The Three Bears

by Paul Galdone

This classic tale featuring an unsuspecting bear family and a naughty, gap-toothed Goldilocks from award-winning author/illustrator Paul Galdone is a must-have for your storybook collection! When three bears leave their house to go for a walk in the wood, leaving their porridge to cool, a young girl named Goldilocks comes calling....and what a mess she makes! Great Big, Middle-Sized, and Little Wee readers alike will love Paul Galdone's delightful depiction of the original folk tale.  

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Animals, Storytime, Classics, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1973

About the author

Paul Galdone (1907 - November 7, 1986) was a children's literature author and illustrator. He was born in Budapest and he emigrated to the United States in 1921. He studied art at the Art Student's League and New York School for Industrial Design. He served for the US Army during world War II.

He illustrated nearly all of Eve Titus' books including the Basil of Baker Street series which was translated to the screen in the animated Disney film, The Great Mouse Detective.

Galdone and Titus were nominated for Caldecott Medals for Anatole (1957) and Anatole and the Cat (1958). The titles were later named Caldecott Honor books in 1971.

He died of a heart attack in Nyack, New York. He was posthumously awarded the 1996 Kerlan Award for his contribution to children's literature. His retellings of classic tales like "The Little Red Hen" or "Three Billy Goats Gruff" have become staples.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic fairy tale, this story recounts the interesting life of three bears, all of individual size and mannerisms. When they lay out their breakfast one morning and go for a stroll in the forest, a greedy little girl comes upon their abode and forgets all the manners she has been taught. Eating their food, breaking their chairs, and sleeping in their beds. When the bears return, they notice all the brouhaha and make a stink, only to spook the brat. Funny, they never see her again. Neo laughed throughout the story as I narrated all three bears a little differently. He asked if we might have some porridge in the morning, but that might also have been related to the previous Paul Galdone story we read tonight. See if you can find it on my READ feed.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my middle child’s fairy tale based kindergarten program. We’re mostly using the Scott Gustafson collections, but since we own another retelling of this one, I like to show multiple versions when I can. Less fancy pictures, obviously, but still a charming version.

[Tara Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustration of Goldilocks is frightening in this version.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with the Ritz kids..krb 7/27/16

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:This is the story of three bears who have a little cottage in the woods with bowls, chairs and beds that are all the perfect size for them. One day they decide to go on a walk and let their porridge cool, leaving the house unlocked. A curious little girl finds their house and tries out their things, eating a whole bowl of porridge, breaking a chair and then falling asleep in the baby bears bed. The bears find the mess and eventually find the girl sleeping, but she was so scared, that she ran away from that place forever.

 

Evaluation:This is a simple book for children, and it is written very well. For dramatic effect, all of the words that describe the little bear are written in small font, the words that describe the medium size bear are written in normal size font, and the words that are written about the large bear are written in large font. I think that this adds a great effect to the story.

 

Teaching Idea:This book could be used to teach comparison of different objects, in a math lesson. Additionally, it could be used in a discussion about having respect for other’s belongings.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much as I love picture books, might I suggest? When it comes to a story like this one, a story you know like the back of your hand, tell that story on your own. Don't depend on a book like this Paul's when you can seize an opportunity for real-life creativity.

Kids can bring the best out of you, as an adult. They'll appreciate your storytelling. Maybe by telling stories to them, you'll help them to keep their creativity alive. Some day they might start telling stories for entertainment, as they've learned to do from you.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS BOOK HAVE TO RECOMMEND IT?

Sigh! You can read the story. You can see professional quality artwork.

Personally I found nothing original or interesting about this book.

RATING IT, HOWEVER?

My policy is to rate books based on the likely reaction of the intended audience. I'm assuming these are growups and kids who prefer reading stories like this, rather than live-and-interactive storytelling.

FIVE STARS then. With this book, you'll receive tried and true. With pretty pictures. Enjoy!

Hey, it takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders.

[Bernadeh Mokhatas]

In this story, the three bears of different sizes have their own things such as a bowl, chair and bed. They had made porridge but it was too hot to eat so they took a walk. While they were gone a little girl came in their house and tried all their porridge and sat in all their chairs and laid in all their beds. When the bears came back, they realized that someone had entered their house and made a mess. When they found the little girl, she got scared and ran off never to be seen by them again. What was very interesting to me while reading the book was that when each individual bear was being described in the story the size of the text in the book would change depending on which bear it was. Through reading this book teacher can teach children how to compare sizes, and also, How it is important to have respect for other’s belongings.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this classical children's book the storyline follows three bears, each of whom are different sizes and have different sized belongings. Not only were the bears belongings three different sizes, but the text associated with them as well. Because the great big bear had the biggest text font, the voice I associated with that bear was deep and booming. The middle sized bear had middle sized text and therefore I interpreted its voice as higher and quieter than the great big bear, but lower and louder than the little wee bear whose voice I interpreted as child-like, and the softest and most high pitched of them all. The Illustrations were brightly colored and mainly focused on the subjects without many background distractions. In conclusion a well written story for children with nice illustrations.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The traditional folk tale of the three bears, this version is the one I grew up with. The story begins with the bears eating porridge and realizing it needs to cool off, so they take a walk. While they're out, Goldilocks decides to come in and make herself at home. The eats little wee bear's porridge, breaks his chair, and sleeps in his bed. When she wakes up and realizes the bears are home, she runs away.

