Customer Reviews

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a delightful retelling of the traditional tale, imaginative in its execution of both fleshed out text and mixed media illustrations. Child lets her reader know why Goldilocks is out in the woods by herself: she was sent to collect firewood when her mother got tired of her incessant curiosity. Like Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks is cautioned by her mother, "Do not stray from the path. Be back in time for breakfast, and whatever you do - make sure you look after your little red shoes." A beautiful doll outfitted in a pink polka dot dress, striped black and white socks, and red Mary Janes portrays Goldilocks, and three stuffed bears represent the bear family. The illustrations are photographs of charming miniature scenes staged with the authentic looking articles of cottage life: a spilt bin of apples, umbrellas, curtains decorated with red bear figures, a kitchen table made out of sticks and wood, little dishes, and candlesticks. Static expressions and movements of the characters are offset by the 3-D feel conveyed by the realistic looking settings. Readers will enjoy perusing the many details of each unique and dramatic scene.

My 3-1/2 year old loves this charmng retelling of the classic story. Both she and I are mesmerized by the photographs of a beautiful Goldilocks doll positioned in real forest scenes (with stuffed rabbits and bluebirds) as well as in an artfully-constructed log cottage with gingerbread detailing. The interior scenes of the bear's cottage is filled with a myriad of thoughtful details. It sparks the imagination: little buckets with mushrooms, matching curtains and pillow covers, papa bear's pipe by the hearth, beautifully carved furniture and shelves. The dolls' expressions are exquisite -- the Goldilocks doll wears an expression of innocence combined with a smidgeon of naughtiness, and the little bear doll is the essence of sweet vulnerability (he looks up with a tear in his eye when he discovers that someone has eaten all his porridge!). Plus I love Lauren Child's playful text which adds a more modern, humorous touch while staying true to the traditional storyline. She has added details and nuance to the story -- for example she adds a charming touch about Goldilocks' little red shoes, following the sound of buzzing bees that leads her to the bears' cottage, etc. These details are best suited to the inquisitive imaginations of children 3 years old and up. They certainly appeal to the adult reader! This is a true gem, exquisite in every detail. I hope she tackles the telling of other classics.

I happened to see this on Amazon and am SO glad I sent for it. I collect fairy tale books, but only the best in illustration and writing, and this one certainly fits in. The story has a lot of charming humor and the beautiful photographs (like the "Edith" books) are a delight. I will be looking for more by this author.

Very cute book. My daughter who was 4 at the time loved it. Very nice pictures and I loved the way the story was told.

Part of me was a little doubtful that this book would live up to all the praise - but, quite honestly, the book was "just right."

From the moment my sister handed me the book I instantly had to open it up and let my eyes wonder over the intriguing photographic illustrations. When I sat down later to read through the book I found that the story lived up to the visuals.

ILLUSTRATIONS
I love miniatures - I always have.
I love pictures - I always have.
To have them combined here and done so incredibly well was simply delightful!
The expressions of Golidlocks are perfect. The woods, the rooms, the decorations - it's truly a feast for the eyes and the imagination!
-The back matter gives you a glimpse into the amount of people it took to make all this happen. A vast array of artists who all deserve the thanks they received. And I was amazed to find that these "miniatures" were not nearly as tiny as I'd expected, but this gave me a different appreciation nonetheless!

STORY
This is the traditional Goldilocks story, but Lauren Child has such a wonderful way with words and such a sweet take on the tale. She's able to poke fun at the story, at Goldilocks, and at fairy tales in general, but she does it in a loving, respectful way. Plus, the text itself is neat, with tiny sized words and big sized words to emphasize their meaning, something that's sure to capture the interest of more visually focused readers.

I just loved this book and think it's probably one I would have loved reading again and again as a child! In fact, I kind of want to go read it again now :)

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! It is by FAR my favorite version of this classic.
If I wasn't a Lauren Child fan before (which I am!!!), I am now! LOVE this book!

My 3-year old grand daughter (now 4) loved this book so much we had to buy one. The story is familiar but this version is fun to read, written in a witty and tongue-in-cheek style that makes us both laugh out loud together. It is sassy, and fun, and we didn't really notice the teeth on Papa Bear. Plus, many children already know this story so well, they know that no harm will come to their mischievous, saucy little heroine! We thought Small Bear was just a bit wimpy, but he's just a baby!

Beautiful book, beautiful story, beautiful art! You'll love the seemingly "poetic" storytelling with whimsical photographs that make this fairytale seem so real! Children love the detailed pictures, and the text is written for easy and theatrical reading. The perfect storybook to be read-aloud right before little ones drift into their dreamland.

This retelling of the classic fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears is equally lovely and fascinating. My 4-year-old daughter and I enjoy reading through the book again and again together, and particularly enjoy pointing out cute things here and there ("Look at the tiny mushrooms!" or "What cute quilts"). The level of artistry and creativity required to create the images in the book is inspiring. This will definitely remain a classic on our shelf!


I also purchased The Princess and the Pea, which is equally as beautiful.

This book is written to be read out loud. The words are fun to read and it's a great spin on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. My daughter picked this book out at the library. She enjoys the story and pictures inside, it's definitely worth a read! A unique version of this story :)