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Goldilocks and the Three Bears
The dynamic team who created the best-selling Gingerbread Man and The Tale of Tricky Fox is back with the beloved classic about a curious little girl who can't quite remember to do what she's told...
"Once upon a time, there lived a little girl named Goldilocks, who was very, very good, except that sometimes she forgot to do things that her mother told her to do. Yes she did... "
But worse is when she forget's not to do what she is told not to do. For sometimes that can lead to much more serious trouble....like what happened the day of this story. McClintock's art, that is reminscent of 19th Century children's book art, perfectly compliments Aylesworth's playful, original, and very involving rendition of the classic Three Bears story.
"Once upon a time, there lived a little girl named Goldilocks, who was very, very good, except that sometimes she forgot to do things that her mother told her to do. Yes she did... "
But worse is when she forget's not to do what she is told not to do. For sometimes that can lead to much more serious trouble....like what happened the day of this story. McClintock's art, that is reminscent of 19th Century children's book art, perfectly compliments Aylesworth's playful, original, and very involving rendition of the classic Three Bears story.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2003
About the author
Jim Aylesworth
48 books30 followersJim Aylesworth was born in Jacksonville, Florida but as an infant moved from the state. He lived in many places during his childhood: Alabama, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas... but by the time Aylesworth was 15 his family had settled in Hinsdale, Illinois and that is where he graduated from high school in 1961.
In 1965, he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a B.A. in English. He returned to Hinsdale and began a career as a stockbroker. By 1970, however, Aylesworth was thinking about what he really wanted to do. After a series of assignments as a substitute teacher, Aylesworth ended up in a primary classroom. He began teaching first grade students in Oak Park, Illinois in 1971 and entered Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, to earn a graduate degree in elementary education -- a goal he reached in 1978.
But it was his work with children that brought him the most reward. It was Aylesworth's experiences as a teacher that eventually led him to writing children's books.
In 1965, he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a B.A. in English. He returned to Hinsdale and began a career as a stockbroker. By 1970, however, Aylesworth was thinking about what he really wanted to do. After a series of assignments as a substitute teacher, Aylesworth ended up in a primary classroom. He began teaching first grade students in Oak Park, Illinois in 1971 and entered Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, to earn a graduate degree in elementary education -- a goal he reached in 1978.
But it was his work with children that brought him the most reward. It was Aylesworth's experiences as a teacher that eventually led him to writing children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 9, 2019
After recently reading Ruth Sanderson's
Goldilocks
, which was a little too sweet for me, as well as Lauren Child's
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
, which I thought quite good, despite the fact that its doll-centered illustrations were not really to my taste, I'm delighted to have found this edition, retold by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by the marvelous Barbara McClintock. As Goldilocks herself would have it, it was "just right!"
With an engaging text that just begs to be read aloud - "Yes she did," declares the narrator on more than one occasion, or "No indeed, she didn't!" - and immensely appealing watercolor, ink and gouache illustrations, this Goldilocks is a winner. McClintock is particularly successful at depicting the emotional reactions of her characters, whether human or ursine, and young readers will identify with the bears' surprise on arriving home to find their house in disarray, as well as Goldilocks' dismay and terror, when she wakes up to find herself confronting the owners of the house she had been exploring. Humorous and entertaining, this edition is sure to please fairy-tale lovers young and old!
With an engaging text that just begs to be read aloud - "Yes she did," declares the narrator on more than one occasion, or "No indeed, she didn't!" - and immensely appealing watercolor, ink and gouache illustrations, this Goldilocks is a winner. McClintock is particularly successful at depicting the emotional reactions of her characters, whether human or ursine, and young readers will identify with the bears' surprise on arriving home to find their house in disarray, as well as Goldilocks' dismay and terror, when she wakes up to find herself confronting the owners of the house she had been exploring. Humorous and entertaining, this edition is sure to please fairy-tale lovers young and old!
