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Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2012)Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur . . . and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway.
One day--for no particular reason--they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then--for no particular reason--they decided to go...someplace else. They were definitely NOT setting a trap for some succulent, unsupervised little girl.
Definitely not!
This new take on a fairy-tale classic is so funny and so original--it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems.
One day--for no particular reason--they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then--for no particular reason--they decided to go...someplace else. They were definitely NOT setting a trap for some succulent, unsupervised little girl.
Definitely not!
This new take on a fairy-tale classic is so funny and so original--it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2012
About the author
Mo Willems
257 books4,266 followers#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,223 reviews
February 25, 2026
Why was I reading a book about Goldilocks accidentally crashing the wrong house? Well… blame it on Elisabeth Egan’s A Window Opens, which dropped a quote from this very book into my lap. Curiosity, as they say, got the better of me.
When my local library delivered it, I dove in—and wow, Goldilocks has really shaken things up. For those of us who know her classic tale, we expect three bears, some porridge, and the eternal “too hot, too cold, just right” routine. Simple, predictable, comforting.
Enter: dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. And yes, there might be chocolate pudding involved. Suddenly, Goldilocks isn’t just picky about pudding—she’s navigating prehistoric chaos. But as she explores, she realizes something crucial: she is in the wrong story entirely. And what does a misplaced girl do next? Well… I can’t tell you, or it would spoil the fun.
The moral of this delightfully illustrated tale? It’s exactly the quote that caught my eye in Egan’s book.
So, what can I say? Read this book alongside your favorite child(ren), giggle at the mix-ups, enjoy the vibrant illustrations, and maybe keep a tub of chocolate pudding handy. Goldilocks is up to her old tricks—just in a whole new world.
Age Level: 3 – 8 years+ Grade Level: Pre-kindergarten – 3rd Grade+
Spoiler Alert:
A Window Opens:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When my local library delivered it, I dove in—and wow, Goldilocks has really shaken things up. For those of us who know her classic tale, we expect three bears, some porridge, and the eternal “too hot, too cold, just right” routine. Simple, predictable, comforting.
Enter: dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. And yes, there might be chocolate pudding involved. Suddenly, Goldilocks isn’t just picky about pudding—she’s navigating prehistoric chaos. But as she explores, she realizes something crucial: she is in the wrong story entirely. And what does a misplaced girl do next? Well… I can’t tell you, or it would spoil the fun.
The moral of this delightfully illustrated tale? It’s exactly the quote that caught my eye in Egan’s book.
So, what can I say? Read this book alongside your favorite child(ren), giggle at the mix-ups, enjoy the vibrant illustrations, and maybe keep a tub of chocolate pudding handy. Goldilocks is up to her old tricks—just in a whole new world.
Age Level: 3 – 8 years+ Grade Level: Pre-kindergarten – 3rd Grade+
Spoiler Alert:
A Window Opens:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 24, 2019
One of my favourite fractured fairy tales! Hilarious!
March 24, 2018
In this retelling, the three dinosaurs have heard all about the antics of Goldilocks and how she enjoys traipsing into random homes. They set a trap, complete with massive bowls of chocolate pudding, in hopes of luring this little treat into their abode. Exaggerating their departure, the dinosaurs hide in the forest and hope for the best. Lo and behold, Goldilocks emerges and devours all the chocolate pudding she can find. However, with massive chairs and beds, Goldilocks decides that this is no place for her. Finding the back door open and hearing the dinosaurs rushing back, Goldilocks is able to flee just before she becomes a chocolate bonbon treat for her prehistoric enemies. Moral of the story, always lock the back door. Neo loved this twist on a traditional story and hopes we can find more alternative tellings of fairy tales in the coming weeks.
November 24, 2012
Oh, this was a hoot. Delightful and so entertaining, and I was a bit deliciously scared, or would have been when younger. The reader/listener is in on all the jokes, more so than anyone else. The front and back inside covers are full of wonderfully amusing alternate titles. My very favorite page was the second to last page, and I might just add it to my quotes: 4 ½ stars
November 13, 2018
My children love the books about grumpy Pigeon (e.g. Don't let the Pigeon drive the bus), but also the books about the two best friends Elephant and Piggy by Mo Willems. Naturally, we have sought more books by the same author.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is a funny (mostly sarcastic really) version of the classical tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This time Goldilocks has made a mistake and she doesn't visit/trespass the house of the cute bear family, but the house or three hungry dinosaurs who may or may not have set a trap.
The moral of the story is that: “If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave!”
