From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-A modern retelling of the classic tale, with a country flavor. In this version narrated by country-singer Pam Tillis, familiar story elements are elaborated upon using folksy language, pleasant illustrations, and newfangled details, all with mixed results. The book's line-and-watercolor images are predictable and sunny, with amiable characters whose facial expressions mirror their moods. Yet, charming phrasing such as "Goldilocks landed flat as a fritter on her backside" is undermined by distracting additions to the text, as when Goldilocks goes into the Bears' house because she's "hoping to be an interior designer," or when Big Old Daddy Bear gets grumpy over someone "messing with the remote." Still, Tillis's warm demeanor complements the story on the accompanying CD, which also features abbreviated renditions of several country songs including "Achy Breaky Heart." While often enjoyable, both the book and the CD get bogged down with superfluous additions, resulting in a rendition that is a bit too long and too forced to be completely satisfying.
Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los AngelesCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Pam Tillis was named the 1994 Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year. Her run of success includes two consecutive platinum albums, one gold album, and nine Top Ten hits.