April 6, 2020
Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by Barbara McClintock is a retelling of a classic folktale. Aylesworth sticks to the traditional tale, but adds in his personal writing style. McClintock’s art also sticks to a traditional style, but she adds in humorous expressions, especially on Goldilocks face. The pair have many other works.
In this retelling, the focus is more on Goldilocks than the three bears. We are introduced to Goldilocks right away with her thick blonde curls, pink cheeks, pink dress, and untied shoes. Her mother warns her not to go into the woods because bears live there, but she ends up doing exactly that. She sees a butterfly and follows it right into the woods. Goldilocks comes across a cabin and enters. She finds three bowls of porridge, the first big bowl is too hot, the second medium bowl is too cold,the small bowl is just right, and she eats it all up. Next she goes into the parlor and finds three chairs. The first big chair is too hard, the second chair is too soft, and the small chair is just right, but as she leans back it breaks. Even that does not stop her curiosity, she continues exploring and heads up the stairs where she finds a room with three beds. The first big bed is too hard, the second bed is too soft, and the smallest bed is just right, so right that she falls asleep. While asleep the Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear get home and see that someone has been there. They begin looking around and… let’s just say that Goldilocks will listen to her mother next time.
Although there are many other versions out there, in various styles, I would still recommend this book. It would be great for children ages 5 -7, but parents could read it to younger children as well. It has descriptive images that enhance the text of the story, providing visuals for children. It also has a lesson that most parents would appreciate, which is to listen to your parents.
In this retelling, the focus is more on Goldilocks than the three bears. We are introduced to Goldilocks right away with her thick blonde curls, pink cheeks, pink dress, and untied shoes. Her mother warns her not to go into the woods because bears live there, but she ends up doing exactly that. She sees a butterfly and follows it right into the woods. Goldilocks comes across a cabin and enters. She finds three bowls of porridge, the first big bowl is too hot, the second medium bowl is too cold,the small bowl is just right, and she eats it all up. Next she goes into the parlor and finds three chairs. The first big chair is too hard, the second chair is too soft, and the small chair is just right, but as she leans back it breaks. Even that does not stop her curiosity, she continues exploring and heads up the stairs where she finds a room with three beds. The first big bed is too hard, the second bed is too soft, and the smallest bed is just right, so right that she falls asleep. While asleep the Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear get home and see that someone has been there. They begin looking around and… let’s just say that Goldilocks will listen to her mother next time.
Although there are many other versions out there, in various styles, I would still recommend this book. It would be great for children ages 5 -7, but parents could read it to younger children as well. It has descriptive images that enhance the text of the story, providing visuals for children. It also has a lesson that most parents would appreciate, which is to listen to your parents.
November 27, 2017
A little girl named Goldilocks goes for a walk in the forest and finds a house. She doesn't see anyone home so she enters and finds to her delight three bowls of porridge. The first one she tastes is too hot, the next bowl is too cold, but the third one is just right. So she eats up all the poorage. Goldilocks then walks around the house and repeats the pattern with chairs and beds in which she falls asleep.
Meanwhile the owners come home who happen to be three bears, Papa, Mama and little baby bear. Much to their surprise they discover that someone has touched their porridge and baby bear's is all gone. They notice that someone was in their chairs and baby bears is broken and finally they check their rooms and notice their beds where messed up and Goldilocks is asleep in baby bear's. Goldilocks wakes with a fright when she sees and hears the bears; she jumps from the bed and runs away as fast as she can back into the forest.
Goldilocks didn't have any regard for other people stuff and kept trying things until they were just right for her. Goldilocks is a good story about two principles, on is trespassing and not caring about other peoples stuff, the other is a sense of entitlement to what does not belong to her. She gets away unharmed and scared, but does she learn her lesson.
Meanwhile the owners come home who happen to be three bears, Papa, Mama and little baby bear. Much to their surprise they discover that someone has touched their porridge and baby bear's is all gone. They notice that someone was in their chairs and baby bears is broken and finally they check their rooms and notice their beds where messed up and Goldilocks is asleep in baby bear's. Goldilocks wakes with a fright when she sees and hears the bears; she jumps from the bed and runs away as fast as she can back into the forest.
Goldilocks didn't have any regard for other people stuff and kept trying things until they were just right for her. Goldilocks is a good story about two principles, on is trespassing and not caring about other peoples stuff, the other is a sense of entitlement to what does not belong to her. She gets away unharmed and scared, but does she learn her lesson.
February 23, 2018
The story starts right away with detailing how a little girl named, Goldilocks, can often be forgetful in doing things that her mother tells her to do. One day, the curious Goldilocks finds herself following a pretty butterfly and bird into the woods where her mother told her to not venture into. There she finds a cute house where a family of bears live and she tries each one of the bears things from porridge to beds until she finds the one that is just right for her. The bears come home in shock to find that someone has been around their stuff and even find Goldilocks on one of their beds. Goldilocks then wakes up, runs home, and promises to always listen to her mother.
Themes present in Goldilocks and the Three Bears are to be respectful of others property, listen to your parents, and to not talk to strangers.
I felt that this book would be great to read aloud in a classroom as it will draw the kids in knowing that Goldilocks is about to be surprised by the three bears! The illustrations were very good too and drew me into the text.
I recommend this book as it serves as a valuable lesson for children to really respect other people's property and how it makes you consider the impact of your own actions and what can happen as a result of them. I also recommend as Barbara McClintock illustrated great pictures!
Themes present in Goldilocks and the Three Bears are to be respectful of others property, listen to your parents, and to not talk to strangers.
I felt that this book would be great to read aloud in a classroom as it will draw the kids in knowing that Goldilocks is about to be surprised by the three bears! The illustrations were very good too and drew me into the text.
I recommend this book as it serves as a valuable lesson for children to really respect other people's property and how it makes you consider the impact of your own actions and what can happen as a result of them. I also recommend as Barbara McClintock illustrated great pictures!
November 29, 2017
Grade level: Preschool- Second grade
Awards: Booklinks's list of "Lasting Connections of 2003"
Summary: Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jim Aylesworth is a story about a little girl named Goldilocks who disobeys her mothers orders. She travels to the bear's house and sits in Papa, Mama, and Baby bear's chairs. She ultimately chooses Baby bears chair, then she tastes each bowl of porridge and eats Baby bears bowl. She then gets sleepy and tries out all the beds; she falls asleep in Baby bears bed and gets woken up when the bears return home. She is startled and runs all the way home to her mother. She promises her mother that she is never disobey her again.
Review: I remember being read this story when I was younger. It is a wonderful folktale that teaches obedience and listening. This tale will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. I would highly recommend reading this story to young children especially as a bedtime story. The illustrations are bright and colorful and would grab the attention of any child.
Classroom uses: This book can be used in the classroom to teach students about rules and how to follow them, they could create an alternate ending to the story, or even rewrite the story using different characters.
Awards: Booklinks's list of "Lasting Connections of 2003"
Summary: Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jim Aylesworth is a story about a little girl named Goldilocks who disobeys her mothers orders. She travels to the bear's house and sits in Papa, Mama, and Baby bear's chairs. She ultimately chooses Baby bears chair, then she tastes each bowl of porridge and eats Baby bears bowl. She then gets sleepy and tries out all the beds; she falls asleep in Baby bears bed and gets woken up when the bears return home. She is startled and runs all the way home to her mother. She promises her mother that she is never disobey her again.
Review: I remember being read this story when I was younger. It is a wonderful folktale that teaches obedience and listening. This tale will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. I would highly recommend reading this story to young children especially as a bedtime story. The illustrations are bright and colorful and would grab the attention of any child.
Classroom uses: This book can be used in the classroom to teach students about rules and how to follow them, they could create an alternate ending to the story, or even rewrite the story using different characters.
