Caralyn and Mark Buehner, the husband and wife author/illustrator team who produced the bestselling Snowmen at Night, as well as its many sequels, turn their attention to the classic English fairytale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in this colorful retelling. The narrative follows the traditional story for the most part, although Goldilocks herself is a jump-rope jumping, snappy rhyme-making little terror here, as she destroys Little Wee Bear's chair, eats all of his porridge, and falls asleep in his bed...

Although the Buehners' Goldilocks and the Three Bears isn't going to go on any best-of list, when it comes to fairytale picture books in general, or retellings of this tale in particular—my favorite in this regard is the version done by Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock—I think it could provide reading/listening entertainment for younger audiences who enjoy this sort of fare. The artwork is colorful and immediate, and the narrative engaging. For myself, I prefer a more traditional, less wise-cracking Goldilocks, but tastes vary, and this telling has its place. I would recommend it to picture book readers looking for a slightly more contemporary-feeling version of this oft-told tale. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grades 1-3

Goldilocks and the Three Bears" by Caralyn Buehner is the story is about a little girl who wanders into someone's home. While she was there, she tries their porridge, she sits in their chairs and then goes upstairs to sleep in their beds. When the bears return home, they quickly realize someone has been there. After walking around their house, they walk into the room to find Goldilocks asleep in their bed!

Typical retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears with the exception that Goldilocks loves to jump rope.
1 book

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Summary: "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" by Caralyn Buehner is the story is about a little girl who wanders into someone's home. While she was there, she tries their porridge, she sits in their chairs and then goes upstairs to sleep in their beds. When the bears return home, they quickly realize someone has been there. After walking around their house, they walk into the room to find Goldilocks asleep in their bed!

Personal reaction: I love this classic story, and the students always seem to love it as well.

Classroom extension ideas:
1.You can use this story to teach about different sizing like the differences of small, medium, and large.
2. have the students color 3 bears.