This is a version of Goldilocks that is sure to make readers think. The story of Goldilocks is told opposite that of the Bear family. Goldilocks comes from a rough part of town, complete with broken windows and graffiti. After chasing a balloon that gets away, she finds herself in front of the Bears’ home. It’s a pretty yellow home, obviously comfortably middle class. The Bears have headed out for a walk in the neighboring park, chatting about work, the home and the car. When they return, they find that their house has been disturbed. From here the story continues in the traditional way. Goldilocks flees the house, finding her way home to the arms of her mother. This is a Goldilocks tale that will have readers thinking.
Browne has created a book that emphasizes the differences between Goldilocks and the Bears. The Goldilocks story is told in wordless format with a very realistic feel and muted colors. In many of the images the only bright color is Goldilocks’ hair. Contrasted with that are the images of the Bears. Shown in pastels done in a much softer line, the images are comfortable and bright. But readers’ eyes are sure to wander back to the darker side of the page and Goldilocks.
Is Goldilocks the villain that has been portrayed in the past? Is she a greedy little girl who wants the items of some poor bears? Not here. Here Goldilocks may be homeless, is definitely in need of warmth, and is lost. This book turns the tale on its head, creating a heroine out of a lost girl and questioning the motives of the comfortable bears.
This is an important look at a fairy tale that asks modern questions. I’d recommend using it with other versions of the same story and saving this one for last. It is certainly a book that will have young listeners talking. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Reviewed from copy received from Farrar Straus & Giroux.
Waking Brain Cells 