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The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot
Introduce kids to the planets and solar system in this fractured fairy tale retelling of the classic TheÌýThree Little Pigs. Parents and children alikeÌýwill adore this out-of-this-world story, which is set in outer space!
GREEP BOINK MEEP! The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! A chase across the solar system follows in this humorous and visually stunning book fromÌýMargaret McNamara ( How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? ) and Mark Fearing ( The Book that Eats People ).ÌýThe endpapers even include a labeled diagram of all the planets.
GREEP BOINK MEEP! The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! A chase across the solar system follows in this humorous and visually stunning book fromÌýMargaret McNamara ( How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? ) and Mark Fearing ( The Book that Eats People ).ÌýThe endpapers even include a labeled diagram of all the planets.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
45 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McNamara
101Ìýbooks59ÌýfollowersMargaret McNamara is the Christopher Award–winning author of more than two dozen books for young readers, including the Robin Hill School series. The Fairy Bell Sisters series is inspired not only by her love of the classic sisterhood novel Little Women but by her own experiences growing up with older sisters (and a baby brother). Margaret and her family live in New York City, but they spend part of their summer on an island in Maine very much like Sheepskerry Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
December 12, 2023
A fun take on the familiar story! My students couldn't keep their hands off this book!
May 11, 2020
This is basically just a retelling of , though the author and illustrator do present a nifty little tour of the solar system. It was cute enough, but I think I was expecting more of a story.
April 6, 2015
Pro tip- you might just want to call the third little alien "keyboard smash." Keyboard smash is my kids' favorite of the aliens in this cute little story. It is one that my youngest demands over and over, so bring a glass of water to the bedside before settling in to read it.
February 9, 2024
Kiddo rated this a 5. Mom rated it a -1. Why would you name a main character “Nklxwcyz�? You trying to be cute but you just annoyed me.
February 22, 2012
This was given to my 5YO as a gift, and he loves it. But I didn't like it the first couple times I read it. The Three Little Pigs is not the most engaging story to begin with, and ugly little aliens and space robots do not improve the telling -- not for a grown-up girl, anyway. I was tempted to laugh at the prank being played on me with the impossible name of "NKLXWCYZ," but it was annoying.
But it grew on me. It started when I admitted to myself I liked reading the robot noises. You wouldn't think it, but "greep peedily meep meep moink" said out loud really sounds like a robot. Then I saw the educational value in it; my 5YO is learning about planets from it. Then I began to appreciate the humor and the rhyming, evil robot. And even though the illustrations are of ugly aliens and robots, they're actually well done. Now that I've settled on a functional pronunciation, I can even think "touche" when I read Nklxwcyz's name.
But it grew on me. It started when I admitted to myself I liked reading the robot noises. You wouldn't think it, but "greep peedily meep meep moink" said out loud really sounds like a robot. Then I saw the educational value in it; my 5YO is learning about planets from it. Then I began to appreciate the humor and the rhyming, evil robot. And even though the illustrations are of ugly aliens and robots, they're actually well done. Now that I've settled on a functional pronunciation, I can even think "touche" when I read Nklxwcyz's name.
October 31, 2011
I liked this "modern" approach to the 3 Little Pigs...it felt more accessible to today's child to me than the original. (I also liked the re-using of all the space "junk" out there!)
February 9, 2018
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot
Written By Margaret McNamara
Illustrated by Mark Fearing
Scholastic Inc., 2011, 40 pages Genre: Children’s Literature, Fractured Fairytale, Grade Level Pre-K -3, GR Level: J, Lexile Level: ~300
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot is an adaptation of The Three Little Pigs. It tells the story of three little alien siblings, Bork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz whose mother tells them it is time for them to go off and find their own planet to call home. The three aliens fly out into the galaxy whizzing by each planet in the solar system. Bork decides to live in the Mars Rover, Gork makes his home in a satellite orbiting Saturn and Nklxwcyz builds a very safe home on Neptune. One day the Big Bad Robot comes across Bork’s home and the story follows The Three Little Pig from there with the three siblings ending up in Nklxwcyz house on Neptune when the Big Bad Robot tries to come down the chimney and blows up into a million pieces.
