THE THREE LITTLE GATORS by Helen Ketteman

Bibliography: 

Ketteman, Helen. 2009. THE THREE LITTLE GATORS.  Ill. by Will Terry.  Morton Grove, IL:  Albert Whitman & Company.  ISBN 9780807578247

Plot Summary: 

This adaptation of a traditional folktale takes place in an east Texas swamp.  Three little gators are each seeking safety from the Big-bottomed Boar.  Each, trying to follow their mom’s wise advice, chooses materials to build themselves a house.  One chooses sand that is easy and quick, only to regret his choice and is sent running for safety.  Sticks go flying when the Big-bottomed Boar pays a visit to Second Gator’s house.  Finally, they all seek shelter in the house of rocks, where an unwelcome visitor drops in for a BBQ.

Critical Analysis: 

What a wonderful twist on this traditional favorite!  Terry’s bright, but swampy, illustrations are fun to see and bring life to every page and to each little gator.  Each little gator having their own cute personality that shines through.  I love the addition of the hats and glasses to help distinguish the gators from one another – The “smart one” with the glasses of course.  Instead of a wolf huffing and puffing, the Big-bottomed Boar knocks over the little gator's houses with a bump, bump, bump.  The rhythmic beat, echoing familiar patterns, makes reading fun and easy to follow along with.  Using this folktale variant will be a fun way to introduce students to various folktales, as well as fractured writing to help inspire and enhance their own writing.   

Reviews: 

·        2011 Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award nominee

·        2010 Wanda Gag Honor Book

·        School Library Journal:  “Ketteman’s retelling, including a sassy Texas twang, makes the story hilarious and bright…readers will be chiming in on cue….The colors are vibrant yet ominous and swampy…A fun choice for libraries and classrooms.”

·        Kirkus:  “The book’s chief attraction…is Terry’s hilarious illustrations.  His funny gators have distinct personalities, and the picture of the Boar stuck in the chimney is inspired.  Brisk fun.”

·        Booklist:  “…this would make a rip-roaring read-aloud.”

Connections:  Age Level:  Pre K and up

·        Read the original Three Little Pigs folktale first, comparing and contrasting the story, its characters, and the illustrations.

·        After reading, create a Flow Chart sequencing the events seen in the story.

·        Writing and Art:  Students create their own fractured folktale inspired by The Three Little Gators.

o   After going through the writing process, students will illustrate their books.

·        Research and read expository books about alligators and their habitats.

·        Figurative Language ~ Alliterations:  Point out alliterations found within this story, and then create their own alliteration statements.

Other books to read:     

·        The Three Little Tamalies by Eric A. Kimmel

·        The True Story or the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

·        The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas