Once upon a time
The Three Little Pigs
Classic European folk tale · retold for families
About 6 min read aloud · For grown-ups and children together
Once upon a time, three little pigs left home to build houses of their own. The first pig was in a hurry. “I’ll make my house of straw,” he said, and he finished before lunchtime.
The second pig built with sticks. It looked like a tidy fence and smelled of the forest. “Good enough,” he smiled.
The third pig worked slowly. She mixed mortar and laid brick upon brick. “Houses should keep us safe,” she hummed.
Along came a wolf with a hungry look and a big voice. “Little pig, little pig, let me come in!”
“Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!” answered the first pig.
“Then I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house in!” cried the wolf. The straw house flew apart like dry leaves. The first pig ran to his brother’s stick house.
The wolf followed. The sticks cracked and tumbled. Two pigs raced to the brick house and bolted the door.
The wolf huffed until he was dizzy. The wolf puffed until his cheeks ached. The brick house stood firm.
“Very well,” grumbled the wolf at last. “I shall find my supper elsewhere.” And he trotted away into the darkening woods.
Inside, the three pigs set the table. The one who built with bricks poured warm milk. “Slow and steady,” she said, “keeps the night gentle.”
And they lived snugly ever after — while the moon rose over a house that did not wobble.
Classic tale retold by IRA Creations for screen-free bedtime. After the story, try a quiet craft — our painting kits or free colouring sheets.