Goldie and the Three Bears Picture Book Review

Goldie and the Three Bears was written and illustrated by Diane Stanley in 2003. In this version of the story, Goldie is a girl who “knew exactly what she liked- and what she didn’t” (pg 1-2). It is this fussiness that makes it difficult to find a friend she could love with her whole heart.

As she gets off the bus at the wrong stop one day, Goldie finds someone who eats, reads and sleeps exactly like she does. Luckily, mama bear understands about picky children and forgives Goldie for coming into the house and invites her to stay and play with baby bear. This version of the tale is rhythmic and full of details even the pickiest reader will enjoy. Goldie goes beyond wit to be full of substance and meaning for many children who want everything just so.

Stanley uses an abundance of soft gold colored images to make this book glow. Goldie’s winsome expressions show her sensitive nature, and the placement of her eyebrows gives life to her simple face. The seasonality of the book is represented by ocher leaves flying around Goldie’s precious curls. The book’s illustrations have movement and reflect Stanley’s marvelous style. The bears’ fur is painstakingly drawn to show each and every hair on their furry bodies. The lines are finely drawn to give each hair movement as baby bear flies through the air toward Goldie. This artist uses her craft to add depth to the meaning of the book.