Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!: The Story of the Three Bears as Told by Baby Bear

The Other Side of the Story

by Nancy Loewen, Tatevik Avakyan (Illustrator)

OF COURSE you think Goldilocks was a brat who broke in and trashed our house. You don't know the other side of the story. Well, let me tell you...

Genres: Picture Books, Folklore, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Retellings, Fiction, Fantasy

24 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Nancy Loewen grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, surrounded by library books and cats. She's published more than 140 books for children. FOUR TO THE POLE (co-authored with polar explorer Ann Bancroft) and THE LAST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN were Minnesota Book Award finalists. Her WRITER'S TOOLBOX series received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers.

Nancy lives in Saint Paul and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She has two adult children and a cat who sometimes bites her knees under the table as she writes.

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This twisted fairy tale is perfect to use with both younger and older elementary students. It is funny and will get chuckles from all, with the older kids getting some of the sarcasm and reference to “Truth or Dare”much more than the younger, of course. This version of Goldilocks is far more contemporary than the usual and has Baby Bear/Sam telling the story and both he and Goldilocks using their cell phones. Combined with a traditional reading or viewing of the common story will allow for compare/contrast and perspective lessons ranging from the very elementary to the more complex for the older crowd. Illustrations by Tatevik Avakyan are bright, bold, and full page. Back matter includes a brief glossary of literary terms, questions to facilitate further discussion, read a likes, a website to connect learning, and a list of additional titles in the series.

[Alyssa Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!: The Story of the Three Bears as Told by Baby Bear (The Other Side of the Story)
Author: Nancy Loewen
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Publication Date: 2011
Number of Pages: 24

Summary: Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks is a great book to use when doing a fairy tale unit in the classroom. After reading the traditional story, “The Three Bears”, this is a great twist of the story. It changes the perspective of the story and is now told by Baby Bear. Baby Bear and Goldilocks become best friends through this story; both enjoying things that children enjoy. They both dislike the porridge that mama bear makes them eat, they both love to jump on beds and they love to go on adventures with each other. In this book, Goldilocks is not a trouble maker. These two make the classic book have a great twist on why Baby Bear’s bed broke!

Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Kindergarten- 3rd Grade
Lexile Level: 410
GR Level: J
Teaching Ideas (with Common Core Standards):
An idea to use with this book would be to read both the original story, “The Three Bears” and then read this one after. You could have the students talk about how the point of view in the story changes and how the perspective of the story changes. After reading through both books the students could complete a venn diagram comparing and contrasting the books. You can have the students use paper to create the venn diagram or you could have them use paper plates to create the venn diagram.

RL.4.6- Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first- and third-person narrations.

[Beth Gehringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic spin on the folktale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and is a great read aloud to engage students in folklore and fairy tales, but with a twist. Most people know the classic story, but this story takes readers on a different journey as it is told from the perspective of Baby Bear. Yes, readers may know the original story, but this book leaves readers to guess what might happen next as we get a different take on what happened. It has captivating illustrations and a simple story line for especially young children to follow along with. I thought it was a cute retelling of the story and took a more positive spin than the original story. Additionally, what I appreciated about the book was that in the back, a glossary was included for you that listed important words for students to know such as: character, narrator, and point of view. It also gave suggested questions to prompt thinking about point of view and listed other versions of the story for further reading.


This book is better suited to use as a read aloud for specifically lower elementary students, but could be used until around 3rd grade as a read aloud. Additionally, it could be one used to read independently in either 2nd or 3rd grade. I think this is a great read aloud specifically for the genre of folklore as it introduces students to classic stories but told from a different point of view which would be a great lesson. It’s great for younger students because it simplifies the story down into the most important characters and plot lines which makes it easy for them to follow along with and comprehend. Specifically, like I mentioned above, this book would be terrific in teaching students about point of view. I would likely read the classic story before reading this one and then have students compare the two stories, having the describe what was similar and what was different about the stories. Additionally, I would have students think about how the story would be different from a different point of view maybe from the point of view of Mama and Papa bear to extend their thinking to coming up with ideas on their own. Another way to use this book would be to aid in teaching students how to make predictions. With the structure of fairy tales and folk stories such as this one, it makes it easy to pause and ask students to predict what they think might happen next. Even if students know the classic tale, since this one is told from a different perspective, the story differs and therefore they can predict how the specific character would react or tell a part of the story. Overall, I think this is such a fun book to include in the lower elementary classroom that exposes students to folk tales, but also helps to teach important literature concepts.

[Cynthia Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fractured fairy tale is told from the point of view of Sam. Who is Sam? Sam is baby bear grown up. This is a different perspective than most, but it's fun. I loved this great book. There are many, many versions of Goldilocks but this one truly rocks. He is tired of having porridge again so Mama bear and Papa bear told him they would go for a walk and work up an appetite. While they were gone Goldilocks stopped by. She ate the porridge then she tried out the chairs. Then she started bouncing on the beds and taking a video of herself bouncing and having a good time. Sam saw her from the window. What did he do? What did she do? What will you do?
I borrowed this book on a Kindle Unlimited website and so can you.