Teaching Ideas:
While this book is not a science text each planet is shown in order in the story and can be used as an introduction to a unit on the solar system. Another way that I would use this text is to introduce a writing assignment in which students write their own fractured fairy tale. This could be used as a read a loud to introduce the assignment or as a mentor text.
NYS ELA CCS: W.3.3, W.3.4, W.3.5
Written By Margaret McNamara
Illustrated by Mark Fearing
Scholastic Inc., 2011, 40 pages Genre: Children’s Literature, Fractured Fairytale, Grade Level Pre-K -3, GR Level: J, Lexile Level: ~300
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot is an adaptation of The Three Little Pigs. It tells the story of three little alien siblings, Bork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz whose mother tells them it is time for them to go off and find their own planet to call home. The three aliens fly out into the galaxy whizzing by each planet in the solar system. Bork decides to live in the Mars Rover, Gork makes his home in a satellite orbiting Saturn and Nklxwcyz builds a very safe home on Neptune. One day the Big Bad Robot comes across Bork’s home and the story follows The Three Little Pig from there with the three siblings ending up in Nklxwcyz house on Neptune when the Big Bad Robot tries to come down the chimney and blows up into a million pieces.
Teaching Ideas:
While this book is not a science text each planet is shown in order in the story and can be used as an introduction to a unit on the solar system. Another way that I would use this text is to introduce a writing assignment in which students write their own fractured fairy tale. This could be used as a read a loud to introduce the assignment or as a mentor text.
NYS ELA CCS: W.3.3, W.3.4, W.3.5
April 16, 2022
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot is a science fiction twist on the classic three little pigs fairytale. As the title suggests, this books is about three little aliens, Bork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz. Their house is getting too small and they leave their mom in search of finding a new home on another planet. As the little aliens are leaving home, their mother warns them about the Big Bad Robot and advises that they stick together. As the three little aliens zoom around, a red planet with a rover catches the eye of Bork and she leaves her siblings for her new home. Next, the rings of another planet interest Gork and he is off riding the rings on a satellite. Finally, Nklxwcyz finds his home on a blue planet far away in the galaxy. He builds his home to have sturdy walls, warmth and safety. All of a sudden the Big Bad Robot finds Bork and Gork on their planets and destroys their homes. They escape to Nklxwcyz’s home. The Big Bad Robot comes to Nklxwcyz’s home and tries to destroy it, but it ends up destroying him. The three little aliens remain safe and call their mother to tell her the good news and ask her to come tuck them into bed.
This book is a great book for Kindergartens to third graders. It will capture students� attention with its incorporation of science concepts such as planets and space. This is a great book for teachers to use as a read aloud focusing on the sequence of events.
This book is a great book for Kindergartens to third graders. It will capture students� attention with its incorporation of science concepts such as planets and space. This is a great book for teachers to use as a read aloud focusing on the sequence of events.
May 14, 2019
Sweet retelling if the 3 little pigs. Interplanetary aliens finding homes on rings or satellites combat a killer robot. Illustrations are cute and comical.
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March 22, 2018This story of The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot is a science fiction twist on the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. Aliens, Bork, Gork and Nklxwcyz find their own homes on their respected planets with all sorts of space items to secure their homes. However, not long after getting settled comes the big bad robot o destroy their homes. The story is told as expected following the traditional Three Little Pigs format. The pictures take a photographic depiction and have some fun details that can be discussed with the students.
October 16, 2016
This book reminded me of the three little pigs. Instead of three little pigs there a three little aliens that live in space and a big bad robot. The three little aliens leave home to be independent. Their mother told them to stay together, but the little aliens go on separate ways. The robot destroys the house of the first little alien, who went to the second little alien's home; which the bid bad alien destroyed as well as the first one. The tree little aliens go to the third's little aliens house. The big bad robot could not destroyed the house. He tries getting in through the chimney, but gets stuck halfway and explodes. The three little aliens called the mom and she comes to read a book to them. the books have beautiful pictures of our solar system, the coloration was based on real pictures provided by NASA.
