Three Little Pigs

This forceful presentation brings added pizzazz to an old favorite. In a style similar to that of Rounds's last two folk-inspired retellings ( I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly ; Old MacDonald Had a Farm ), his vigorous artwork--a mix of broad black outlines and strongly textured pastels against abundant white space--gives the animal cast a winning immediacy. (Since the characters are not anthropomorphized, however, this realistic wolf may alarm little ones--the entire tale, in fact, is somewhat more frightening in Rounds's version.) The language is spare and direct; the textual mix of small and large typefaces adds to the striking visuals. This energetic interpretation may well win new fans for this talented artist and storyteller. Ages 3-8. (Mar.)