The Three Sillies

Hewitt has a sense of humor; her photo on this book's back cover shows her wearing a pig snout. That's because her story's protagonists are pigs. These aren't just animals dressed up in clothes; they possess very human faces and characteristics. The book certainly draws attention, as does the rich detail of Hewitt's colorful watercolors. Most of the pictures have lovely, integrated borders and there's lots to explore in every painting. The retelling is excellentideal for reading aloud. A farmer and his wife have one daughter who is being courted by a young man. One day, the suitor discovers how silly his future wife and in-laws are, and he is worried. He sets out to see if he can find anyone as silly, and if he does he will return and marry his sweetheart. In the world he finds far sillier beings; all's well that ends well. (58)