November 1, 2014
This book is cruel. How am I supposed to read the third little pig's name? No sounding out guide to that one. I ended up calling that pig "him". My daughter doesn't know the story of the 3 little pigs well. I felt like me and the author were sharing a personal joke and I don't feel comfortable sharing a personal joke with someone that would name one of his characters for a read aloud story so poorly. Jokes on me.
September 16, 2022
Cute and wildly fantastical adaptation of the classic story of .
January 5, 2014
5 Stars (based on my grandson's response)
My 3 year old grand son loves this story based on "The 3 little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf." He loves to imitate the sounds that the robot makes and cheers for the little aliens.
My 3 year old grand son loves this story based on "The 3 little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf." He loves to imitate the sounds that the robot makes and cheers for the little aliens.
January 8, 2017
Story: 5 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Interstellar rendition of The Three Little Pigs. Introduces readers to the planets and incorporates some facts about the solar system. Clever, entertaining, and educational.
Illustrations: 4 stars
Interstellar rendition of The Three Little Pigs. Introduces readers to the planets and incorporates some facts about the solar system. Clever, entertaining, and educational.
July 2, 2019
An unremarkable take on 'Three little and the big bad'.
November 22, 2017
Three little aliens, Bork, Gork, and Nklxwcyz, set out to find planets of their own to call home. Bork spies a shiny rover on a dusty planet and claims the zippy machine as her new home. Gork chooses a planet circled by cool rings just right for surfing. Nklxwcyz travels on until he reaches a distant blue planet where he builds a home with sturdy walls. He lights it with stardust and finds solar panels to keep it warm. A telescope serves as a chimney. It’s not zippy or cool, Nklxwcyz thinks, but his new home is safe.
The three little aliens are all happy in their new homes . . . and then along comes the Big Bad Robot.
In this adorable retelling of “The Three Little Pigs� for children of the space age, the story unfolds as expected when the Big Bad Robot comes along to “greep, boink, meep, epeedily, deeep, ork, eep, eep� destroy their homes. Delightfully illustrated, readers will have fun cheering for the little aliens as, in turn, each races away from the Big Bad Robot.
An added bonus: the planets of the solar system are shown in order from sun, using NASA photographs to depict each planet as accurately as possible. The targeted audience for this book is ages four to eight, but all young readers are certain to enjoy this delightful adaptation of the familiar fable/fairy tale.
Highly recommended.
The three little aliens are all happy in their new homes . . . and then along comes the Big Bad Robot.
In this adorable retelling of “The Three Little Pigs� for children of the space age, the story unfolds as expected when the Big Bad Robot comes along to “greep, boink, meep, epeedily, deeep, ork, eep, eep� destroy their homes. Delightfully illustrated, readers will have fun cheering for the little aliens as, in turn, each races away from the Big Bad Robot.
An added bonus: the planets of the solar system are shown in order from sun, using NASA photographs to depict each planet as accurately as possible. The targeted audience for this book is ages four to eight, but all young readers are certain to enjoy this delightful adaptation of the familiar fable/fairy tale.
Highly recommended.
August 29, 2021
This book was read in good company, including Caldecott Medal-winner THE THREE PIGS, reverse-story THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG, a wolf's perspective version THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS, and a more friendly, inclusive version THE THREE LITTLE PIGS AND THE SOMEWHAT BAD WOLF. And while the previous titles all deserve their own review, I will say that each provides a unique and worthy angle to the classic tale.
THE THREE LITTLE ALIENS AND THE BIG BAD ROBOT goes beyond angle or perspective by bringing the tale to outer space with completely new characters. Three aliens—Gork, Bork, and Ng—what's his name—journey to find their own place to settle with their mother offering them the advice to "Always stick together" and "watch out for the Big Bad Robot." Naturally, the three aliens do nothing of the sort, finding themselves split up and vulnerable. Will the careful building of the third alien be enough to save them all from the alien-munching robot?
This re-work of the tale brings readers through the solar system from Mercury to Neptune, as they see the importance of sticking—and living—together.
THE THREE LITTLE ALIENS AND THE BIG BAD ROBOT goes beyond angle or perspective by bringing the tale to outer space with completely new characters. Three aliens—Gork, Bork, and Ng—what's his name—journey to find their own place to settle with their mother offering them the advice to "Always stick together" and "watch out for the Big Bad Robot." Naturally, the three aliens do nothing of the sort, finding themselves split up and vulnerable. Will the careful building of the third alien be enough to save them all from the alien-munching robot?