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is a funny (mostly sarcastic really) version of the classical tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This time Goldilocks has made a mistake and she doesn't visit/trespass the house of the cute bear family, but the house or three hungry dinosaurs who may or may not have set a trap.
The moral of the story is that: “If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave!”
September 8, 2012
Oh for god's sake. YET ANOTHER funny and fantastic and understated and overstated book from Mo Willems. I am beginning to think that if he did an illustrated retelling of, I don't know, The Giving Tree or Twilight or 50 Shades of Gray I would like even THAT.
With this book, he had me even before the story began, at endpapers decorated with a hundred scratched-out titles: Goldilocks and the Three Dentists; Goldilocks and the Three Goats.
Yup. When you find yourself laughing out loud at the endpapers, you know you're in trouble.
With this book, he had me even before the story began, at endpapers decorated with a hundred scratched-out titles: Goldilocks and the Three Dentists; Goldilocks and the Three Goats.
Yup. When you find yourself laughing out loud at the endpapers, you know you're in trouble.
October 2, 2019
This one is absolutely hilarious! I definitely recommend it for anyone with children between 3-6 years!
October 17, 2012
We love Mo Willems. His books are so humorous, and the illustrations are so clever and fun. We love this snarky version of the classic Goldilocks And The Three Bears story. The narrative is silly, but entertaining and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish.
We enjoyed reading this book together, and our girls loved the endpages with the listing of different titles, like "Goldilocks and the Three Squirrels," "Goldilocks and the Three Clams," "Goldilocks and the Three Red Herring," "Goldilocks and the Three Major Networks," and "Goldilocks and the Three Foot-Long Hoagies." It kept us laughing for quite a long time.
We enjoyed reading this book together, and our girls loved the endpages with the listing of different titles, like "Goldilocks and the Three Squirrels," "Goldilocks and the Three Clams," "Goldilocks and the Three Red Herring," "Goldilocks and the Three Major Networks," and "Goldilocks and the Three Foot-Long Hoagies." It kept us laughing for quite a long time.
November 30, 2012
Hilarious! Loved it, loved it, loved it! So witty, so charming. I'm not sure if kids will appreciate all the humor the way adults will (pay careful attention to all the details, especially in the illustrations) but they will still probably get a hoot out of this refreshing take on the traditional Goldilocks tale. I really don't want to say too much about it because the fun is all in the discovery of how the story plays out (you think you know where it's going, but...!) So, I will simply recommend this, most highly, to those who enjoy fractured fairytales, humor, dinosaurs and/or the incomparable Mo Willems!
March 26, 2013
First half was a bit slow. The second half was hilarious! Looking forward to sharing this retelling of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears with students.
September 22, 2012
Okay, okay, here I go again proving that I just can't fit in with the rest of the children's librarians because I didn't like this one any more than I liked Knuffle Bunny Free
I reverence Mo Willems, but even a great writer sometimes lays an egg and this to me is his. It tries too hard. It's sort of like something a parent might tell a child if they wanted to retell a classic known story and have the child going "No, Daddy, THAT'S not how it goes".
Only it's just not that funny. And I suspect that a lot of the people giving this 4 or 5 stars wouldn't be doing so if it wasn't Mo Willems.
I reverence Mo Willems, but even a great writer sometimes lays an egg and this to me is his. It tries too hard. It's sort of like something a parent might tell a child if they wanted to retell a classic known story and have the child going "No, Daddy, THAT'S not how it goes".
Only it's just not that funny. And I suspect that a lot of the people giving this 4 or 5 stars wouldn't be doing so if it wasn't Mo Willems.
January 31, 2019
Mo Willems’ once again writes a delightful children’s book infused with.... attempted murder, dark humor and subverted expectations??
(Small-fry giggles the whole time, especially when I read the “TIME FOR BON BONS” line like the muppet’s Swedish Chef)
(Small-fry giggles the whole time, especially when I read the “TIME FOR BON BONS” line like the muppet’s Swedish Chef)
June 28, 2013
Once again Mo Willems has a winner in this one! A story both my 5-yr-old and twin 2-yr-olds could get into, the fun pictures and unusual twist to Goldilocks had us all laughing. A solid level 2 reading book, if you're looking for one, or just a great story to read out loud to your children, to ensure early reader enjoyment. I highly recommend this author if you're looking for new books to read to your kids!
May 23, 2021
My husband and son were a little annoyed that the ending was just what it was, but that's Willems, always subverting expectations.
December 6, 2012
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
These are the books that I had read from the creative mind of Mo Willems and I will admit that I had enjoyed almost everything that Mo Willems has written over the years! Well, I just read Mo Willems’ most recent children’s book and that is called “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” and it is definitely one story that every children and adult will enjoy for many years!
