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GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Name: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Author: Tony Ross
ISBN: 0-87951-453-1

translated by Tony Ross & illustrated by Tony Ross ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 2, 1992

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In the manner of a parent trying to make a familiar old story more immediate, a colloquial update featuring white bears who ``had lots to eat and a color television set'' and a moptop Goldilocks in jeans. Ross's scribbly, deftly constructed square illustrations incorporate various amusing details, including art in many different styles hanging on the bears' walls (Japanese, a Modigliani, and Baby Bear's own pictures of airplanes and superheroes, etc.). The text, extended with irreverent details, is fairly lively; kids may find the illustrations sophisticated, though their attention will be grabbed by Goldilocks jumping on the bed, and certainly by the bears' fierce teeth when they scare Goldilocks away. As a lighthearted modern take, though, James Marshall's delightful version (1988) is to be preferred; still, this is also acceptable, where funds permit. (Folklore/Picture Book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Dec. 2, 1992

ISBN: 0-87951-453-1

Page Count: 26

Publisher: Overlook

Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
MICHAEL ROSEN'S STICKY MCSTICKSTICK
by Michael Rosen ; illustrated by Tony Ross

- BOOK REVIEW
OLD MACDONALD HAD A PHONE
by Jeanne Willis ; illustrated by Tony Ross

- BOOK REVIEW
NOT JUST A BOOK
by Jeanne Willis ; illustrated by Tony Ross

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)