This re-work of the tale brings readers through the solar system from Mercury to Neptune, as they see the importance of sticking—and living—together.
October 30, 2020
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot was found on Book Riot's list of 25 Universe-Exapanding Science Fiction Books for Kids and was published in 2011. Having just finished a week on traditional literature, this title stuck out to me when I came across it because it is clearly a play on a three little pigs story. I decided to read it right away and I am glad I did. This book has enchanting illustrations and will have students laughing all the way through. This book would definitely provide a good pathway towards teaching about space. The aliens all live in space and they travel throughout space and visit different planets on their journeys. I would say any students who are interested in silly stories and/or have an interest in space would get a kick out of this book. It would also be a great book to include when teaching lessons on comparing and contrasting different versions of the same story. I think it is best for lower to middle elementary aged students. I definitely recommend this book!
February 3, 2023
During storytime with their mom, three little aliens get transported to a universe where they must make new homes for themselves. Full of shenanigans, they travel deep into space and come face-to-face with the Big Bad Robot. The three little aliens bravely fight the robot and end the night peacefully tucked in bed.
I recommend this book for a Science or Language Arts classroom. The three aliens travel to different planets during their adventure, which makes this a great text to use during a unit on astronomy. I suggest beginning with this book to build student background knowledge and informally assess students' existing knowledge of the solar system, both through questioning and the completion of a KWL chart after reading. Another idea within the LA classroom is to have students compare and contrast this text to the classic The Three Little Pigs. Students can explore the text structure of The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot, specifically noting similarities to other picture books and fairytales.
I recommend this book for a Science or Language Arts classroom. The three aliens travel to different planets during their adventure, which makes this a great text to use during a unit on astronomy. I suggest beginning with this book to build student background knowledge and informally assess students' existing knowledge of the solar system, both through questioning and the completion of a KWL chart after reading. Another idea within the LA classroom is to have students compare and contrast this text to the classic The Three Little Pigs. Students can explore the text structure of The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot, specifically noting similarities to other picture books and fairytales.
April 30, 2019
1. None
2. Ages 5-8
3. This book is a twist of the original and popular childrens book The Three Little Pigs. This book tells the story but at the same time is introducing some science as well such as the solar system. The book changes the pigs into aliens.
4. This is a good book to use when trying to introduce the solar system to the students. The illustrations are very bold and enjoyable for the children's eyes. The children will enjoy this book being a twist of the original because it allows them to see some change but also be able to connect it to the original.
5. This is a good book to read when doing a science lesson on the solar system. As a class you can make a solar system display, so the children can visually look at what the solar system is supposed to look like with their own creation.
2. Ages 5-8
3. This book is a twist of the original and popular childrens book The Three Little Pigs. This book tells the story but at the same time is introducing some science as well such as the solar system. The book changes the pigs into aliens.
4. This is a good book to use when trying to introduce the solar system to the students. The illustrations are very bold and enjoyable for the children's eyes. The children will enjoy this book being a twist of the original because it allows them to see some change but also be able to connect it to the original.
5. This is a good book to read when doing a science lesson on the solar system. As a class you can make a solar system display, so the children can visually look at what the solar system is supposed to look like with their own creation.
April 23, 2018
In this adaptation of The Three Little Pigs, three robot siblings are sent out into the vast solar system to build their own homes. Little do they realize that a big, bad robot is whooshing towards them to blow their houses down. Luckily, the last alien has built a space-home so strong that the Robot explodes trying to crawl down the chimney.
This story is clever and fun and a great way to teach traditional literature and how it has been adapted and changed over the years. It also mentions planets of our solar system, which could be used in an activity where children learn about the atmosphere and climate of different planets and where they would build their own house. Students could also build their own robot out of simple machines.
This story is clever and fun and a great way to teach traditional literature and how it has been adapted and changed over the years. It also mentions planets of our solar system, which could be used in an activity where children learn about the atmosphere and climate of different planets and where they would build their own house. Students could also build their own robot out of simple machines.