Once upon a time, there were three dinosaurs (a Papa Dinosaur, a Mama Dinosaur and some Dinosaur who was visiting from Norway) and one day (for no reason), they decided to make three bowls of chocolate pudding at varying temperatures and go…someplace else. They were definitely NOT doing this to set up a trap for an unsupervised little girl who happens to come along to their house. So, when Goldilocks approaches their house, she will be in for a big surprise!
Wow…just…wow! I cannot believe I had never heard of this book (well, the fact that it was just recently made in 2012 had something to do with it), but now that I had finally checked this book out, I am just so amazed at how awesome this book turned out! When I saw the title “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs,” the first thought that came into my head was that we finally had a remake of a classic fairy tale since it has been awhile since I had read children’s books that were retellings of old fairy tales. The second thought that came into my head was that the moment I read this title, I knew that this book was going to be something really creative and hilarious and I was right! Mo Willems certainly knows how to create a story that is not only pleasing to children, but also pleasing to adults! I loved the writing style of this book as the characters are hilarious and the narration is sarcastic and witty. Probably my most favorite quote out of this entire book was stated by the narrator:
“The first bowl of chocolate pudding was too hot, but Goldilocks ate it all anyway, because, hey, it’s chocolate pudding, right?”
Who could resist chocolate pudding? I know I cannot resist chocolate pudding! I loved the idea about Mo Willems using three dinosaurs for this story instead of three bears since it really gave this book a more creative flair and I loved the fact that the baby dinosaur is actually a dinosaur who was visiting from Norway since it was a different twist to the original story. I also loved the way that Mo Willems slightly alerted the readers about the three dinosaurs’ plans in trying to get Goldilocks to come to their house and yet used hilarious lines to avert the idea about the dinosaurs preparing to make a meal out of Goldilocks such as:
“The three Dinosaurs went Someplace Else and were definitely not hiding in the woods waiting for an unsuspecting kid to come by.”
Mo Willems’ illustrations are as usual hilarious to look at as the three dinosaurs look cartoony with their long snouts and small round eyes and I loved the fact that both the Mama and Papa dinosaur were green while the Norwegian dinosaur was red. I also loved the illustrations of Goldilocks herself as she has short blond hair and large round eyes that makes her look so oblivious to anything happening around her.
Overall, “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” is a truly brilliant retelling of the classic fairy tale and children everywhere will definitely re-read this book over and over again for many years!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
These are the books that I had read from the creative mind of Mo Willems and I will admit that I had enjoyed almost everything that Mo Willems has written over the years! Well, I just read Mo Willems’ most recent children’s book and that is called “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” and it is definitely one story that every children and adult will enjoy for many years!
Once upon a time, there were three dinosaurs (a Papa Dinosaur, a Mama Dinosaur and some Dinosaur who was visiting from Norway) and one day (for no reason), they decided to make three bowls of chocolate pudding at varying temperatures and go…someplace else. They were definitely NOT doing this to set up a trap for an unsupervised little girl who happens to come along to their house. So, when Goldilocks approaches their house, she will be in for a big surprise!
Wow…just…wow! I cannot believe I had never heard of this book (well, the fact that it was just recently made in 2012 had something to do with it), but now that I had finally checked this book out, I am just so amazed at how awesome this book turned out! When I saw the title “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs,” the first thought that came into my head was that we finally had a remake of a classic fairy tale since it has been awhile since I had read children’s books that were retellings of old fairy tales. The second thought that came into my head was that the moment I read this title, I knew that this book was going to be something really creative and hilarious and I was right! Mo Willems certainly knows how to create a story that is not only pleasing to children, but also pleasing to adults! I loved the writing style of this book as the characters are hilarious and the narration is sarcastic and witty. Probably my most favorite quote out of this entire book was stated by the narrator:
“The first bowl of chocolate pudding was too hot, but Goldilocks ate it all anyway, because, hey, it’s chocolate pudding, right?”
Who could resist chocolate pudding? I know I cannot resist chocolate pudding! I loved the idea about Mo Willems using three dinosaurs for this story instead of three bears since it really gave this book a more creative flair and I loved the fact that the baby dinosaur is actually a dinosaur who was visiting from Norway since it was a different twist to the original story. I also loved the way that Mo Willems slightly alerted the readers about the three dinosaurs’ plans in trying to get Goldilocks to come to their house and yet used hilarious lines to avert the idea about the dinosaurs preparing to make a meal out of Goldilocks such as:
“The three Dinosaurs went Someplace Else and were definitely not hiding in the woods waiting for an unsuspecting kid to come by.”
