Delightful Wordplay + Clever Illustrations = The Three Silly Billies

Posted on March 27th, 2011 by Carolyn Hart in Outstanding Picture Books to Enjoy at Home or at School

The Three Silly Billies – written by Margie Palatini, Illustrated by Barry Moser
Picture book published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Here is an altogether new and modern take on the Three Billy Goats Gruff. When the three Silly Billies can’t put together enough change to pay the $1.00 toll to the grumpy stumpy troll at the Trollgate Plaza, they decide to form a rather unconventional ‘car pool.’ Enter a family of three bears, a boy named Jack and young girl carrying a basket and wearing a red hood. Mama Bear fretted. “What ever will we do? If we don’t get home soon, our porridge will be cold.”…. “Why not add your money to our money?” blurted out Billy Bob. “Join our car pool so we can cross the bridge together.” “Makes a lot of cents (sic) to me, ” said Baby Bear.

Lots of fun wordplay, delicious language and vivid, clever watercolor illustrations make The Three Silly Billies well worth a careful look especially for students in the primary grades who are familiar with The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. The illustrations include “inside” jokes for readers to discover including Jack’s “Giant Buster” ax and the “Wolfbanextra” in Red’s basket. Be sure to follow the link (above) to Ms. Palatini’s website. You will find all sorts of treats for young readers.

Pass the Buck Brainteaser from the author’s website

Vote For Books’ Lesson Plan and Activities for The Three Silly Billies

The Three Silly Billies at Amazon.com

The Three Silly Billies at Amazon.ca