Perfect Picture Book Friday-Goldilocks and Just One Bear

Posted on by Penny Parker Klostermann

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.

33 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday-Goldilocks and Just One Bear”

  2. Pingback: Goldilocks and Just One Bear | The New York State Reading Association Youth Book Blog
  3. Pingback: Perfect Picture Book Friday-Boris and the Wrong Shadow | ~a penny and her jots~

    1. 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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  10. This book sounds great, Penny. I love fractured fairy tales, too. I love the voice in the opening lines.

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  11. 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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    1. 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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  16. 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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    1. 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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  17. 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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