Mo Willems’ illustrations are as usual hilarious to look at as the three dinosaurs look cartoony with their long snouts and small round eyes and I loved the fact that both the Mama and Papa dinosaur were green while the Norwegian dinosaur was red. I also loved the illustrations of Goldilocks herself as she has short blond hair and large round eyes that makes her look so oblivious to anything happening around her.
Overall, “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” is a truly brilliant retelling of the classic fairy tale and children everywhere will definitely re-read this book over and over again for many years!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
September 19, 2012
Before you actually read this book, open the front and back cover and indulge yourself in the rejected names of this book...I certainly laughed out loud when I read that "Goldilocks and the three foot-long hoagies" could have been the title of this book, but was X'd out. Read them all because they are hilarious! (Great read aloud for kids (and reptilian creatures) of all ages, they might even start to think of their own funny names for this classic story)
Now the story:
The story starts out with a mama and papa dinosaur and then "some other dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway" and for no particular reason, they make up their beds, position their chairs and make three bowls of chocolate pudding at different temperatures-because "Chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbons" are Yummy! To make a long story short, they are expecting Goldilocks to visit, fill her with chocolate, hence the yummy bonbon, and have her fall asleep! Goldilocks visits and then realizes it's a trap and then leaves out the back door. The story ends with a happy ending (for Goldilocks) and a disappointing ending (for the dinosaurs). Willems gives readers, and dinosaurs, some good advice at the end, first, "If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave", second, if you are a dinosaur "Lock the back door"!
This book is histerical! One of the funniest and most clever fractured fairy-tales i've ever read-also loved that it had a good, clean humor to it. I can't put into words how amazing this book is. The illustrations are so cute and clever-look for the pigeon, and Mo Willems really has a knack for writing/illustrating books that appeal to everyone. I recommend everyone picking this book up and having a good laugh. I can read this book anytime working in a library, but honestly, it is one that I want to own!
Now the story:
The story starts out with a mama and papa dinosaur and then "some other dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway" and for no particular reason, they make up their beds, position their chairs and make three bowls of chocolate pudding at different temperatures-because "Chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbons" are Yummy! To make a long story short, they are expecting Goldilocks to visit, fill her with chocolate, hence the yummy bonbon, and have her fall asleep! Goldilocks visits and then realizes it's a trap and then leaves out the back door. The story ends with a happy ending (for Goldilocks) and a disappointing ending (for the dinosaurs). Willems gives readers, and dinosaurs, some good advice at the end, first, "If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave", second, if you are a dinosaur "Lock the back door"!
This book is histerical! One of the funniest and most clever fractured fairy-tales i've ever read-also loved that it had a good, clean humor to it. I can't put into words how amazing this book is. The illustrations are so cute and clever-look for the pigeon, and Mo Willems really has a knack for writing/illustrating books that appeal to everyone. I recommend everyone picking this book up and having a good laugh. I can read this book anytime working in a library, but honestly, it is one that I want to own!
August 29, 2012
Mo Willems' new spin on the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears does not disappoint! I was so excited to receive my copy in the mail I read it right away, laughing all the way through it! When my 3rd & 4th Grader saw it they begged to have it added to our bedtime reading along with the chapter books in which we are currently engrossed.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs has the wonderful tongue-in-cheek humor of the Elephant & Piggie books (my favorite of all Willems' work!): when Goldilocks stops to think for a minute the author points out that is longer than she usually takes for either.
In this version Papa, Mama and the visiting Dinosaur from Norway already know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They use the fairy tale as a blueprint to set a trap for an unsuspecting, "poorly supervised" little girl, plotting to fill her with chocolate pudding and then eat her. The illustrations of Goldilocks literally diving into the bowls of chocolate pudding delighted my 8-year-old; all the chairs are "too tall" since they are for dinosaurs; and Goldilocks never makes it all the way to the beds. There are two delightfully silly morals to the story--one for Goldilocks and one for the dinosaurs.
I highly recommend Mo Willems' latest great contribution to children's literature for ALL ages. Older readers (including adults) will belly-chuckle at the slightly more ascerbic humor that runs parallel just below the surface of the silliness that younger readers will devour in the same way as Elephant & Piggie, Pigeon and Knuffle Bunny and the more recent Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator!
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs has the wonderful tongue-in-cheek humor of the Elephant & Piggie books (my favorite of all Willems' work!): when Goldilocks stops to think for a minute the author points out that is longer than she usually takes for either.
