This is Willems' deconstruction of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears tale. Willems substitutes a trio of dinosaurs--Mama Dinosaur, Papa Dinosaur, and the "Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway"--for the original furry characters.
Written for "dinosaur ages Triassic to Jurassic," Willems' story follows as the three dinos decide to do some housecleaning, make their beds and prepare pudding of various temperatures. Goldilocks is indeed coaxed into the house by the delicious aroma of simmering pudding. She soon realizes, however, that she is not in the home of friendly bears but rather overlarge reptilian creatures and leaves.
Willems is an engaging writer and makes no bones about the moral he's trying to impart to children. He writes it clear as day in his message to little Goldilocks: "If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave." His message for dinosaurs? "Lock the back door!"
The dinosaurs are cute and family-oriented, and little Goldy is a little blonde sweetheart who makes up her own rules and ends up getting into no little bit of trouble because she wouldn't listen to anyone. But it all comes out well in the end and makes for a terrific tale for young readers.
Steven Rosen/2012 for curled
up with a good kid's book
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
