Jim Harris (1) (1955–)

This isn't just any coyote, which are themselves more clever than wolves or foxes, this is Coyote, the Trickster. But the girl javelina is even smarter.

Great read-aloud, even to the point of telling the reader, within the text, the correct way to pronounce saguaros.

Marvelous illustrations, reminiscent of Jan Brett but without the busy borders. I love the riff on The Mona Lisa.

I will look for more by both author & illustrator.

Reread - review stands. I have rounded up from 4.5 stars because I show more think it's so fun and smart that every child and family should read it. As should everyone interested in the desert SW USA. Good author's note, too. show less

The three little pigs told southwest style. Instead of hay and sticks, they use tumbleweeds and saguaro ribs. The third pig uses sturdy adobe instead of bricks. A tricky coyote hunts them, using his coyote magic that is mainly taken from Tohono O'odham fables.

This retelling of an old classic folk tale is fun and zippy, with bright pictures that are hilarious and complement the text. The javelinas are adorable and you can't help hoping they'll win, even as you already know that they will. show more Luckily, none of them get eaten in this rendition. As always, I find great pleasure in reading retellings, and I especially appreciate the new setting of this version, as I grew up and continue to live in the southwest. Also, the author adds some solid geographical and cultural information from the region that enhances the story. This version is a welcome addition to the cannon of Three Little Pigs literature. show less

This book is a cute southwestern style adaptation of The Three Little Pigs. Their tale is as funny and cute as the pigs’ story, but it adds some southwest flavor for fun! The three little javelinas live in tumbleweeds, saguaro ribs, and adobe (obviously the strong house) and they’re trying to avoid getting eaten by a coyote. Even kids who don’t know the southwest will enjoy the “cowboy” javelinas!

I enjoyed The Three Little Javelinas because of its creative spin on the Three Little Pigs, The creative and colorful pictures, and the multicultural elements. The Three Little Pigs is a traditional tale that has been retold in hundreds of different ways. This book puts a different spin on the tale and makes it unique to a southwestern culture. This makes the story unique and engaging while remaining true to the traditional fable. The pictures in the book also enhance the story. The pictures show more depict a colorful pack of javelinas (pig-like animals typically found in dessert climates). The pictures give each javelina a unique personality, while the story doesn’t directly address this. Finally, the book has several multicultural elements. For example, some of the words are repeated in Spanish and the only human in the book is a Native American woman. These multicultural elements enhance the story and engage the reader. They also introduce children to different cultures and different ways of life. show less