Last week I fell completely, totally, helplessly in love…
with this book!
Goldilocks and Just One Bear
Written and Illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson
Publisher: Candlewick Press (Nosy Crow) 2012
Ages 4-8
Themes: Fractured Fairy Tale
Synopsis: (From Goodreads) In this award-winning authorillustrator’s witty sequel to the traditional Goldilocks story, Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders out of the woods and finds himself lost in the Big City. Will he find the city too noisy? Too quiet? Or just right? And what are the chances of him bumping in to someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge?
Opening: Once upon a time, there was this bear. One minute he was lolloping around, all happy-go-lucky…The next minute he hadn’t one crumb-of-a-clue where he was.He was one COMPLETELY lost bear. The bear didn’t much like this place. Too many bright lights and not enough twigs. Too much loud honking and beeping and not nearly enough owl hooting.
Want to have a look inside? You must!!! Go HERE to Nosy Crow and see the first few pages. The text and art are so adorable that you will run straight to the bookstore and buy this book!!!!
Resources: Writing activity for grades 3-8 is found HERE.
Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.
I found a fractured fairy tale book list HERE, but it isn’t completely updated because Goldilocks and Just One Bear isn’t one it. But it would be extremely helpful when covering fractured fairy tales with children.
Collage Goldilocks or Bear or Both-HERE on Leigh Hodgkinson’s blog. HERE are some excellent examples.
Why I Like This Book: Fractured fairy tales rank high on my list. This is done “just right.” I loved this new twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The humor will not be lost on kids or adults. The illustrations are a mixed-media, retro style and make the story just that much more fun! I read this book in a bookstore. It drew me to a chair where I sat and read it two more times and then hugged it…I’m not kidding! It’s quirky and charming and you will love the way Leigh Hodgkinson gives you a completely new happy ending.
Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.
I love that you hugged the book Penny! That’s just how I felt after reading. It’s cute, funny and I love the illustrations. 😀
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Isn’t it great, Meg? So huggable! Thanks for coming by!
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I love reading fractured fairy tales. This one sounds like a winner. To the library I go.
sandi
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I hope you enjoy it!!!
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What a great take on an old story, and thanks for letting us have a sneak peek too Penny! Thoroughly enjoyed your review.
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I loved finding the sneak peak! Fabulous was to get folks interested in a book. I found it on the Nosy Crow website.
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What a fun book! I love the idea of being with Little Bear after he is all grown up. Thanks for sharing!
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Your welcome. I hope you get to read it soon!
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I love fractured fairy tales too…what fun links! Thanks, Penny…
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Thanks for stopping by. The Read, Write, Think activity is a lot of fun!
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Have to get this book! (and make a fractured fairytale of my own!) Thanks for the link to the fairy tale tool!
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Erik, when I googled activities for fractured fairy tales, your blog had a link to the one for Read, Write, Think…so I borrowed it :•) thanks! I can’t remember what post you used it for.
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This looks hilarious, Penny! Fractured fairy tales are such fun…and thanks for the resource list…it looks great!
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Thanks for stopping by Vivian. Don’t ya just love PPBF?
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I sure do!!! I think it is one of the most wonderful resources on the web!!!!
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This book sounds great, Penny. I love fractured fairy tales, too. I love the voice in the opening lines.
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Hope you get a chance to read it soon. It ranks way up there as far as fractured fairy tales go, in my opinion.
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Okay, if you’re hugging the book I’m going to have to read it! 🙂 I also love fractured fairy tales – I love writing them too, but my agent says they don’t sell… and yet I see them all over the place… I guess I just don’t write them very well 🙂 Thanks for sharing this one – I’m glad to add it to our list! 🙂
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Don’t you sometimes wonder about what they say doesn’t sell? I think if it’s fabulous it’s going to sell.
As far as your writing…I’m always impressed! You have the knack :•)
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I love falling in love with new books. The humour and illustrations in this one sound so appealing.
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Yes, Joanna, the humor and illustrations are over-the-top appealing to me! Leigh Hodgkinson has a style that I’m drawn to.
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Must find a way to use the wonderful word ** lolloping** today!
Lovely review of a fabulous book!
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That’s exactly what I thought…awesome word ! And “crumb-of-a-clue” is so much fun, too.
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Sounds like a clever spin on one of our favorite classic tales. We’re headed for the library today. Can’t wait to see if it’ in.
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Oh…I hope it was there! It’s just delightful!
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That opening is a hoot! Love it Penny!
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Yes…and the whole book is just as charming :•)
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This book sounds like so much fun! I loved that we got to have a sneak peek at the first few pages. The names of the theatre and stores on the street are hilarious! Leigh Hodgkinson does indeed appear to have got this one “just right.” Thanks, Penny!
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I loved those names, too, Beth. When I first saw it, I just knew there would be a bookstore with a clever name…but maybe that would’ve been too cliché. Hope you get to read it soon.
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I can understand why you fell in love with this book — and your reaction in the store. 🙂 I love fractured fairy tales, and this sounds really delightful! Enjoyed your resources.
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My niece does fractured fairy tales with her students & they love writing them. It gives them a great chance to use their imagination & sense if humor!
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