In this version Papa, Mama and the visiting Dinosaur from Norway already know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They use the fairy tale as a blueprint to set a trap for an unsuspecting, "poorly supervised" little girl, plotting to fill her with chocolate pudding and then eat her. The illustrations of Goldilocks literally diving into the bowls of chocolate pudding delighted my 8-year-old; all the chairs are "too tall" since they are for dinosaurs; and Goldilocks never makes it all the way to the beds. There are two delightfully silly morals to the story--one for Goldilocks and one for the dinosaurs.
I highly recommend Mo Willems' latest great contribution to children's literature for ALL ages. Older readers (including adults) will belly-chuckle at the slightly more ascerbic humor that runs parallel just below the surface of the silliness that younger readers will devour in the same way as Elephant & Piggie, Pigeon and Knuffle Bunny and the more recent Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator!
June 12, 2012
If I ever win the lottery, you can bet that my home library will be stocked with every single Willems book. Another amusing retelling with a twist. I'm amused that Golilocks resembles Trixie from Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion. Remember: don't skip the endpapers of a Willems book, there's always at least one reward there, and this time there are many.
Library copy.
Library copy.
May 18, 2013
Mo Willems has made a career out of doing the seemingly impossible. Who would have thought an author/illustrator could produce picture book after picture book that holds the exact same level of appeal and appropriateness for all ages, a hit with everyone from librarians to teachers to pre-readers to independent readers to the grownups who read along with their kids. Though Mo Willems has created a long and storied string of picture-book successes, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is one of his finest, in my opinion, a work equally commendable for its fresh, wildly unpredictable humor and the quiet depth of understanding it has to offer, delivered in the single line of advice that is the moral of the story, a moral that will do tremendous good for all of us who feel or have felt like Goldilocks in the course of our lives.
When a trap (or is it a trap?) is laid by three less-than-wily dinosaurs awaiting the advent of a naive girl they can turn into a delectable dessert, the stage is set for young, trusting, uncynical Goldilocks to enter the scene. How is Goldilocks to know that two gigantic dinosaurs and a smaller Norwegian one are already expecting her, and have arranged for Goldilocks to be tempted by more chocolate than any kid could refuse? This isn't the story of Goldilocks and the three bears, though. We might think we know what's coming next from our familiarity with the well-known fairy tale, and Goldilocks, too, might think she knows what's happening, but when you've got dinosaurs on the prowl for a gourmet meal and Mo Willems directing the action, it's impossible to guess what strange or crazy thing is going to occur next. Even a girl like Goldilocks, perhaps not the most perceptive individual on the planet, should listen to her instincts and skedaddle while she still has the chance, before the trap is sprung and not even the narrator can save her from a trio of hungry, dastardly dinosaur homeowners.
The artwork in this book is, without exaggeration, magnificent. Mo Willems's use of perspective and shifting points of reference is on another level from anything else he's ever made, a harmony of natural angles and fantastically creative looks which do more than their part to help tell the story. Just consider the shot of Goldilocks climbing the ladder that "certainly wasn't left on purpose" to grab the bowls of chocolate pudding on the counter. I'm not exactly sure how Mo Willems did it, but the illusion of height and depth in the picture is astonishing. Or take the image of Goldilocks standing by the dinosaurs' three large beds as she's finally beginning to figure out there might be something odd going on in the house. The scene feels almost like a 3-D hologram, full of so much action and subtly present importance to the story yet somehow not feeling the least bit crowded or harried. I could give examples of this type of marvelous artistic creativity all through the book, practically on every page, but I need not go on to express my point: Mo Willems has outdone himself in the writing and illustrating of Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. It's like a fine motion picture with a brilliant director, a reward for all who take the time to experience the magic.
Yet after all the silliness and surprising twists (both of which there are plenty), what stopped me and made me take another look at this book was one of its last lines, the single-sentence moral to the story that we can all learn from Goldilocks's misadventure: "If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave." This, like the rest of the story, could easily pass us by as more humor, further breaking down the fourth wall as the absurdity of Goldilocks actually being able to get lost in the wrong story is playfully acknowledged; on second glance, however, there's more to this statement than just humor. As ridiculous as it may seem for a character in a book to get lost without the author's full intention behind it, it's easy to get lost, ourselves, in the wrong story in real life, and if we don't know enough to take a good look at our circumstances every once in a while and see if perhaps we've become lost in a life story meant for someone else, somewhere we aren't supposed to be amid people who aren't the right cast members in our living, breathing narrative, then we won't be aware that the solution to our problem really can be as simple as leaving. If we've taken a wrong turn (or a few of them) somewhere and find ourselves in the wrong place, we can bow out and go find where we are supposed to be, and undoubtedly we'll be a lot better off for having done so. It may be sad to leave the place where we've become accustomed to lingering, and the rightness of the departure may not keep us from missing those we met while there, but there's a whole better story out there for us to live, and it's high time we found it and began doing that living. I suppose every Goldilocks needs her three bears.
If we're talking Mo Willems's finest picture books ever, City Dog, Country Frog still takes my vote as number one, but Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs isn't far behind at all. It has to be one of the best picture books I've ever read, the perfect marriage of humor and philosophy, a beautiful ode to both the history of fairy tales for children and the contemporary style of comedic storytelling that Mo Willems has mastered as well or better than anyone. The list of crossed-out Goldilocks stories on the book's endpapers is a classic touch, some of my personal favorites being "Goldilocks and the Three Mosquitos", "Goldilocks and the Three Foot-Long Hoagies", "Goldilocks and the Three Stooges" and, best of all, "Goldilocks and the Three Mile Island". With books like Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, it's no wonder Mo Willems has become one of our most beloved authors and illustrators, and his legend only continues to grows as each new generation experiences the joy of finding his literature for the first time and learning why there isn't anything else quite like a Mo Willems picture book.
When a trap (or is it a trap?) is laid by three less-than-wily dinosaurs awaiting the advent of a naive girl they can turn into a delectable dessert, the stage is set for young, trusting, uncynical Goldilocks to enter the scene. How is Goldilocks to know that two gigantic dinosaurs and a smaller Norwegian one are already expecting her, and have arranged for Goldilocks to be tempted by more chocolate than any kid could refuse? This isn't the story of Goldilocks and the three bears, though. We might think we know what's coming next from our familiarity with the well-known fairy tale, and Goldilocks, too, might think she knows what's happening, but when you've got dinosaurs on the prowl for a gourmet meal and Mo Willems directing the action, it's impossible to guess what strange or crazy thing is going to occur next. Even a girl like Goldilocks, perhaps not the most perceptive individual on the planet, should listen to her instincts and skedaddle while she still has the chance, before the trap is sprung and not even the narrator can save her from a trio of hungry, dastardly dinosaur homeowners.
The artwork in this book is, without exaggeration, magnificent. Mo Willems's use of perspective and shifting points of reference is on another level from anything else he's ever made, a harmony of natural angles and fantastically creative looks which do more than their part to help tell the story. Just consider the shot of Goldilocks climbing the ladder that "certainly wasn't left on purpose" to grab the bowls of chocolate pudding on the counter. I'm not exactly sure how Mo Willems did it, but the illusion of height and depth in the picture is astonishing. Or take the image of Goldilocks standing by the dinosaurs' three large beds as she's finally beginning to figure out there might be something odd going on in the house. The scene feels almost like a 3-D hologram, full of so much action and subtly present importance to the story yet somehow not feeling the least bit crowded or harried. I could give examples of this type of marvelous artistic creativity all through the book, practically on every page, but I need not go on to express my point: Mo Willems has outdone himself in the writing and illustrating of Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. It's like a fine motion picture with a brilliant director, a reward for all who take the time to experience the magic.
Yet after all the silliness and surprising twists (both of which there are plenty), what stopped me and made me take another look at this book was one of its last lines, the single-sentence moral to the story that we can all learn from Goldilocks's misadventure: "If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave." This, like the rest of the story, could easily pass us by as more humor, further breaking down the fourth wall as the absurdity of Goldilocks actually being able to get lost in the wrong story is playfully acknowledged; on second glance, however, there's more to this statement than just humor. As ridiculous as it may seem for a character in a book to get lost without the author's full intention behind it, it's easy to get lost, ourselves, in the wrong story in real life, and if we don't know enough to take a good look at our circumstances every once in a while and see if perhaps we've become lost in a life story meant for someone else, somewhere we aren't supposed to be amid people who aren't the right cast members in our living, breathing narrative, then we won't be aware that the solution to our problem really can be as simple as leaving. If we've taken a wrong turn (or a few of them) somewhere and find ourselves in the wrong place, we can bow out and go find where we are supposed to be, and undoubtedly we'll be a lot better off for having done so. It may be sad to leave the place where we've become accustomed to lingering, and the rightness of the departure may not keep us from missing those we met while there, but there's a whole better story out there for us to live, and it's high time we found it and began doing that living. I suppose every Goldilocks needs her three bears.
If we're talking Mo Willems's finest picture books ever, City Dog, Country Frog still takes my vote as number one, but Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs isn't far behind at all. It has to be one of the best picture books I've ever read, the perfect marriage of humor and philosophy, a beautiful ode to both the history of fairy tales for children and the contemporary style of comedic storytelling that Mo Willems has mastered as well or better than anyone. The list of crossed-out Goldilocks stories on the book's endpapers is a classic touch, some of my personal favorites being "Goldilocks and the Three Mosquitos", "Goldilocks and the Three Foot-Long Hoagies", "Goldilocks and the Three Stooges" and, best of all, "Goldilocks and the Three Mile Island". With books like Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, it's no wonder Mo Willems has become one of our most beloved authors and illustrators, and his legend only continues to grows as each new generation experiences the joy of finding his literature for the first time and learning why there isn't anything else quite like a Mo Willems picture book.
November 14, 2012
Most people know the story of Goldilocks and the three bears, but did you know that Goldilocks made a slight detour before finding the bears’ house? That adventure took her to the enormous house of three dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur, and some other Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. Before Goldilocks arrived the dinosaurs made three bowls of chocolate pudding at varying temperatures, for no reason at all, and certainly not because they were imagining the delicious taste of a chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon. Not long after the dinosaurs had gone Someplace Else, which looked a lot like hiding in the woods waiting for an unsuspecting kid to fall into their trap, but wasn’t at all, Goldilocks barged into the Dinosaurs house. Will Goldilocks eat the gigantic bowls of chocolate pudding? Will she figure out she’s in danger before the dinosaurs come home for “chewy-bonbon-time”? Will she make it to the right story?
As usual, Willems takes the reader’s expectations, flips them up, inverts them, and brings it all together with a humorous flair and unmistakable style. Willems’ tongue-in-cheek text is witty and he knows kids, as well as adults, will be in on the joke. The dialogue makes good use of punctuation to convey the subtext of the dinosaurs’ evil plan. The absurdity of the exaggerated characters is conveyed in text and illustrations. Papa Dinosaur has a scribbley mustache and Mama Dinosaur wears a purple wig. The illustrations, outlined in thick black lines, are bright and colorful with many humorous elements. Readers familiar with Willems other books will delight in the hidden visuals, such as Pigeon hiding in the cookie jar. Make sure to check out the endpapers as well, which feature a lot of discarded ideas for Goldilocks stories, “Goldilocks and the Three Naked Mole Rats,” “Goldilocks and the Three Clams,” etc.
As usual, Willems takes the reader’s expectations, flips them up, inverts them, and brings it all together with a humorous flair and unmistakable style. Willems’ tongue-in-cheek text is witty and he knows kids, as well as adults, will be in on the joke. The dialogue makes good use of punctuation to convey the subtext of the dinosaurs’ evil plan. The absurdity of the exaggerated characters is conveyed in text and illustrations. Papa Dinosaur has a scribbley mustache and Mama Dinosaur wears a purple wig. The illustrations, outlined in thick black lines, are bright and colorful with many humorous elements. Readers familiar with Willems other books will delight in the hidden visuals, such as Pigeon hiding in the cookie jar. Make sure to check out the endpapers as well, which feature a lot of discarded ideas for Goldilocks stories, “Goldilocks and the Three Naked Mole Rats,” “Goldilocks and the Three Clams,” etc.
November 25, 2012
Have I said lately how much I love Mo Willems? If not, or even if I had, let me offer up my love to him here and now. I think Mo is awesome, and from the interviews and readings I have seen with him, he seems to be as awesome of a person as he is a writer.
Now on to the picturebook, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems. Mo takes the classic Goldilocks story and throws it off center. Goldilocks is still a ditzy and self absorbed little girl, but instead of wondering into the home of bears she strides into the home of dinosaurs. These dinosaurs, visiting from Norway, make heaps of chocolate pudding and leave for 'somewhere' in order to capture a tasty little morsel to eat.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs offers readers the same illustration styles as we have come to expect from Mo, and some tongue in cheek humor that had me giggling. The dinosaurs hiding in the woods and not so subtly stating their intentions through the book are absolutely perfect. Goldilocks might be greedy, and a poor listener, be she is smart enough to escape being a tasty treat for the dinosaurs. I especially loved the two morals of the story. Goldilocks and readers learn that if you are in the wrong story, get out. The now hungry and disappointing dinosaurs learn to lock their back door so that their meals cannot escape.
I highly (oh so highly I cannot express) Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems. I you have yet to discover his work, go immediately to the library (please wait until it is open for the day) and go straight to the children's section in search of him. Do it... trust me.
And if you still cannot get enough of Mo, check out his television work. You didn't know? He spent some time contributing to Sesame Street and with the cartoon series Codename Kids Next Door.
Now on to the picturebook, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems. Mo takes the classic Goldilocks story and throws it off center. Goldilocks is still a ditzy and self absorbed little girl, but instead of wondering into the home of bears she strides into the home of dinosaurs. These dinosaurs, visiting from Norway, make heaps of chocolate pudding and leave for 'somewhere' in order to capture a tasty little morsel to eat.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs offers readers the same illustration styles as we have come to expect from Mo, and some tongue in cheek humor that had me giggling. The dinosaurs hiding in the woods and not so subtly stating their intentions through the book are absolutely perfect. Goldilocks might be greedy, and a poor listener, be she is smart enough to escape being a tasty treat for the dinosaurs. I especially loved the two morals of the story. Goldilocks and readers learn that if you are in the wrong story, get out. The now hungry and disappointing dinosaurs learn to lock their back door so that their meals cannot escape.
I highly (oh so highly I cannot express) Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems. I you have yet to discover his work, go immediately to the library (please wait until it is open for the day) and go straight to the children's section in search of him. Do it... trust me.
And if you still cannot get enough of Mo, check out his television work. You didn't know? He spent some time contributing to Sesame Street and with the cartoon series Codename Kids Next Door.
October 26, 2015
I laughed for 1/2 to 2/3 of the book (I'm crying right now, the look of the dinosaurs...). You definitely need to know about the classic story before reading this one and, then, it's candy. I knew only the title when I started it so the story was full of surprises and, after the learning curve, of expectations regarding the narrator. He was really funny, making good comments (not sure kids will pick everything, but it was perfect for me). The art was a little more detailed than in the Pigeon's books, with the house and the furnitures, so nothing extraordinary, but enough for me to enjoy the story.
February 5, 2017
(KidLit ED204 category: fairy tale)
"Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs" is a version of Goldilocks, retold by Mo Willems. That is almost a guarantee that the book will be humorous and delight children, young and old!
Instead of the familiar Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear, the reader is introduced to Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur and "some other Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway." The dinosaurs appear to be just a touch on the evil side, and Goldilocks is a bit naughty too. The illustrations are colorful and fun, typical of Mo Willems style. A very fun version of Goldilocks.
"Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs" is a version of Goldilocks, retold by Mo Willems. That is almost a guarantee that the book will be humorous and delight children, young and old!
Instead of the familiar Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear, the reader is introduced to Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur and "some other Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway." The dinosaurs appear to be just a touch on the evil side, and Goldilocks is a bit naughty too. The illustrations are colorful and fun, typical of Mo Willems style. A very fun version of Goldilocks.
June 9, 2015
Goldilocks and the three bears is a tale as old as, well, the dinosaurs, so why not have three dinos take the place of them bahrs? This tribute/parody of the well-loved fairy tale is fun and funny, and is perfect for kids who have loved Hoodwinked, Ever After and other fairy tale mockeries. Have a gay old time! (to quote Fred Flintstone!)
September 17, 2012
At this point, I think I'm just dazzled by Mr. Willems, himself. It seems I just love everything he does, no matter what. I want to read this book aloud to someone, complete with snarky attitude and voice.
May 3, 2018
A humorous reimagining of a classic. Throughout the reading I just kept shaking my head from side to side. Could be a coincidence seeing as I learned how to shake it yesterday, but most likely was me expressing my disapproval at the hacking of classic literature.
September 14, 2012
I'm so glad I live in a world where Mo Willems books exist.
March 5, 2013
"Har! Har! Horjfsk! Huugrk!"
November 15, 2018
Five stars mostly for the quality of the audience. But it actually was a pretty funny take on the three bears and it had dinosaurs.
July 7, 2024
دیدم شب دیریست و سه روزه هیچی نخوندم و از چالشم خجالت میکشم. (نه از خودم! 😂) در نتیجه رفتم طاقچه یک مو ویلمز تازه انتخاب کردم تا بخونم.
کلی باهاش ریزریز خندیدم و عاشق عکس کبوتر روی میز دایناسورا شدم. :)) وای که چقدر از این کارگردانها و نویسندههایی که برای طرفداراشون یه نشونه اینطوری میذارن خوشم میاد. 🥹😌
کلی باهاش ریزریز خندیدم و عاشق عکس کبوتر روی میز دایناسورا شدم. :)) وای که چقدر از این کارگردانها و نویسندههایی که برای طرفداراشون یه نشونه اینطوری میذارن خوشم میاد. 🥹😌
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