Part II of our Tales series is the beloved Goldilocks and the Three Bears. There are SO MANY different versions of this story, all with something to love. Because there are too many to choose from, I decided to introduce you to a couple of different ones. This first one is a delightful retelling, with illustrations by Ellie Jenkins. Her style is almost cartoony and certainly fun. What’s more, this particular version comes with MASKS! In the front and back of the dust jacket, there is a mask for Goldilocks and a mask for one Bear. Pop those out, attach some yarn, and POOF you can act out the story! Every elementary teacher knows that becoming part of the story further increases student interaction and comprehension, making this book perfect for every classroom.
The second version you should love is called “Goldie and the Three Hares” by Margie Palatini. I love it because it is not so much a retelling but a continuation of the story. Papa, Mama, and Baby Hare are having a peaceful day in their burrow when *THUMP* down into the burrow falls Goldie (you-know-who). Due to an injury, she can’t walk, so the Hares invite her in…and cannot seem to get rid of her. This delightful tale is full of giggle-inducing moments and silliness every child will love!
And should you need another reason to love this book, here’s one. Margie Palatini. She is an author with inspiration. She calls it “L3” and shares about it on her website. “L3” is Language, Learning, and Laughter and she writes believing all three make reading more “meaningful and fun.” I have to agree! She also offers guides, vocabulary sheets, craft ideas, and Readers Theaters for some of her other titles! (Bonus: Her delightful moose character stars in a hilarious Christmas title, Mooseltoe)
Some versions/variations you might look for: (*Starred titles are my personal picks)
*Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez, from Usborne Books & More
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Retold by Jim Aylesworth, Illustred by Barbara McClintock
Goldilocks and the Three Bears told in Signed English, by H. Bornstein and K. Saulnier, Illus. by A. Lunsford (Note: This is not illustrated in ASL)
Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett
Goldilocks and the Three Bear, by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
The Land of Stories, by Chris Colfer, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman
*Goldilocks and Just One Bear, by Leigh Hodgkinson
*Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Illustrated by Ellie Jenkins, from Kane Miller Books
*Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Retold and Illustrated by James Marshall
*Goldie and the Three Hares, by Margie Palatini, Illustrated by Jack E. Davis
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, by Gennady Spririn
*Goldie and the Three Bears, by Diane Stanley
*Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, by Mo Willems
*The 3 Bears and Goldilocks, by Margaret Willey, Illustrated by Heather M. Solomon
Yes, I starred EIGHT of these books. They are each so uniquely told and illustrated that I could not narrow it down more than that without leaving out a real treasure!
For you wonderful teachers and homeschool mamas out there, I’ve written a lesson plan to go with these books! It is differentiated for ages 4-7, making it perfect for any classroom preschool-1st grade! Head on over to my store to check it out!
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