Donald Davis (1) (1944–)

Three porcine brothers, Tommy, Willie, and Jackie, set out to make their own way in the world in this Appalachian variant of The Three Little Pigs. Each one leaves home with his mama's advice to build a sturdy home of stone and brick, and the admonition to come home and visit on Sunday. But Tommy and Willie, bamboozled by a sly fox, build houses of cornstalks and hay, and find themselves devoured by that vulpine villain. Only Jackie is wise to the fox's ways, and mindful of his mama's show more advice, building himself a safe and lasting home, and outwitting the fox who comes calling. Only Jackie manages to go home on Sunday...

The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday is the second picture book retelling of an Appalachian folktale that I have read from author Donald Davis, following upon his earlier Jack and the Animals. Like that earlier book, I found it engaging, appreciating both the tale type, and its specific setting. Davis grew up in the Appalachian region, and listened to many traditional tales told by his grandmother and other elders, eventually growing up to become a celebrated storyteller himself. I thought his author's note, in which he describes his grandmother's indignation at a modern telling of this tale, in which the pigs escape the consequences of their actions, was quite fascinating. It highlights her awareness of the fact that stories such as this are meant to be teaching tales, in addition to entertainment. In any case, I found this telling quite appealing, not least because the villain is a fox rather than a wolf, perhaps reflecting the absence of lupine predators in the region. I also enjoyed the illustrations from Jennifer Mazzucco, whose work I had not encountered before, appreciating their use of vivid colors, and stylized, amusing figures. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, and to anyone seeking traditional Appalachian tales. show less

Setting out to seek his fortune in this retelling of an Appalachian folktale, young Jack happens upon a series of animals—a cow, dog, cat, donkey and rooster—who have grown old and are unhappy at their seeming uselessness. Each is invited to join Jack on his quest, and the ragtag group eventually find a cabin in the mountains, complete with bags of gold and a meal laid out on the table. Enjoying the repast, Jack and the animals hide when the robbers who had been using the cabin return. show more Through a series of "meetings" and misunderstandings, the robbers become convinced that monsters have claimed their cabin, and flee, leaving Jack and the animals in possession...

The story in Jack and the Animals bears a striking resemblance to the Brothers Grimm tale concerning The Bremen Town Musicians—something author Donald Davis observes in his afterword—although I was also reminded, in the course of my reading, of the Norwegian folktale, The Cat on the Dovrefell, in which a man and his bear scare off some trolls, while taking shelter in a house on Christmas Eve night. They are different tale types—the one is Type 130 in the Aarne–Thompson–Uther Index, The Animals in Night Quarters; while the other is Type 1161, The Bear Trainer and His Cat—but have the similar theme of unwanted/dangerous residents or guests being driven from a home by animals. In any case, I found this retelling engaging, although I did wonder at author Donald Davis' choice to use a framing device, in which a grandmother tells the story to her grandchildren. Perhaps this was meant as a tribute to Davis' own grandmother, who imparted many tales to him as a child? I've encountered other Jack tales from the Appalachian tradition, and am always meaning to track down more, so I'm glad I happened across this one at my public library. Recommended to young folklore lovers who enjoy somewhat silly stories, as well as to those specifically seeking Jack tales or tales with an Appalachian background. show less

This book contains short stories about he childhood of author Donald Davis. Th stories left me with a smile on my face and some even left me laughing out loud. I now feel as if I now know the family personally. I was there at the author's grandparents' home as his uncle talked about 'The Critters' who were climbing up the side of the house, searching for a way inside. I was there when the snake in the family car decided to show itself-as mom was driving. Davis is a great story teller who I show more am sure was more than a handful for his poor mother. show less

This book is the true story behind the 3 little pigs. It starts a long time ago with a Mama Pig and three little pigs, Tommy, Willie, and Jackie. Tommy was the oldest and he was getting too big to stay with Mama, so she packed his stuff and gave him some advice. She said "if you have to build a house, build it out of rocks and bricks. And please come home" on Sunday. Tommy left and was befriended by a wolf who told him to build his house out of cornstalks. Tommy listened to the wolf and that show more night the wolf ate Tommy. Tommy didn't make it home on Sunday. Willie was the next to leave and Mama gave him the same advice. Again the wolf befriended the pig but this time told him to build a house of hay. Willie was eaten and did not make it home on Sunday. Jackie was the last to leave home and Mama gave him the same advice. This time Jackie listened to his Mama instead of the wolf and he made it home on Sunday.
I love this twist. I didn't expect the pigs to die but it all makes since. A very simple listen-to-mother story. The illustrations are wonderful. Very bright and colorful. The whole page is filled with color. The illustrations are simple but very rich. show less