Somebody and the Three Blairs [School & Library Binding]

Marilyn Tolhurst (Author), Simone Abel (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1994 | Age Level: 4 and up

"These collaborators offer a vivacious version of the classic tale. . . . The up-to-date details will provoke chuckles, as when Somebody holds a flexible shower nozzle over his head and realizes, 'This rain is too hot.' This book, however, is just right."--Publishers Weekly.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The three Blairs--humans all--go for a walk, and Somebody--looking mighty like a bear--makes himself right at home in their cozy domicile. In their picture book debut, these collaborators offer a vivacious version of the classic tale. The book's crisp, deceptively simple design features a pleasing symmetry (much of the cheery artwork is arranged in threes on the verso pages) and ample white space. The pink-cheeked Blairs seem delightfully average, with the possible exception of Baby Blair, who has an endearing way of getting to the heart of things. Planning their outing, Baby exclaims, "Feeda ducks"; surveying the post-bruin mess, the wise toddler cries, "Naughty!" (He is the first, in fact, to spot the sleeping intruder: "Issa big teddy bear.") The up-to-date details will provoke chuckles, as when Somebody holds a flexible shower nozzle over his head and realizes, "This rain is too hot." This book, however, is just right. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- In this satirical send-up of the Goldilocks tale, Somebody is a bear who rampages through the Blair family's house while they are out. Somebody raids the pantry, slightly twisting the usual rejections of the food: "too dry, too noisy, just right." The hand-held shower is too hot, the toilet is a pond that is too small, but the stream of water at the sink is just right. Somebody devastates the house far worse than Goldilocks ever did, and falls asleep in Baby Blair's crib. He escapes down the drainpipe when the Blairs return, but Baby Blair invites him back to play. Abel's paste cartoons are jolly, with red-cheeked Blairs and a cuddly Somebody. Figures are laid against large white backgrounds with additional details present only occasionally. This uncluttered look is effective, lending emphasis to the ritual plot elements. Children who have overdosed on Goldilocks will love this version. Brinton Turkle's Deep in the Forest (Dutton, 1976) is a straightforward retelling of the story with the role reversal the only differing component. Tolhurst's version is a bit more sophisticated with its urban setting, and Abel adds a sly touch of humor in the worried expressions on the faces of Mr. and Mrs. Blair while Baby enters fully into the enjoyment of mess, damage, and naughtiness. So will readers, who will also appreciate the uncommon stimulation of literary allusion. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• School & Library Binding
• Publisher: Rebound by Sagebrush (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785753931
• ISBN-13: 978-0785753933
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,441,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute and funny, January 4, 2004

By 

casey87 "casey87" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Somebody And The Three Blairs (Orchard Paperbacks) (Paperback)

Even though I'm a teenager, I've loved this book since I first read it. It is an adorable and very funny retelling of The Three Little Bears, and, in my opinion, it's better than the original! It's a simple book for most kids to read, and they will be sure to enjoy it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Cute, February 18, 2002

By 

Susan R. Reichhardt (Spring, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Somebody And The Three Blairs (Orchard Paperbacks) (Paperback)

I read this book to my daughter's 2nd grade class. They loved it. I had to read it to them twice. They really got a kick out Baby Blair. And quite honestly, I loved it just as much. So, now I'm ordering it so I can add it to our family library and read it to my 15 month old. This will definitely become one of our favorite bedtime books.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very entertaining, delightful version of Goldilocks., June 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Somebody And The Three Blairs (Orchard Paperbacks) (Paperback)

This book was a delightful treat to read. It's whimsical, and fun. The Three Blairs take the place of the Three Bears, and it's easy for a child to relate to the family. Somebody has a great name, for we all blame somebody for the mishaps in our homes. This is such a well written, perfectly illustrated book. I say Hurrah. I thouroughly enjoyed it, as did my two year old!