Les Trois Cochons
Gr 2-5-This Cajun rendering of the "Three Little Pigs" has the same strengths and weaknesses of this duo's Cendrillon (1998) and Jolie Blonde and the Three H berts (1999, both Pelican). Collins writes a lively tale, but inserts so many Cajun phrases that uninitiated readers may lose the story's thread. She also reverses the order of the trois cochons, introducing `Ti Joe (petite Joe) first and calling him the "first little pig" even though he is the one who later builds the sturdiest house, which is a little confusing. Of course, in Cajun country, houses are built of sugarcane, rice stalks, and oyster shells mixed with mud. Collins is true to the original story and includes `Ti Joe's three duels of wit with the wolf, complete with the villain's eventual demise by way of the pig's new crawfish boiling pot. Phrases are translated at the bottom of each page. There is a recipe at the end for "Grillades and Grits," a good Cajun breakfast using "beef or pork (wolf is acceptable)." Soper's illustrations use color beautifully and provide humorously appropriate depictions of the brothers and their adventures. This is not an essential title, but it is good fun, well illustrated, and informative of Cajun French.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LACopyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.