  | Bear and the three Goldilocks Author: Horne, Patrick | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
The Goldilocks family leave their campsite to go on a hike while their s'mores cool off ... when along comes Bear who eats them all. Bear continues to wreak havoc and when the Goldilocks return, they are flabbergasted. Then Mama and Papa bear show up in this funny fractured folktale.
| Illustrator: | Yaccarino, Dan |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (+) (07/25/25)
Booklist (00/07/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 04/07/2025 Poetic justice finally comes to three long-suffering bears of fairy tale fame. Here, Goldilocks is the pluralized surname of a family of flaxen-haired campers-Mr. Goldilock, Mrs. Goldilock, and young Goldie Goldilock. With cheery efficiency, the trio set up three tents, tune three instruments for campfire songs, and prepare three s’mores, then head out to hike. Enter Bear, who turns the story’s age-old sampling spree on its head: finding the first s’more "too gooey," the second "too chocolaty," and the third "just right," Bear devours all three, "and basically all the food-related items because, well... that’s how bears roll." Deadpan prose from debut author Horne is a deliciously mischievous match for flat colors and crisp graphic shapes from Yaccarino (City Under the City). When the family returns and finds their food gone, their instruments destroyed, and Bear napping in a tent, their scare tactics summon his ursine parents, who not only apologize but even welcome the humans to drop by and "have some porridge, sit in some chairs, and sleep in our cozy beds." But it’s all growls to the Goldilocks, who quickly flee-leaving the bears to roll with a long-deferred victory and a conspiratorial wink to readers. Human skin tones echo the white of the page. Ages 4-8. (July) - Copyright 2025
School Library Journal - 07/25/2025 PreS-Gr 2—This book is a delightful, creative twist on the classic fairy tale. Roles are reversed as readers follow the story of a gentle bear who stumbles into the home of not one, but three Goldilocks! The clever narrative flips expectations and brings fresh humor and heart to a timeless tale. Bear, looking for shelter and a snack, enters a cozy cottage and encounters the three sisters. The youngest is curious, the middle is practical, and the oldest is protective. Chaos and giggles ensue as the bear navigates porridge temperatures, broken chairs, and nap time. Understanding and friendship bloom in this warm story that teaches empathy and the value of seeing things from another's perspective. The illustrations are rich with whimsical detail. The Goldilocks sisters have distinct hairstyles, expressions, and outfits in complementary tones of mustard, rose, and sky blue. Bear has emotional eyes and wonderful expressions. VERDICT A magical, innovative retelling with heart and humor, this book is a visually rich twist on a familiar tale. The details are perfect for story time with expressive characters to captivate readers.—Susan McClellan - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
