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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Goldilocks, written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2009. $19.99 ages 4 and up


"Goldilocks loved to pick blueberries. That morning, she wandered from bush to bush, and before she knew it, she was standing in front of a cottage she had never seen before.

She wondered who lived there and knocked on the door. When no one answered, Goldilocks forgot her manners and walked right in!"

I have told you in previous posts about my penchant for new versions of the old tales. They are such a part of my reading history. When I was teaching grade two I loved sharing them with my students and letting them try their hand at helping rewrite familiar stories. In this new version of Goldilocks, there are a few surprises.

The premise is the same...a morning walk while the porridge cools, an uninvited guest, the discovery of the inconsiderate and destructive journey through the house, and finally, the anxiety of finding a sleeping young miss.

Goldilocks has been picking blueberries when she wanders near a cottage she has not noticed on earlier forest forays. When the Bear family finds her sleeping in Baby's bed, they alarm her but they do not chase her away. Baby Bear is not too concerned. He would like to keep her. While he plays with his blocks, Goldilocks makes the bed, and then helps Mama make a new seat for the chair she broke. Baby remains distraught - he's hungry and his porridge is gone! Goldilocks also has an idea to help with that little problem. Soon, everyone is enjoying tea and blueberry muffins.

We are left with a new ending to a very old story. Some people don't like it when traditional lore is messed with, but kids love a new twist. So, read this to your children or your students, if you will. Then, try Papa's Blueberry Muffins. They are mmm! mmm! good.

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