Na Trí Mhuicín

The traditional story of the Three Little Pigs has been read and heard by all at this stage, however this retelling breathes new life into it as part of Futa Fata’s series of verse retellings of classic fairytales. This is the second book in that series, following on from ‘An Slipéar Gloine’ which tells the story of Cinderella. Na Trí Mhuicín is written by former Laureate na nÓg, Áine Ní Ghlinn, and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly.

We meet the three pigs, Crúibín, Pincín and Láib through cracking rhyme that is bursting with humour and fun. Áine Ní Ghlinn has expertly retold the story of Crúibín who makes a house of straw, Pincín who makes a house of sticks and Láib who makes a house of bricks.

During all the fun of the little pig’s antics, there is something lurking in the shadows, watching them. There is such fun for readers who are in on this secret and can see the wolf growing in size as he closes in on the unassuming pigs. Paddy Donnelly has cleverly given each pig a colour theme: Crúibín and his house of straw are yellow, Pincín and his house of sticks are green, Láib and his house of bricks are pink. In contrast, the dangerous wolf is navy as he weaves around the pages and around their houses. Not a millimetre is wasted in these pages full of colour and an energy that perfectly match the text.

The story moves at a zippy pace as the wolf gets hungrier and more impatient. The interactions and dialogue between the pigs and the wolf are brilliant and children are sure to be screeching with the frantic pigs:

“Imigh leat anois go beo, ní ligfear thú isteach go deo.” (Be gone right away, you’ll never be let in).

Of course, there is strength in numbers and the three pigs come together to defeat the wolf in a satisfying ending. This is a fantastically fresh reimagining of a traditional story with the language used to full effect to engross and absorb children.