This book had a story that was true to the classic tale, but I included it as a variation because of its illustrations. Specifically, the way that Goldilocks was drawn was very naturalistic, more so than any of the other depictions. I felt that when kids saw her they would be more inclined to imagine the situation as reality, and maybe even put themselves into her shoes more easily, which would give them a different feeling than if they were reading a more cartoonish version. ( )

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

I pretty much always adore Jan Brett's illustrated retold folktales, but her iteration of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is one of her strongest, in my opinion. Utilizing her trademark framed illustrations, each scene is packed full of information and imagery as we see the dual perspectives of the bears' and Goldilock's activities that are happening in two arenas of actions. The Goldilocks character is fine in a technical sense (she's lifelike, but a little flat), but the bear family are where Brett excells. She always illustrates animals really well, but this family of bears has such personality that we can clearly see each character come through in this small amount of pictures. We see the fur on Papa Bear become ruffled and messy as his anger rises at the invasion of his home, Mama Bear become flustered as her too-soft bed is slept in by a stranger, and Baby Bear's sadness is palpable as he gazes at his empty bowl and destroyed chair. I've never been a fan of the selfish and thieving Goldilocks, but Brett really shows the audience the error of her ways as we see the lovely cottage home of the bears destroyed. It's too bad that she doesn't finish the story with more bite, as Papa Bear is clearly more than a match for the silly little milkmaid. At least we're left knowing that the bears were never trouble by the little thief again! ( )

Each picture shows the effect of Goldilocks actions and how the bears react at the end. The illustrations captured my attention as they drew me in with their unique style. The author uses a mixture of fantasy, cartoon and reality to portray their message. It is a classic plot to support the overall theme of every action has a reaction.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a very interesting story about what is right or wrong in our everyday life. The author uses a great job of showing how ones actions may affect other people through illustrations. Each picture shows the effect of Goldilocks actions and how the bears react at the end. The illustrations captured my attention as they drew me in with their unique style. The author uses a mixture of fantasy, cartoon and reality to portray their message. It is a classic plot to support the overall theme of every action has a reaction. ( )