December 12, 2017
This is my most favorite version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The story starts at Goldilocks' bedroom reading and having afternoon tea with her dolls. Described as a little girl who often forgets her mother's advice. But unlike the other versions, Goldilocks isn't depicted as a naughty girl as to be disliked by others. She invaded the Bears' house due to bad memory and curiosity, but not out of ill intention. When the Bears discover the damage to the furniture, their reactions are more like surprising than furious. They check their bedroom with cation, not anger. When they find Goldilocks in bed, they look at her with curiosity. (This is the only version which shows both the Bears and the Goldilocks on the surface page) The story ends in Goldilocks' house, echoing with the beginning. Goldilocks jumps out of door instead of the window (very thoughtful). She is hugged by her mom(I believe the Bear family forgives her at once); her memory improves too. Due to Jim's 25 years' teaching experiences, he retells the old story with perfect rhythm which is easy for children to read it loudly. Another worth noticing detail is that Jim has dedicated this book to Robert Southey who was the first person in telling this story, although in his story Goldilocks is an old woman.
November 18, 2018
* I read the Childcraft version.
Reading Level: 3.8
Guided Reading Level: 3.1
This story is about Goldilocks and her encounter with a bear family. Goldilocks stumbles upon an empty house and tries out the food, chairs, and bed. The bears return home to find Goldilocks, who immediately runs away.
This story is a piece of traditional literature because it is often read to young learners who are intrigued with the surprise interaction between a human and bears.
Writing Trait:
Presentation- The author and illustrator incorporated a good sense of presentation. The story includes three pictures that help young readers imagine what is going on throughout the story. The author also used great text features when writing the quotes from the father bear (capital letters), mother bear (shrunken capital letters), and the little bear (lowercase italicized letters). The use of this text feature helps incorporate expression when reading the characters' quotes.
Classroom Integration:
This text can be used in a unit on text importance (a Kindergarten reading standard). This book would be a perfect mentor text for students to use to grasp the meaning of text importance. Students can analyze the differences in fonts used for each of the characters, reasons why the author may have integrated these text features, and why each font fits the characters well.
Reading Level: 3.8
Guided Reading Level: 3.1
This story is about Goldilocks and her encounter with a bear family. Goldilocks stumbles upon an empty house and tries out the food, chairs, and bed. The bears return home to find Goldilocks, who immediately runs away.
This story is a piece of traditional literature because it is often read to young learners who are intrigued with the surprise interaction between a human and bears.
Writing Trait:
Presentation- The author and illustrator incorporated a good sense of presentation. The story includes three pictures that help young readers imagine what is going on throughout the story. The author also used great text features when writing the quotes from the father bear (capital letters), mother bear (shrunken capital letters), and the little bear (lowercase italicized letters). The use of this text feature helps incorporate expression when reading the characters' quotes.
Classroom Integration:
This text can be used in a unit on text importance (a Kindergarten reading standard). This book would be a perfect mentor text for students to use to grasp the meaning of text importance. Students can analyze the differences in fonts used for each of the characters, reasons why the author may have integrated these text features, and why each font fits the characters well.
December 14, 2018
1. No awards
2. Appropriate Grade Level(s): Preschool-2nd Grade
3. Goldilocks loves to disobey her mother's rules. One day she enters the Bear's home after she was told not to. She decides to sit in all of the chairs in the house. She finds that Baby Bear's chair is most comfortable. She then tries each bowl of porridge and once again, finds herself eating Baby Bear's. Lastly, she tries out the beds and finds that Baby Bear's bed is where she wants to sleep. She is awaken by the bears and frightening leaves the house immediately. She runs home to her mother and promises never to disobey her again.
4. This book will definitely teach children lessons about what could happen if they lie. It is such an easy story to comprehend. The illustrations are amazing and pop out to gain the reader's attention.
