The episode begins by introducing the three little pigs, who are each building their own homes. The first pig builds a house of straw, the second a house of sticks, and the third a house of bricks. But no matter how sturdy the houses may seem, they are no match for the ferocious wolf who comes along and huffs and puffs and blows each house down, one by one.

As the story progresses, the host of the show delves into different versions of the tale. We learn about a Japanese version where the three little pigs are replaced by three little kittens who must outwit a hungry fox, and a version from the Native American Cherokee tradition where the three little pigs are replaced by a trio of rabbits who must outsmart a cunning coyote.

Throughout the episode, the host provides interesting historical and cultural context to the tale. We learn, for example, that in some versions of the story, the third little pig is portrayed as greedy or selfish for using the strongest and most expensive building material (bricks). The host encourages viewers to think critically about the messages conveyed by different versions of the tale, and to consider how cultural values and beliefs may influence the way a story is told.

One of the highlights of this episode is the segment where the host shares a fun, interactive activity for kids. Using simple materials like straws, sticks, and paper, kids can build their own miniature versions of the three little pigs' houses and test them against the huffing and puffing of a makeshift "wolf" (in the form of a hairdryer). This hands-on activity helps reinforce the concepts learned in the episode and gives kids a chance to engage with the story in a fun and creative way.

Another great aspect of this episode is the animation and illustrations used to bring the different versions of the tale to life. From the Japanese ink-wash style of the kitten tale to the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the Cherokee rabbit tale, the visuals help transport viewers to different times and places and enhance their understanding of the cultural context of the stories.

Overall, "Three Little Pigs: Third Time's a Charm" is a charming and educational episode that will engage and enlighten kids and adults alike. Whether you're a fan of the classic tale or are new to its many variations, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire a love of folklore and storytelling.