This would be a fun story to show comparisons, using a different version too. I like the traditional language used and the illustrations are referenced to the time period. Overall a good choice to teach folk tales.

[Christina Chavez]

I believe this is a classic book to read for young children. I enjoy the small details the author used for the chairs, beds and bowls for the three bears. I believe I would be in shocked if someone came into my house and was in my bedroom. I also liked how Goldilocks chose all of the items that were for the wee little baby bear. Finally, once all of the three bears returned from the walk in the forest I could hear the different tones of voice when they were examining the chairs, bowls and beds.

[Elizabeth Hands]

The Three Bears by Paul Gordon is a classic story about a family of bears. One day they leave their porridge to cool and go for a walk in the woods. While they are on their walk, a young girl named Goldilocks comes in and makes a mess for the bears. I enjoyed reading this book, it's one of my favorites from when I was little, and I enjoyed the pictures the book had to offer. I would recommend this book to children ages 4 to 7 who enjoy reading books about bears. There were no diverse characters.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a picture book re-telling of the folktale "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" by illustrator Paul Galdone.

I liked how in this version the author explains that the three bears left the door to their house unlocked "because the Three Bears were trusting bears." To extrapolate, an obvious moral is trust but lock your doors.

[Shane Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is a great alternative to Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The ending is a bit different though to what I read when I was younger; in this one, the bears and the readers don't know what happened to Goldilocks at the end. It also seems like they didn't put a lot of character into Goldilocks.

Reading Level:
LEXILE - AD470L
ATOS - 3.6

Traits:
Word Choice

[Ren Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Three Bears by Paul Galdone is a story about finding your perfect fit. Goldilocks is looking throughout the Bear's house testing porridge, chairs, and beds to find her perfect fit. She tests things for how hot they are, how soft they are, and their size. Although she is breaking and entering into someone else's home, she is exploring her options to find out what works for her.

[Rochelle Autler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it wasn't my favorite. The story is cute, but there are many questions to be asked. For instance, why was Goldilocks alone in the woods and what happened to her after she left? Its disappointing to me that the story feels unfinished. I did enjoy the illustrations and thought that the colors stood out.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot loves this story, so I’ve read it from three different books/versions. This one was good overall, but I changed the wording on a few parts to better match the version I typically tell him. For example, the bears are just referred to as the big, medium, and small bear instead of the Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear, which he’s more familiar with.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is indeed a “delightful depiction” and interpretation of the original folktale, using more musical phrasing to emphasize the appeal of the repetition to the ears of young listeners. Galdone’s lively illustrations of Goldilocks’ home invasion add to the fun, especially when she’s caught in Little Wee Bear’s bed. That look on her face is priceless!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read-Aloud Revival Recommendation for Favorite February Picture Books. My husband appreciated that this version highlighted Goldilocks' guilt in the story. Or, at the least, she isn't written (and drawn via illustration) as a total innocent.

[Courtney Heard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a classic story that many families read to their kids growing up. The ending in this book however was not how I remembered it from when I was little. The ending in this book was a little unexpected.

Six +1Traits: word choice
DRA Level: 18
Lexile: AD470L

[Jill Leininger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Three Bears was always a fun book to read when I was a child. I thought this particular one was more interesting than the ones I have read before. The pictures were nicely illustrated. I liked to compare this one with other ones I read.

[BreAnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I like about this one is it gives a hint that Goldilocks is just a small distracted child, inattentive to detail, who hasn't yet learned to think outside herself. That resonated with me, being a mother of a 3yo, as a plausible explanation for her behavior.

[Abigail Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this telling of Goldilocks. It was rhythmic and nice to read aloud. My boys (8&9) didn’t love the Goldilocks illustration, and I can’t say I blame them . . . She’s a little creepy in this version!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great big bear wearing reading glasses was so fantastic! 😂 I also didn't realize that Goldilocks really did jump out the window, but this author seems legit on his fairy tale knowledge. Solid book.

[L.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending is blah, as with most “three bears” tales. Not sure why Goldilocks is missing teeth, but I guess it would be accurate for a child of her age, if we’re being realistic. Art is a four aside from “Toothless.”

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

megan summer reading 2017, children's book, picture book, classic, retelling, series, a folk tale classic, prek, kindergarten, first grade, second grade,

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book! they really added to the story!

[Tessa Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The classic story of the three little bears. This is a classic novel that nearly all children will recognize. This is a great way to talk about fairytales and sharing.

[Katie Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! It is a great retelling of a classic children's story. It is perfect for grades K-2, because of the onomatopoeia's present within the story.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for group storytelling time.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these books. Read all of these. Your kids will love them and so will you!!