5.-Make a classroom rule list
-Talk about the major events
-Talk about why lying is bad and the repercussions it has
2. Appropriate Grade Level(s): Preschool-2nd Grade
3. Goldilocks loves to disobey her mother's rules. One day she enters the Bear's home after she was told not to. She decides to sit in all of the chairs in the house. She finds that Baby Bear's chair is most comfortable. She then tries each bowl of porridge and once again, finds herself eating Baby Bear's. Lastly, she tries out the beds and finds that Baby Bear's bed is where she wants to sleep. She is awaken by the bears and frightening leaves the house immediately. She runs home to her mother and promises never to disobey her again.
4. This book will definitely teach children lessons about what could happen if they lie. It is such an easy story to comprehend. The illustrations are amazing and pop out to gain the reader's attention.
5.-Make a classroom rule list
-Talk about the major events
-Talk about why lying is bad and the repercussions it has
February 27, 2018
Goldilocks and the three bears is a children's book written about a girl named Goldilocks. Goldilocks is on a walk in the forest one day when she comes across a house, in which she decides to enter. Upon entering Goldilocks finds three bowls of porridge. She decides to eat all three bowls. After eating the porridge she finds the bedroom of three bears and decides to take a nap. Waking up from her name she finds the three bears sitting at the end of the bed and screams. After screaming she runs of the house. This was one of my favorite stories to read as a kid. I remember reading this book over and over and never getting tired of it. The story includes full pages of colorful pictures that are almost cartoon like. The story also contains easy vocabulary and many repetitive words throughout. The author did a really good job writing this book while keeping in mind the audience.
December 11, 2023
"Goldilocks and the Three Bears" by Jim Aylesworth is a retelling of the classic folktale where Goldilocks ends up in the home of the three bears. She tries out three bowls of porridge, three chairs, and three beds before finding one of each that fits her. This book is intended for ages 4-8. It also received a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. I rated this book 3 stars only because there wasn’t anything that stood out to me. Since it is a retelling of a classic, I feel like there wasn’t any room to modify or make it different. The language is straightforward, which makes it great for younger readers. The illustrations by Barbara McClintock, are whimsical and provide great support for the story. The color palette is neutral. This book definitely appeals to young readers because it has been for years. I would use this book in a classroom setting to improve literacy skills.
May 6, 2019
Awards: Booklinks's list of "Lasting Connections of 2003"
Summary: Goldilocks was warned not to go to into the bears home by her mother. Disobeying her mother Goldilocks wanders into the bears home, eats their porridge and sleeps in their beds! Goldilocks wakes up to three angry bears and makes a run for it! Next time she will listen to her mother!
Review: A timeless children's story with a message! Funny with a lesson this book is perfect to use in the classroom or as a parent!
Age: Kindergarten to Second Grade
Uses in class: Classroom Rules/ Discussions
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November 10, 2020Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jim Aylesworth has not won any awards.
This book is suitable for K-2nd grade.
This book is a classic tale about a young girl named Goldilocks. She is a good girl but doesn't always listen. She finds a house where the three bears live. She goes through their belongings and personal items.
This book is a wonderful classic fairy tale. The pictures and language are fun and pretty.
This book would be great when teaching about fairytales. The students could create their own fairytales after reading this.
This book is suitable for K-2nd grade.
This book is a classic tale about a young girl named Goldilocks. She is a good girl but doesn't always listen. She finds a house where the three bears live. She goes through their belongings and personal items.
This book is a wonderful classic fairy tale. The pictures and language are fun and pretty.
This book would be great when teaching about fairytales. The students could create their own fairytales after reading this.
February 18, 2021
One of my favorite children's books and stories growing up. I always loved listening to my mom read me this version of the book and reading it now as an adult brings back so many memories. this book is about a little girl who never wants to listen to her mother, so what did she do, not listen to her mother and went inside this little house that was not hers. she sat in all of the bear's chairs, ate their food, and accidentally fell asleep and got woken up by the bears. This book can be good for kids who are not really good listeners, maybe it will teach them a lesson.
