cover image Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Jan Brett. Putnam Publishing Group, $13.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-396-08925-4

Brett's beautifully executed retelling of this classic story is distinguished by the use of luxuriant color and a wealth of visual detail. Her bears are attired in festive Bavarian garb; they live in a magnificent thatched rock-and-wood structure that leans against a tree; and their household furnishings are lavish and intricatea candle-holder in the likeness of an owl, an acorn-patterned rug, several carved wooden bears adorning the head- and footboards of Papa Bear's bed. The one overly precious touch is the continued reference to the baby bear as a ""a little, small, wee bear.'' The rest of this is sumptuous and endlessly engrossing; with such a display before them, readers will hardly blame Goldilocks for her lack of restraint. Ages 3-8. (October)