March 28, 2019
Awards: none
Age: K-3
Summary: A fun twist on the classic Three Little Pigs, introduce space and the solar system with the three little aliens.
My Review: This is a fun, more science-y twist on a classic story with really vibrant illustrations. I think this story is just a fun story to have in the classroom because it's filled with some silly, made up words.
In Class: Students can use this as a springboard to learn about the solar system. There are endless activities for that depending on the age group. Students can also use this book to model rewriting a story and making it your own. I can ask students to pick their favorite "little kid story" and then rewrite it that shows who they are/what they like.
Age: K-3
Summary: A fun twist on the classic Three Little Pigs, introduce space and the solar system with the three little aliens.
My Review: This is a fun, more science-y twist on a classic story with really vibrant illustrations. I think this story is just a fun story to have in the classroom because it's filled with some silly, made up words.
In Class: Students can use this as a springboard to learn about the solar system. There are endless activities for that depending on the age group. Students can also use this book to model rewriting a story and making it your own. I can ask students to pick their favorite "little kid story" and then rewrite it that shows who they are/what they like.
August 30, 2018
This is a fun retelling of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. It makes a great read aloud if you're willing to do voices to distinguish the little aliens and the robot. Tris Kate and Eva pick this almost every day. Fun tidbit: The illustrator researched the appearance of the different planets in order to depict them as realistically as possible (despite the obvious improbability of alien life on these planets or the ability to travel between the planets in short order).
My only gripe with this book was, how in the world do you pronounce the third alien's name, "Nklxwcyz"??
My only gripe with this book was, how in the world do you pronounce the third alien's name, "Nklxwcyz"??
September 8, 2021
I love retellings, as long as they stick to the original message or, even better, acknowledge that message and then turn it completely on its head. This version of The Three Little Pigs does neither. I'm not sure what the message is here except to tell the TLP story using aliens and robots in order to appeal to an audience that likes aliens and robots. The lesson from TLP is that if you are not lazy and build a strong house, you will be safe from harm. Many retellings miss this message and I find that frustrating.
November 12, 2021
In this twist on The Three Little Pigs, three aliens leave home to find their own planet. Stick together, their mother warns, and watch out for the Big Bad Robot because, she says, "It wants to chew you up." As should be expected, each alien picks its own planet, but it is the third sibling that picks the safest, most stable residence.
If your child loves robots, it is perhaps not the best choice, since the robot is meant to be bad and meets a rather explosive end, but as a Three Little Pigs retelling it is good.
If your child loves robots, it is perhaps not the best choice, since the robot is meant to be bad and meets a rather explosive end, but as a Three Little Pigs retelling it is good.
September 6, 2022
GREEP BOINK MEEP! The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! A chase across the solar system follows in this out-of-this-world version of the classic Three Little Pigs tale. Margaret McNamara (How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?) and Mark Fearing (The Book that Eats People) have created a humorous and visually stunning story that kids will adore—and that will introduce them to the planets and the solar system. The endpapers even include a labeled diagram of all the planets.
December 31, 2017
Three little aliens leave home and go to find their own places in the galaxy. Their mother warns them to watch out for the Big Bad Robot, but two little aliens don't heed her advice.
Instead of three little pigs and a wolf, this modern take on the classic Three Little Pigs uses three little aliens and a robot. A silly and fun version of a favorite fable. Good for little ones that like space themed books.
Instead of three little pigs and a wolf, this modern take on the classic Three Little Pigs uses three little aliens and a robot. A silly and fun version of a favorite fable. Good for little ones that like space themed books.
July 11, 2019
Clearly the author has spent some time thinking about how to morph the traditional Three Little Pigs tale into a space feature with aliens and robots. This one is pretty satisfying.
One fizzle for me was that the book pretends to teach some space information and it does follow our solar system planets in order, but apparently our solar system has some rogue black holes in the middle? Not sure what is going on. Kids aren't going to notice this detail most likely.
One fizzle for me was that the book pretends to teach some space information and it does follow our solar system planets in order, but apparently our solar system has some rogue black holes in the middle? Not sure what is going on. Kids aren't going to notice this detail most likely.
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