“Goldilocks and the Three Bears,”
a retelling by Lorinda Bryan Cauley.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1981, 32 pages, K-2.
Classic children’s stories appeal to many people of all ages across time. The reason for this is that these stories tell us something that is important about life. Some of these stories, such as “The Tortoise and the Hare,” are based on moral principles. In this case, don’t be lazy and keep on trying until you reach your goal.
Other stories are simply enjoyable to read while containing a life lesson. One of the most famous folk tales of this type is “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” This story, in its most popular form was written by the British Poet Laureate, Robert Southey (1774-1843). A number of editions of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” precede Southey’s acclaimed and loved rendition. In some of these earlier stories, Goldilocks is not the sweet little girl sleeping in the Three Bears’ house. Nonetheless, Southey’s retelling of the fable is the one universally loved today.
Since the story is so well known, I will not recount it in any detail. Cauley’s retelling of the story is endearing and her drawings of the characters in the tale are charming. We see the impetuous Goldilocks disobeying her mother and all of the difficulties this gets her into. Baby Bear’s lament when he returns from the walk and finds his bowl of porridge empty is humorous. Goldilocks’ escape, after she is found sleeping, shows the consequences of bad decisions.
One of the enduring lessons of this folktale is the importance of the number three. There are three bears, three bowls of porridge, three chairs and three beds. In each case, the first choice is bad because it is either too hot or too hard. The second choice is also a problem because it is too soft or too cold. The final choice, neither too hot nor too soft, is the right decision to make. The moral to be learned is that we should make balanced, moderate choices. The middle way is the best path to choose.
Cauley’s pictures of the Three Bears and Goldilocks are delightful. You have to feel for Baby Bear, since he now has no breakfast and his chair lies broken on the floor. As Goldilocks flees from the Three Bears’ house, we can see her frightened face. The reader is left wondering if she has learned the lesson about disobeying her mother. Cauley’s final picture of Goldilocks’ mother scolding the girl and then comforting the child is a fitting ending to a life lesson learned.
I encourage you to go to the library and check out this edition of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” It is a fun read, and you will relish sharing it with the younger members of your family. Enjoy!
