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Once upon a time, three little pig brothers lived happily on their parents’ farm. The eldest was Peter, the middle brother was Paul, and the youngest was Pip. Peter worked hard and planned ahead. Paul was clever but rather hasty. Pip was cheerful and friendly, but much preferred playing to working.
One day, their mother called them over.
“My dears, you are ready to build homes of your own. Go out into the world, work hard and make yourselves strong houses. Above all, look after one another.”
The brothers hugged, picked up their little bags and set off through the woods, full of excitement.
Pip did not want to waste a single minute of playtime. When he spotted a pile of straw beside the path, he quickly put up four walls and a roof. He fitted a door and was so pleased that he did three somersaults in the meadow. Paul shook his head, but Pip would not listen. He went inside, whistling happily.
Paul walked a little farther and found some pine branches. He cut and fitted them together to make a pretty wooden house, complete with a little window. Peter, passing by, warned him that the joints were weak and a strong wind might blow it down. But Paul smiled proudly and decided his work was finished.
Peter continued to a meadow. He went to the village, bought bricks with his savings and worked for many days. His brothers joked and asked when he would ever finish. Peter smiled and kept going, laying each brick carefully, filling every joint and strengthening every corner. At last, his brick house was sturdy, warm and safe.
Nearby lived a cunning, patient wolf. For weeks, he had watched the brothers from the trees, waiting for his chance. One autumn night, as the wind rustled the leaves, he decided the time had come.
First, he visited the straw house. In a honey-sweet voice, he claimed to have a present from their mother. But Pip recognised that voice.
“Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin!” he cried. “I won’t let you in!”
The wolf took a deep breath and blew with all his might. The straw house shook, crackled and fell down. Pip raced away to Paul’s house.
The wolf soon followed and demanded that the brothers come out.
“Not by the hairs on our chinny chin chins! We won’t let you in!” they shouted.
The wolf blew so hard that the wooden walls rattled and the house collapsed. Both brothers ran as fast as they could to Peter’s house. He let them in at once and bolted the door.
The furious wolf arrived. He huffed and puffed once, twice, and again until he had no breath left. But the brick house did not move.
Then he decided to climb down the chimney. Peter had lit the fire and placed a large pot of boiling water beneath it. The wolf slid down, landed in the pot, gave a tremendous yelp and ran away into the forest. He was never seen there again.
The three little pigs hugged with relief. Pip and Paul admitted that Peter had been right. Peter told them that what mattered was that they were safe. From now on, they would build things together.
That evening, they ate beside the fire, warm and safe, laughing and sharing their adventures. From that day on, they lived in the brick house and helped one another with everything.
And they lived happily ever after.
The three little pigs colouring pages
Enjoy these printable pictures after reading the story.
Where does The three little pigs come from?
The three little pigs comes from the oral folk-tale tradition. One of its best-known written versions appears in Joseph Jacobs’s English Fairy Tales, published in 1890. Earlier versions existed, and later adaptations, including the 1933 animated film, helped make it famous.
This adaptation can be shared with children aged 3 to 7, with the reading adjusted to each child’s sensitivity. Its repeated scenes invite children to join in. The story explores effort, responsibility and caring for siblings.
Main characters
Pip and the straw house
The youngest brother rushes to finish so he can play. His house shows how a quick solution may fail when difficulties arise.
Paul and the wooden house
The middle brother makes more effort, but does not check that his house is strong enough.
Peter and the brick house
The eldest brother is patient and responsible. He builds carefully and welcomes his brothers when they need help.
The wolf
The wolf is the story’s adversary. His attempts to blow down the houses test the brothers’ work.
The moral of The three little pigs
The tale shows the value of working carefully, planning ahead and making an effort. It also celebrates kindness between siblings. Peter opens his door rather than blaming his brothers for their mistakes. Together, they are better able to face trouble.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the story suitable for?
Families can share it with children aged 3 to 7. Adjust the frightening scenes involving the wolf to suit the child listening.
What is the main lesson?
Planning, careful work and helping one another matter. A job done well is more useful than a job rushed through.
What are the three little pigs called?
Many traditional versions leave them unnamed. In this adaptation, they are Pip, Paul and Peter.
Who wrote The three little pigs?
It is a traditional folk tale. Joseph Jacobs included a famous version in his 1890 collection, but the story appeared earlier too.
Can I download the story as a PDF?
Use the page’s PDF download button to save the story for offline reading or printing.