November 24, 2019
Goldilocks gets sent to run an errand but to stay away from the forest. Goldilocks disobeys and finds herself in the house of three brown bears where she takes advantage of the food, chairs, and beds. Goldilocks falls asleep in the little bear's bed and the three bears end up entering their home to realize that someone has been in their house. The bears were in for a surprise when they see their food is gone, their chairs have been used, and their beds too.
June 21, 2017
Describes each thing as Goldilocks finds it in the bears' house as "curious." It has a good ending - the girl comes home and hugs mom and will never forget to do what her mom told her in the future as a result of her experience. I like that it shows the girl learned her lesson well. Highly recommended for Grades 1-3.
January 3, 2018
I have used this book with 15 individuals from a Year 2 class (aged 7) to develop their comprehension skills. Due to the continuous pattern within the story many of the children were able to complete the task rather easily. Personally I would use this tale with younger children and plan for cross-curricular learning, for example Maths, English, Art and Music.
April 5, 2018
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is such a classic, traditional, tale. I believe all kids should read this book, and other traditional tales because they are such classic stories. This book also has a deep message of not trespassing or taking things that are not yours. This is an important lesson for all ages to learn.
October 25, 2019
This book gives a slight twist on a classic tale. Aylesworth gives the reader some background on why Goldilocks ends up at the Bears' home- she doesn't know how to listen to her mother! With some funny additives from the author, this book would be better suited for other children who can understand the slight humor.
October 7, 2018
One of my favorite classic books. This book is a great children's book because of the stories values. This story teaches you that one you need to keep your door locked all the time or someone may break in.. etc. The story line is easy for elementary students to understand. Great book.
October 15, 2018
Traditional lit- Goldilocks finds a place to go inand sleep. First she see pordiage so she eats it, she then rocks in a chair and breaks it, then she sleeps in a bed. The bears come home and she scrambles. The bears see that someone has been in their house.
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June 2, 2019This story is a classic that it is still so relevant today. " A girl who sometimes is forgetful… " I will recommend this tale for any age group 4 and up. It teaches that sometimes when you choose to not obey or "forget" the rules bad things can happen. Beautiful illustrations.
October 6, 2020
Many versions of this captivating tale have been written and illustrated: I have read a few for sure throughout my life as mother and grandmother. I must say Jim Aylesworth’s creation and interpretation will delight all ages! The illustration are lovely as well!
November 16, 2020
I have always loved the classic story of Goldilocks and the three bears. The story shows a young girl going into a Family of bears house, and trying out all of their things. This book is great for teaching children about figuring out what works best for them.
November 13, 2022
This is a retelling of the classic and I enjoyed reading this tale. The illustrations in the book are beautiful and very detailed down to the wrinkles in the clothes. I have always enjoyed the tale of Goldilocks and I enjoyed taking in the pictures of this book as well.
November 16, 2022
This is one of the original versions of Goldilocks, and I loved hearing the original storyline. I think this is a classic folk-tale/table that might be important to have within the classroom. This book is another one of the classics.
June 26, 2017
This book is about a Goldilocks going into the bear's home and invading their space.
I rated this book 5/5 because it is a classic that can be read over and over again, it never gets outdated.
I rated this book 5/5 because it is a classic that can be read over and over again, it never gets outdated.
March 22, 2018
The traditional story about intrude Goldilocks and other three bears.....
April 9, 2018
curricular connections: enjoyable, sweet, classic
July 16, 2018
This was nothing special, but it was done well. If you're looking for a good edition of this story-- without any changes or twists-- this one would work very well.
October 1, 2018
Genre: Traditional Literature
Age Group: K-5
Unique Feature: It's a great book for a read aloud! We used this book for our "just right" books.
Age Group: K-5
Unique Feature: It's a great book for a read aloud! We used this book for our "just right" books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews