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The Three Little Sheep: A Tale for Sukkot
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Ann D. Koffsky
43 books44 followersAnn D. Koffsky is the author and illustrator of 40+ books, including Ping Pong Shabbat, (Little Bee) and the Kayla & Kugel series, (Apples and Honey Press). Several of her books have been PJ library selections, and her book Noah’s Swimathon received a Sydney Taylor notable designation from the Association of Jewish Libraries.
Ann is represented by agent Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency.
Ann is represented by agent Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 11, 2025
This picture book – by veteran author, artist, and editor Ann Koffsky – begins with Mama Sheep and her three little ones, who enjoy Sukkot every year in the same little sukkah until they have outgrown it. She advises them to build their own sukkahs. Jakey builds his with straw, Joey builds his out of sticks, and Jennie builds her sukkah out of bricks, girders, and pillars (the picture shows the sheep using a crane). That's when I realized that this book is one of my favorite genres – a fractured fairy tale!
Wolfie shows up – but he's only a pint-sized wolf – and asks to come into the sukkah. First Jakey and then Jennie apologize that there isn't enough room (because their sukkahs are built for only one and two occupants, respectively). You know what comes next – Wolfie blows down the sukkahs.
Finally, as the three sheep sibs are in Jennie's large sukkah, Wolfie comes and yells that he must come in, because he's tired of feeling left out! So Jennie welcomes the wolf in and invites him to dinner that night, asking him to bring a salad, as they are vegetarians. (Subverting expectations, this wolf is not looking to eat the sheep, nor are they afraid of him.)
At dinner, Wolfie apologizes for blowing down the first two sukkahs and offers to help build them next year. (Perhaps he should also sign up for an anger management course!)
The last two-page spread shows silhouettes of the five characters sitting together in the big sukkah (and Mama Sheep is identifiable by her cat-eye glasses).
I suppose the moral of the story is to build your sukkah as large as you can, as Sukkot is a good time to be hospitable and host people.
Anyway, The Three Little Sheep is very well done, and not just because there are very few picture books about Sukkot to compete with. It takes the late-nineteenth century classic fable, gives it a Jewish setting, and changes the denouement to teach values. Excellent!
Wolfie shows up – but he's only a pint-sized wolf – and asks to come into the sukkah. First Jakey and then Jennie apologize that there isn't enough room (because their sukkahs are built for only one and two occupants, respectively). You know what comes next – Wolfie blows down the sukkahs.
Finally, as the three sheep sibs are in Jennie's large sukkah, Wolfie comes and yells that he must come in, because he's tired of feeling left out! So Jennie welcomes the wolf in and invites him to dinner that night, asking him to bring a salad, as they are vegetarians. (Subverting expectations, this wolf is not looking to eat the sheep, nor are they afraid of him.)
At dinner, Wolfie apologizes for blowing down the first two sukkahs and offers to help build them next year. (Perhaps he should also sign up for an anger management course!)
The last two-page spread shows silhouettes of the five characters sitting together in the big sukkah (and Mama Sheep is identifiable by her cat-eye glasses).
I suppose the moral of the story is to build your sukkah as large as you can, as Sukkot is a good time to be hospitable and host people.
Anyway, The Three Little Sheep is very well done, and not just because there are very few picture books about Sukkot to compete with. It takes the late-nineteenth century classic fable, gives it a Jewish setting, and changes the denouement to teach values. Excellent!
December 21, 2025
The Three Little Sheep: A Tale for Sukkot is a delightful and meaningful retelling of a classic fairy tale, thoughtfully reimagined through a Jewish cultural lens. Ann Diament Koffsky skillfully blends familiarity with tradition, creating a story that feels both comforting and fresh for young readers.
The book takes the well-known structure of The Three Little Pigs and transforms it into a warm, values-driven Sukkot story. Jakey, Joey, and Jennie’s journey from sharing a family sukkah to building their own beautifully mirrors themes of growth, independence, and responsibility. Children can easily relate to the idea of growing up while still holding on to family traditions.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how naturally it introduces Jewish faith and culture. Concepts such as Sukkot, building a sukkah, and celebrating together are woven seamlessly into the narrative without ever feeling forced or overly instructional. The story also offers a gentle lesson about kindness and understanding through the character of Wolfie, whose loneliness adds emotional depth and a compassionate twist to the familiar tale.
The illustrations are warm and engaging, enhancing both the humor and heart of the story. Added touches, such as the guide to making a sukkah decoration, extend the reading experience beyond the page and invite hands-on participation.
Overall, The Three Little Sheep: A Tale for Sukkot is a charming, clever, and educational picture book. It’s an excellent choice for families, classrooms, and libraries seeking a joyful way to celebrate Jewish tradition while teaching timeless values through storytelling.
The book takes the well-known structure of The Three Little Pigs and transforms it into a warm, values-driven Sukkot story. Jakey, Joey, and Jennie’s journey from sharing a family sukkah to building their own beautifully mirrors themes of growth, independence, and responsibility. Children can easily relate to the idea of growing up while still holding on to family traditions.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how naturally it introduces Jewish faith and culture. Concepts such as Sukkot, building a sukkah, and celebrating together are woven seamlessly into the narrative without ever feeling forced or overly instructional. The story also offers a gentle lesson about kindness and understanding through the character of Wolfie, whose loneliness adds emotional depth and a compassionate twist to the familiar tale.
The illustrations are warm and engaging, enhancing both the humor and heart of the story. Added touches, such as the guide to making a sukkah decoration, extend the reading experience beyond the page and invite hands-on participation.
Overall, The Three Little Sheep: A Tale for Sukkot is a charming, clever, and educational picture book. It’s an excellent choice for families, classrooms, and libraries seeking a joyful way to celebrate Jewish tradition while teaching timeless values through storytelling.
October 15, 2025
Fractured fairy tales - traditional stories with a twist, are favourites amongst almost every kid I know. That mix of the familiar and the new just always seems to bring so much fun to a story.
And I can't think of a more perfect such combination than in "The Three Little Sheep: a Tale ForSukkot" (2025), a Sukkot story modeled after the tale of the Three Little Pigs.
When three not-exactly-little sheep outgrow their family's sukkah, they each set out to build their own, with the expected variety of building materials and styles. And, as expected, a rather naughty wolf shows up, bringing chaos along with him, but what he really wants is not what readers will expect at all!
Along with author-illustrator Ann Koffsky's always appealing artwork, full of colour and movement and silliness, though, I think my favourite thing about this wonderful read-aloud is that it's a Jewish holiday book with genuine appeal for a broader audience.
Koffsky does a fabulous job with gentle, contextualisation and exposition for readers unfamiliar with the holiday, making it a fun introduction. So if you're looking for a fabulous storytime that includes a bit of cultural learning, this is your book!
And I can't think of a more perfect such combination than in "The Three Little Sheep: a Tale ForSukkot" (2025), a Sukkot story modeled after the tale of the Three Little Pigs.
When three not-exactly-little sheep outgrow their family's sukkah, they each set out to build their own, with the expected variety of building materials and styles. And, as expected, a rather naughty wolf shows up, bringing chaos along with him, but what he really wants is not what readers will expect at all!
Along with author-illustrator Ann Koffsky's always appealing artwork, full of colour and movement and silliness, though, I think my favourite thing about this wonderful read-aloud is that it's a Jewish holiday book with genuine appeal for a broader audience.
Koffsky does a fabulous job with gentle, contextualisation and exposition for readers unfamiliar with the holiday, making it a fun introduction. So if you're looking for a fabulous storytime that includes a bit of cultural learning, this is your book!
July 9, 2025
This reimagined story of the Three Little Pigs mashed up with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot is spectacular in both story telling and illustration. There’s a terrific plot twist (spoiler: girl power!) And there’s the inclusion of the Jewish tradition of “ushpizin” (literally inclusion/inviting guests to your sukkah) which is just brilliant! I absolutely enjoyed this picture book by award winning author and illustrator Ann Diament Koffsky.
July 5, 2025
I love picture books that revisit well-known folk and fairy tales...and Koffsky's clever twist will encourage young story-lovers to embrace the concept of welcoming strangers. The illustrations are fabulous...and will keep readers engaged and excited to find out what comes next when the wolf joins the Sukkot celebration of the Three Little Sheep..
