The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

In the fractured fairy tale The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot, Margaret McNamara and Mark Fearing put a new spin on the story of The Three Little Pigs. With elements of science fiction, the three little aliens leave home to find new planets to live. As they journey from Mercury through the solar system, the planets are depicted in illustrations and mentioned in the text. It is educational for children, as well as exciting. Their quest to find a home is colorful and fun thanks to Fearing's illustrations.

The story line is similar to the original folktale including the pattern of threes and dialogue reminiscent of the original. Instead of the big bad wolf, the big bad robot uses the traditional sayings but modified for the updated version.

"Then I'll crack and smack

and whack your house down!"

Fearing's illustrations are vivid and imaginative. He uses hand drawn artwork as well as collage techniques using digital rendering. This alternative version is edgy and full of life. Children will love the full spread illustrations over the gutter while also incorporating sound effects into the images. The text being a part of the illustrations as well is engaging to young and adult readers alike. The alien characters are expressive and extraterrestrial yet still realistic. They wear regular human clothes. One alien has glasses for all three eyes and the little female alien has pigtails. These small things help kids to see themselves or their friends in the outline style drawn characters. Even the menacing villain has a comical five eyes and makes sound effects which are not that frightening.

This science fiction based quest tale retelling a classic folktale is a must read for children who love space and are fascinated by the unknown world of lifeforms in the galaxy. 

Motivational activities:

*For a better understanding of the classic folktale genre, have students read The Three Little Pigs. Once reading both versions, have them discuss their favorite change in The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot. Then, have students discuss something they prefer more in the original. Once this has been discussed, ask for a brief paragraph explaining why they believe variety in reading is important. 

*Every child has thought about the world beyond Earth. Have students pick the planet they would've chosen to live on and explain why by doing minimal research (provide print outs of each planet with some basic facts and images). Have students collect these facts to help assist them in a brief explanation as to why they chose their planet. 

Reader Response questions:

1. Reading comprehension: The three little aliens grew up on a particular planet. Which planet did they grow up on and venture away from to find their new homes?

2. The Big Bad Robot was very scary to the little aliens. Did he frighten you or did you find him kind of humorous? Explain your answer.

3. Two of the three little aliens did not chose wise places to live. Can you explain why you believe the third alien found a safe home unlike his siblings?

Further reading:

*The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

*The Three Little Gators by Helen Ketteman and Will Terry

*Clink by Kelly DiPucchio and Matthew Myers

*The Robot and the Bluebird by David Lucas