The Three Bears' Christmas

by Kathy Duval

Upon arriving home, the family of three bears discovers that someone has been in their cozy cottage, eaten their gingerbread cookies, and slept in their beds, yet seeing a red coat, black boots, and wrapped presents under the tree, the three bears become delighted when they realize who the surprise visitor was! Reprint.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Holiday, School

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Kathy Duval's latest book is A BEAR'S YEAR (Schwartz & Wade), illustrated by Gerry Turley She is also the author of TAKE ME TO YOUR BBQ illustrated by Adam McCauley, and THE THREE BEARS’ CHRISTMAS and THE THREE BEARS’ HALLOWEEN, illustrated by Meisel.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly heartwarming tale about anthropomorphic bears and the evening a magical elderly gentleman broke into their home.

[Cate Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple, sweet story that will have children yelling "Santa!" as you read out each clue. With it being such a familiar tale, it is easy for kids to follow along. The artwork is fine, but nothing extraordinary. I use this book quite a bit for my preschool story time.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas Eve and the Three Bears experience an exciting evening when someone shows up at their house and nibbles their gingerbread cookies, sits on their chairs and rumples their beds. Surprising ending children will love. Fun illustrations.

[Christy Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was like Goldilocks but with Santa instead. I had hoped that it was going to be great, but it was kind of a let down. I had been expecting a new story not a repeat of the original book. Glad I got this from the library. A child might enjoy this more.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Now set it on Christmas. But the visitor isn't Goldilocks.

Clues, in the form of red items of clothing, are strewn throughout some of the later pages.

And wotta happy ending! So jolly!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama Bear bakes gingerbread cookies and then the family goes for a walk while they cool. When they return, someone nibbled Papa and Mama's cookie and gobbled Baby Bear's all up leaving behind a red glove. As they go through their house, they find other evidence of the Christmas visitor.

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pink Hill Santa Spectacular

Three Bears with a twist.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute - used for storytime.

Someone is in the Bear Family House & leaving belongings everywhere!

Who might be leaving boots, red mittens, & a red jacket?

[Nadina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had potential as a twist on "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" but it fell a little flat for me. While the illustrations weren't bad the story felt a little forced. Average over all.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to see the fairytale through the lens of Christmas. A nice little spin on the story.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas Eve and the Bear family have just finished decorating their home. They are now taking a walk while their gingerbread bears are cooling. While they are gone, the Bears get another unexpected visitor and this time it isn't Goldilocks. Little Bear is the only one who sees something flying over the moon and hears bells. A lovely Christmas twist on the familiar Three Bears story.

[Jessica Adams Duzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute idea for a story. A retelling of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, in which Santa plays the role of Goldilocks. Santa leaves a trail of clothing through the house as the bears wonder "who sat in my chair," etc. I do wish the ending was different. I did not understand why Santa left the house with out his clothes. I would have liked it if the Bears helped Santa get dressed.

[Bvlmc Buchanan Verplanck Elementary School · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this clever take of the classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the three bears make gingerbread and then leave for a winter walk. Upon returning home they find Santa’s clothes strewn through the house before finding their tree full of presents and catching a glimpse of Santa as he takes off flying in his sleigh.

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daycare kids (4 and under) loved this twist on the story of Goldilocks. I loved reading it (over and over) as well. Even though they know the ending there is still mystery and suspence with each reading. It'll definitely be a Christmas favorite that I'll pull out each year.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute story, like Goldilocks however the visitor in the Bear's home is a right jolly old elf. :)

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute riff on the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears series. The kids really get into finding Santa in the story. I would definitely read t his again.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really fun re-telling of the Three Bears.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture Book

The three bears make gingerbread cookies and go for a walk to wait for them to cool. Just like Goldi-locks and the three bears, except it's Santa.

[Hilary Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute! My daugther loves it and she loves how Santa leaves his things all over the house!

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun retelling of the Goldilocks story, but this time it's Santa who visits the bears' house while they go on a walk to wait for the gingerbread cookies to cool.

[Cassandra Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Leaves clues to who's been in the house. Kids liked it.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously parallels Goldielocks with a visit from Santa Claus. Not sure why he took off and left his clothes?

[Cian · Rating 4 out of 5]

2016- 4 years old. Loves, loves, loves!
Loved it in 2014 - was a favorite that year. Still liked this year, but not as much as last.

[CalebJacobOwenZac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Day 2: I loved asking them halfway through.... Does this book remind you of another story about three bears? Cute book.... they asked to hear it two more times so it's a winner.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fractured fairytale. Santa breaks in and eats their gingerbread cookies instead of porridge and must have taken a nap in baby bears bed. He also leaves presents under the tree.

[Alexandria Hiam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fractured fairytale. Santa breaks in and eats their gingerbread cookies instead of porridge and must have taken a nap in baby bears bed. He also leaves presents under the tree.

[Shanessa (Children Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute spin on Goldilocks, but felt more forced than the Three Bears Halloween. Doesn't really make sense why Santa would leave his clothes all over their house, but a cute story regardless.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute spin on the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears tale.

[Goshen PL Childrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at Storytime on December 20th.
Theme: Christmas stories