Overview
A small bear goes for a stroll in the park with his parents, leaving their bowls of porridge cooling on the kitchen table. Meanwhile, a girl with golden hair is hopelessly lost in a big, frightening city when she comes across a house with the door left invitingly open. Inside are three bowls of porridge in the kitchen, three chairs in the living room, and three comfortable-looking beds upstairs, and no one seems to be home . . .
Synopsis
A small bear goes for a stroll in the park with his parents, leaving their bowls of porridge cooling on the kitchen table. Meanwhile, a girl with golden hair is hopelessly lost in a big, frightening city when she comes across a house with the door left invitingly open. Inside are three bowls of porridge in the kitchen, three chairs in the living room, and three comfortable-looking beds upstairs, and no one seems to be home . . .
Publishers Weekly
Browne's urban, contemporary take on the Goldilocks story brilliantly juxtaposes two artistic and narrative styles. One strand of the story is wordless, as sepia-toned panels show a girl--a hint of blond peeks from under her hoodie--and her mother walking along city streets; they become separated when the child chases after a balloon. Meanwhile, sunny pictures with softer lines and a pastel palette introduce a cheerful bear family, as the youngest bear narrates. As the trio strolls in the park while their porridge cools ("Daddy talked about his work and Mommy talked about her work. I just messed around"), the lost, worried girl enters their welcoming yellow house. The familiar story line plays out and, after the bears return, the startled child darts from the house into the rain-soaked city of graffiti, barbed wire, broken windows, and litter. Browne (My Brother) gives his Goldilocks a happy ending: she runs into her waiting mother's arms as the sun breaks out. The contrast between the threatening city and the bears' warm home adds a provocative layer to the story, underscoring the value and power of family. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Browne's urban, contemporary take on the Goldilocks story brilliantly juxtaposes two artistic and narrative styles. One strand of the story is wordless, as sepia-toned panels show a girl--a hint of blond peeks from under her hoodie--and her mother walking along city streets; they become separated when the child chases after a balloon. Meanwhile, sunny pictures with softer lines and a pastel palette introduce a cheerful bear family, as the youngest bear narrates. As the trio strolls in the park while their porridge cools ("Daddy talked about his work and Mommy talked about her work. I just messed around"), the lost, worried girl enters their welcoming yellow house. The familiar story line plays out and, after the bears return, the startled child darts from the house into the rain-soaked city of graffiti, barbed wire, broken windows, and litter. Browne (My Brother) gives his Goldilocks a happy ending: she runs into her waiting mother's arms as the sun breaks out. The contrast between the threatening city and the bears' warm home adds a provocative layer to the story, underscoring the value and power of family. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)From the Publisher
“Browne, children's laureate of the United Kingdom, provides a haunting look at the "Goldilocks" story we thought we knew.” —The Cleveland Plain-Dealer“Another twist on an old favorite: Anthony Browne offers an urban rendition of the Goldilocks story.” –Florida Times-Union
“Anthony Browne turns his prodigious talents to a clever retelling of the Goldilocks tale in his latest picture book, Me and You. This is no fractured story, though—it’s a full reimagining of Goldilocks from an urban point of view.” –BookPage
“A nursery staple of more recent vintage, the 19th century's "Goldilocks," comes to us in a new, poignant version set in a modern city.” –Wall Street Journal
“Browne's urban, contemporary take on the Goldilocks story brilliantly juxtaposes two artistic and narrative styles.” –Starred, Publishers Weekly
“Younger children can enjoy this picture book, but, in the hands of the right adult, older children will get a lot out of it. Browne has added depth to a story that we thought we already knew.” –Starred, School Library Journal
“In this hauntingly original reworking of "The Three Bears," Goldilocks is a modern-day have-not, while the three bears are haves; their stories unfold separately and receive distinct visual treatments . . . . It's a rich and layered book that will reward multiple re-readings and shake up readers' assumptions about the familiar tale.” –Starred, Horn Book
“Goldilocks hits the big city in this nuanced take on the old favorite.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Browne’s wry fractured fairy tale sets the Goldilocks story in a contemporary urban neighborhood and tells it from the dual viewpoints of a lost little girl and a baby bear.” –Booklist