Customer Reviews

Goldilocks and the Three Bears: A Tale Moderne

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I bought this book for a friend of mine who collects 50's Modern furnishings, as a housewarming gift and now I'm back for a copy of my own! It's a must have for anyone who loves Modern design and likes a new twist on tradition. The illustrations are fantastic and very hip. What a great way to turn a child (or adult for that matter) onto Modern design. A definate baby shower gift for me from now on.

This is Goldilocks like you've never seen it before. My sonand I BOTH adore this book -- he loves the crazy story, and I get akick out of the tres moderne illustrations. In fact, I must confess that I bought 2 copies -- 1 to read and 1 to cut up and use for artwork in my son's room. Enjoy!

Let's face it -- as a fairy tale, "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" is pretty flabby stuff. Not a whole heck of a lot happens except for a broken chair and an unmade bed, and while the repetitive, predictable nature of the tale may be "just right" for kids, it's somewhat less enthralling for adults. That's why Steven Guarnaccia's retelling of the old chestnut is so refreshing. His whimsical illustrations set the story in mid-1950's America, making Papa Bear a swingin' beatnik, while Mama wears capri-pants and hoop earrings and Baby comes complete with Davy Crockett coonskin cap.

Goldilocks has been updated as well into a preteen bobby-soxer, sporting a Patty McCormack "Bad Seed" hairdo, an excellent touch.

Guarnaccia's light, humorous tone is perfect for this slight cautionary tale. For those curious, the endpapers include a pictoral labelling of the designers and years of the various furnishings sprinkled throughout the illustrations -- everyone from Terence Conran to George Nelson is represented. This book is great fun for kids and adults alike.