Goldilocks and the Three Bears Picture Book Review

The team of Caralyn and Mark Buehner created Goldilocks and the Three Bears in 2007. Caralyn follows the basic theme of the tale, but gives Goldilocks a new hobby, jump roping. Goldilocks chants her way through the story and on page 7 sings,

Big chair, middle chair, little chair too,
Somebody’s here to bounce on you!

She hops around the cottage chanting various things relating to porridge, chairs, and beds. The bears think she is an alien because of the jump rope sticking out from under baby bear’s covers. This is a retelling in the best sense of the word, true to the original tale with rich adjectives thrown in to describe the bear’s belongings.

The true beauty of Mark Buehner’s oil over acrylic illustrations is stunning. His use of a warm color palate for the bears and the cottage are in direct contrast to the cool forest and mountains in the background. The readers are invited to search for hidden pictures on each page, as is characteristic of Buehner’s style. The hidden cat, rabbit and Tyrannosaurus rex are almost impossible to find in some pictures. The expression on papa bear’s face is priceless as the flames shoot from his mouth after tasting the scalding porridge.

The attention to detail is impeccable in each scene, from the knots in the wooden floor to the shadow cast on the floor as Goldilocks jumps her way into the cottage. Buehner uses many patterns to add texture to the interior of the bear’s home. It creates a warm and cozy backdrop for an entertaining picture book.