Wait! No Paint!

Bruce Whatley

HarperCollins 2001 

32p hbk $24.95

ISBN: 0-06-028270-3

Wait! No Paint! takes the classic story of the Three Little Pigs and adds some interesting and funny changes to the storyline. It looks at the three little pigs from the eye of the illustrator and the possible changes he could make to the story - different characters and colours, resulting in a unique and unusual book. The pigs and wolf see themselves captured in strange colours, costumes and finally sent into another classic story.

The illustrations are simple and colourful and show how just a few changes can alter a story completely. It is easy to read and the vocabulary suits the tone of the story. I feel however, that due to the changes in the storyline, very small children may not enjoy this book because it is a classic story with an unexpected ending - a little unsatisfying. It is more suited to older children, especially those with an interest in illustration. 

Yurika, aged 11, Canberra, ACT