[Gayle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids LOVE to hear a twist on a story that they already know and love. Hearing Fractured Fairytales might inspire students to put their own twist on stories they know and love. It allows freedom and creativity, but they don't have to start from scratch... I use this story, and several others also listed, as examples or mentors to get kids thinking about how they can choose a different perspective and try to make an old story new. Kids like to write them and I love to hear what they come up with!

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is told from Baby Bear's, Sam's, point of view. Instead of being viewed as an intruder, Goldilocks is given the benefit of the doubt. Sam befriends her and in the end gets what he wants from his parents who are terrified at her presence.

Critical thinking questions in the rear. Again, great in a setting where kids hear the original along side this version and are asked to compare and contrast.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

wouldn't it be fun to hang out with all these fairy tale friends, so hilarious (sorry i have to add this to my review, but there was a person who said this book didn't teach manners, i don't think that was the intention of this read?? or the author? but i could be wrong??? i think it was only meant to be silly, fun, or just play on the lighter side of life and humor.) ... what a great read. illustrations are spot on ... so fun!!

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told from the perspective of Baby Bear, whose name is really Sam. Papa Bear insists on taking the family for a hike when Sam refuses to eat his porridge in order to make him hungry. But Sam sneaks back to the house, where Sam meets Goldilocks. They conspire to surprise the parents.

A modern take, with cell phones and such. Small text tells me that this is not intended for children to read themselves. I don't feel like the story justifies the title.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the theme of Another Point of View and am delighted to have discovered this series. I believe it's important children learn empathy - and if they can giggle while doing so, and share stories with their families, too, well, all the better! Includes back matter.

This particular episode is more 'fractured' than 'another pov.' The story is changed too much for me but it did make me laugh out loud so I rounded up to four stars. Excellent choice for families to share together.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told by baby bear. Goldi takes pictures with her cell phone and scares the bears. They run away. She makes friends with Baby Bear, AKA Sam. They both jump on the beds, which is against house rules. Then they exchange cell phone numbers as she runs away. Great version! Modern and fun. Loved it! Highly recommended for Gr.1-3.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be reading too much into it, but I saw this retelling as a very biting commentary on inter-generational conflict and never-ending strife between age demographics with youthful energy and new ideas pitted against cultural tradition and conservative policy.

That, or it's just a funny story about truth-or-dare and jumping on the bed. :-D

[May Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out-of-the-box cuteness

Gotta love me some classic children’s stories told from another POV, oftentimes by the antagonist. While the narrator of this book is not the story’s antagonist, it makes us see that Goldilocks is not all mischief, after all. Children should also know this side of the story, methinks.

[Xavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldilocks and the Three Bears told from Baby Bear’s (I mean Sam’s) perspective.

The story by itself is not bad, but it was not what I was expecting or the classic story. I expected the story to follow the classic tale and not to include texting, double daring, and selfies. Not my favorite for a lot of reasons, but that type of behavior is cringe worthy.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. Just two children getting into mischief while the parents are away. although it was interesting Goldilocks was in the house on a dare instead of just barging in just because.
recommended? Meh
Buy/Borrow? Borrow

[Dabney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute fractured fairy tale that runs in the same line as the others in this series. It’s a fun retelling of the traditional tale, and I like how the questions in the back inspire some deeper thought about the story if people are so inclined. Fun idea, and I had fun reading this.

[Set · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goldie locks doesn't have curly locks. She breaks in and makes friends with "Sam" the baby bear. Cute story but it defeats the purpose of the story. I'm guessing the concept is that little bear cultivates a relationship with the rebel bad child Goldilocks behind the scenes.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baby Bear had a different story about Goldilocks and what she was doing inside their home. This book had a technology twist to it as well which I hadn't ever read before. I wasn't as impressed with this story as I thought I would have been.

[Whitney Inlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was cute for children to read. I liked that it gave the readers a different characters point of view. It can teach students that there are two sides to every story. I also liked that it was modern with the use of the technology in the book.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this set of short stories about fairy tales told by a different character in the story. This one is told by Sam AKA Baby Bear. This one just made me laugh. Goldilocks pulls out her cell phone. A great fun short read.

[Heidi Trowbridge]

Date Read:11/19/2020
Genre: Fairy Tale
Grade range: pre-K-3
Reflection: This was such a fun story told by Baby Bear. He has a very "kid like" personality in this version. I smiled through the whole book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!: The Story of the Three Bears as Told by Baby Bear (The Other Side of the Story) by Nancy Loewen – Baby Bear makes a new friend and proves to his parents that he isn’t such a baby anymore! Love these twisted tales! Happy Reading!

[Liberty Kontranowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son brought this home from his school library and we absolutely loved it. Cute, cute, cute!!

[Trista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny version with a modern twist (Goldilocks takes selfies).

[Mariarosa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was TERRIBLE!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know that the baby bear and Goldilocks ended up friends!! Who knew???

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! My students love this. Great to include in a fairy tale unit.

[Lareina Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertainingly Cute

Read with my 7-year old for her weekly book report and we both enjoyed it! Great story! Cute and entertaining

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Day 4 of school 2018-19, fun divergent to the classic with great updated antics. Fun book to companies and contrast.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this with my daughter. thought it was a cute retelling of goldilocks and the three bears.

[Ugochi Amaliri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was OK

Because Goldie Locks screamed to much.
I did not like when Sam/Baby Bare scare`s Goldie Locks
My on because she can comfort me so I can call down.