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August 7, 2025A clever and delightful fairy tale twist! Three little sheep build their sukkahs for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and end up inviting their menacing wolf to join in, making the ultimate sukkot gathering! A wonderfully fun and joyous story about inclusivity that honors the ancient sukkot tradition of welcoming guests. Illustrations are *so* charming and playful. A winner!!
August 31, 2025
Ann Koffsky's clever twist on The Three Little Pigs is adorable! When three little sheep each build a sukkah, we find that it's not so easy to make the perfect one. The lovely illustrations and snappy text will keep little ones and their grown-ups engaged while they learn a bit about the holiday of Sukkot and the importance of welcoming guests, even a not so bad wolf.
October 17, 2025
I love this imaginative Sukkot story! Ann Koffsky retells the story of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS with the three little sheep. Each one building their own unique Sukkah to celebrate the holiday. There's just one problem ... and one little twist that will have children wanting to read this story not only on Sukkot but all year long.
June 8, 2025
What a clever twist on the Three Little Pigs! This story is a great way to introduce kids to the holiday of Sukkot and the importance of welcoming everyone into our celebrations. The fun, colorful illustrations are sure to keep kids engaged, too.
June 21, 2025
This is such a clever take on the classic Three Little Pigs, adapted for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Young readers will learn about the holiday, and especially the tradition of welcoming strangers (even a wolf!) into the sukkah. It's a sweet tale about family, kindness, helping and more!
July 4, 2025
The big bad wolf has nothing on the adoraba-a-a-le sheep in Koffsky's fun retelling of the familiar folktale. Lively illustrations and sly humor make this inclusive story of family and forgiveness a delight.
August 28, 2025
This hilarious and heartwarming reboot of The Three Pigs will delight, and enlighten children about Sukkot. Ann Koffsky’s storytelling and art are perfectly rendered. Kids will love and happily join in.
July 4, 2025
So adorable! Combines the universality of the Three Pigs story with the particularity of celebrating Sukkot and its message of welcoming guests. The art is terrific.
July 4, 2025
The Three Little Sheep is a charming book with lively, funny illustrations - a great Sukkot addition to your Jewish holiday library.
July 6, 2025
Very cute.
July 7, 2025
This is a delightfully funny fractured fairy tale which shares the meaning and spirit of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. It belongs in libraries and homes everywhere.
August 7, 2025
What an adorable spin on a familiar tale. I can't wait to share this Sukkot story with my kids.
September 7, 2025
The Three Little Sheep is a wonderful twist on The Three Little Pigs that offers an alternative for keeping the wolf out. It's a sweet (and adorably illustrated) lesson for all of us to widen our tents and be more inclusive. Welcoming others in, readers learn, is an important part of Sukkot.
October 25, 2025
An adorable spin on the three little pigs, but with sheep building sukkahs! Brilliant and fun!
December 21, 2025
Adora-baa Sukkot Story
Ann Koffsky's delightful retelling of the of a classic, combines a fractured fairytale with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. If you have never heard of "The Three Little Sheep, just think about it. The three little pigs obviously needed to be replaced. The three sheep each build their own sukkah and the big, not so bad, wolf just wants in. But the first two buildings are too fragile and two small. Koffsky cleverly has the smarter sheep who builds a sturdy shack, also generous enough to make the sukkah roomy enough for guests. The story is illustrated with her trademark colorful illustrations. The faces are expressive, and the pages are full of interesting details. This book, aimed at little ones, teaches the concept of building a sukkah for Sukkot and the important concept of inviting everyone in. This is a perfect Sukkot story for Jewish preschoolers, but even kids from different backgrounds will love this story about inclusion and forgiveness.
Ann Koffsky's delightful retelling of the of a classic, combines a fractured fairytale with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. If you have never heard of "The Three Little Sheep, just think about it. The three little pigs obviously needed to be replaced. The three sheep each build their own sukkah and the big, not so bad, wolf just wants in. But the first two buildings are too fragile and two small. Koffsky cleverly has the smarter sheep who builds a sturdy shack, also generous enough to make the sukkah roomy enough for guests. The story is illustrated with her trademark colorful illustrations. The faces are expressive, and the pages are full of interesting details. This book, aimed at little ones, teaches the concept of building a sukkah for Sukkot and the important concept of inviting everyone in. This is a perfect Sukkot story for Jewish preschoolers, but even kids from different backgrounds will love this story about inclusion and forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews