Goldibooks and the Wee Bear

by Troy Wilson, Edwardian Taylor (Illustrator)

In this adorable reimagining of the beloved classic, Wee Bear is on the hunt for something new to read. As he sets off through the woods, he stumbles upon Goldibooks's house. While she and her parents are out for a walk, Wee Bear makes himself at home. But Mama's books are too hard (hardcovers) and Papa's are too soft (paperbacks). Thankfully, Goldibooks's book collection is juuuust right! With a pile of books in-hand, Wee Bear sits down to read. But Mama's chair is too hard, and Papa's chair is too soft. Thankfully, Goldibook's chair is juuuuust right! Exhausted from reading so many books, Wee Bear tucks himself into bed. But Mama's bed is too hard, and Papa's bed is too soft. Thankfully, Goldibooks's bed is juuuust right! And that's where Goldibooks and her parents find him when they return home from their walk. As the story unfolds from there, readers are reminded that the best books are those we share with friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fractured Fairy Tales

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 12, 2021

About the author

Author of 10 picture books, including STILL FRIENDS, HAT CAT, and PERFECT MAN.

Reviews

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute adaptation of Goldilocks about a wee bear in search of a good book. In spite of misgivings, the adults learn the joy of shared stories.
Ages 3-7.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t resist reading this one. So cute!

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Goldibooks and the Wee Bear, written by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor, a humorous fractured fairy tale about the how reading can bring families together.

Goldibooks, a young bibliophile, lives in the woods with her mother and father; all three family members love to read, and each has their own special bookshelf and reading chair. One day, while walking through the woods, Goldibooks spots a wee bear, and her parents warn her not to approach, as Mama and Papa bears can be very defense of their young. Little do they know, Wee Bear had purposely wandered away from his parents to seek something, ANYTHING to read! Stumbling upon the family’s empty cottage, he is shocked to find three bookshelves filled with books! Some are too hard, and some too soft, but the littlest bookshelf’s offerings are juuust right. He finds the same to be true of the reading chairs, and well as the beds when he lies down for the pre-nap story. When Goldibooks and her parents return home, they’re in for a surprise… especially when ANOTHER mom and dad come looking for their wee one as well!

Very cute! An entertaining flip on a classic tale, this lighthearted story takes the familiar and infuses it with humor, as well as a great message about the joy of books and reading. Eventually, Goldibooks’s family shares their library with the bear family, even growing their book club to the entire fairy tale neighborhood by the final page. Taylor’s exaggerated, cartoonish illustrations are colorful and expressive, striking a nice balance of old-fashioned settings and costumes done in a modern, eye-catching style. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ absolutely loved this one, especially the comedy and repetition. Overall, a delightful tale to get little bookworms excited about reading, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many wonderful elements. A reimagined fairy tale, charming drawings and is filled with book lovers. Goldibooks and her family have a house full of books and baby bear is searching for something to read. When he finds Goldibooks house and all the books he just has to read and try out every comfy spot. Of course bears who love books can't be all that bad and soon a new unique book club is started.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever retelling of this story. Readers see Goldibooks and her family and only one wee bear. Everyone loves to read but Wee Bear can't find even a scrap of paper. He sees all the books and goes in their home - though he knows better. This story follows the original with an emphasis on books and reading. In the end, both families join together and form a book club that reads every week.

[Shannon Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful retelling of the Goldilocks story .... would make a great resource for elementary ed curriculum, and is just plain fun to read. The illustrations are really fun and engaging too. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book. I like this version better than the original "Goldilocks." I love the emphasis of books and reading!

[Rebecca Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Instead, this one includes books and overcoming a fear between bears and humans. A book club is also hidden in there :)

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must buy for the library.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of connections to make with this fractured fairy tale! Use at the beginning of the year for “Just Right/Just Wait” lesson.

[Sheri Radford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly charming retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that emphasizes a love of books and reading - even if you're a bear!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, book lover's retelling of the classic fairytale.

[Victoria George · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loved this book so much!! It was such a cute different story of goldilocks. I absolutely adored that they all loved books
5 star!

[Linda Knauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best and most adorable Goldilocks book I've ever read. It's super cute and who doesn't love a book club with those different than yourself?