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Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates
Once upon a seaworthy sloop lived three pirates: the big, pilfering Papa, the medium-sized, menacing Mama, and the small, bonny Baby, a pirate-in-training. They were excellent pirates, but not very good housekeepers, so their gruel wasn't tasty, their stools weren't sturdy, and their hammocks weren't hung properly. Luckily for them, Goldenlocks happened along when they were out for a row in the harbor.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published November 21, 2017
51 people want to read
About the author
April Jones Prince
18 books28 followersApril Jones Prince is a children's book author specializing in history and books for the very young.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 11, 2017
I was drawn to this book by the art, as well as the idea of a "pirated" (haha) version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sounds fun, right?
Unfortunately, not so much. Why? Well, because what stood out to me the most was the fact that, in addition to being good at pirate-y things like swashbuckling and cannoneering (which she is apparently very skilled at), the mother pirate is clearly expected to do all of the cooking, sewing, and other repairs. The father figure and the child (a boy) aren't expected to offer any help, and don't show any interest in doing so; the mother's failure as a homemaker is all that's emphasized, and in the end it's why they want "Goldenlocks" to stay on their ship and be a pirate also. There is no mention of the fact that the father also isn't any good at cooking or sewing--apparently he doesn't have to be, because he's a man. But the woman now, it's a HUGE failing if she can't cook and sew and the like in addition to being good at all the things her husband is good at.
On the last page, Goldenlocks is up in the rigging, wind in her hair, clearly enjoying her new pirate-life...but would that really be the case if she's doing all the cooking and cleaning while everyone else lives a life of ease? It was also not so great that the last image of the mother was her studying a cook book, looking thoroughly puzzled, while everyone is happily looking forward to whatever adventure may find them.
I know that this is a kid's book, and maybe I shouldn't be so hard on it, but...that's kind of the problem, actually. This is exactly the kind of thing that helps perpetuate gender role stereotypes, and it's just not really very acceptable in this day and age--or rather, it shouldn't be.
One last note: to be fair, the art is very nice, and Goldenlocks' hair is especially lovely, but pretty art doesn't even begin to make up for the issue I mentioned above.
1/5 stars, for the art.
Unfortunately, not so much. Why? Well, because what stood out to me the most was the fact that, in addition to being good at pirate-y things like swashbuckling and cannoneering (which she is apparently very skilled at), the mother pirate is clearly expected to do all of the cooking, sewing, and other repairs. The father figure and the child (a boy) aren't expected to offer any help, and don't show any interest in doing so; the mother's failure as a homemaker is all that's emphasized, and in the end it's why they want "Goldenlocks" to stay on their ship and be a pirate also. There is no mention of the fact that the father also isn't any good at cooking or sewing--apparently he doesn't have to be, because he's a man. But the woman now, it's a HUGE failing if she can't cook and sew and the like in addition to being good at all the things her husband is good at.
On the last page, Goldenlocks is up in the rigging, wind in her hair, clearly enjoying her new pirate-life...but would that really be the case if she's doing all the cooking and cleaning while everyone else lives a life of ease? It was also not so great that the last image of the mother was her studying a cook book, looking thoroughly puzzled, while everyone is happily looking forward to whatever adventure may find them.
I know that this is a kid's book, and maybe I shouldn't be so hard on it, but...that's kind of the problem, actually. This is exactly the kind of thing that helps perpetuate gender role stereotypes, and it's just not really very acceptable in this day and age--or rather, it shouldn't be.
One last note: to be fair, the art is very nice, and Goldenlocks' hair is especially lovely, but pretty art doesn't even begin to make up for the issue I mentioned above.
1/5 stars, for the art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2017
Fun fun book to read out loud in your very best pirate voice. Beautiful glossy colorful images with a familiar story with a twist.
January 23, 2018
I don’t usually write reviews for the picture books that I read, mostly because as much as I might have a strong reaction to them, I’m definitely not the target audience. My kids often have very different reactions to books than I do. However, I’m really annoyed by this one so here goes. I picked up Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates from the library “new” shelf because it looks fun and bright, a tempting retelling with a twist! I was hoping for something along the lines of one of our family favorites such as Pirate Girl by Cornelia Funke or even the perennial classic Pirates Don’t Change Diapers, but instead I got a retelling that reinforces rigid gender stereotypes, minus any actual swashbuckling. * Spoilers ahoy!* Of the three titular pirates, the middle-sized pirate is the mother, who is ashamed of her terrible cooking and mending abilities, and who suggests to the really big pirate (a dude) that they get a crew to help out with these chores. She's not suggesting that big or little pirate (dudes) try their hands at these tasks, of course! Enter Goldenlocks (lovely girl with well, golden locks) who rows out to the three pirates' temporarily unoccupied ship because she’s curious. She seasons the terrible porridge, fixes the broken stool, rehangs the limp hammock, earning her an offer to join the crew when she is discovered. Hurray! A replacement female to take care of those fearsome pirates! Thank goodness. And just to add to the annoyance, Mom pirate is shown in the last picture, reading a cookbook with a frown on her face. Still trying to succeed at being feminine! Gosh, I hated that. So, let’s sum up: no swashbuckling, every female character’s worth is rated by how well she can accomplish traditionally feminine chores, with absolutely no suggestion that perhaps they might be essential enough to be shared by the Big Pirate (male) and the Little Pirate (also male.) Ugh. This book does have lovely, vibrant artwork, which is why I picked it up in the first place, but alas! This isn’t something I will be sharing with my kids because I don’t want to reinforce these kinds of stereotypes. A book that looks fun and hip (pirates!) does way more damage in normalizing these than another that isn’t as appealing.
December 22, 2018
A retelling of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, instead starring "Goldenlocks" and three pirates.
I really liked one of the changes and the art work was fun, so great addition for any fairy tale re-telling units.
No content issues; however, pirates are never shown to not be good role models.
Read
April 5, 2018A story that's been done better.
January 19, 2018
Both my six year old and myself had issues with this picture book. Unlikeable characters, sexist and dated stereotypes, and a story that has been told better before. As my daughter put it after reading the book "the pirates are horrible. Why would anyone want to join them? That's just stupid."
December 6, 2017
This is a riff on the familiar "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story, only more fun because it is about pirates instead of bears. I liked the pirate language, such as "loose as hand-me-down britches" and "someone's been eating me gruel." This would be a great one to read-aloud. I also enjoyed the way the author made Goldenlocks a girl who can do just about anything around the sloop. Here's to pirate girls -- arg!
December 3, 2019
This book is a hilarious high seas adventure for 1st-5th graders. A twist on a familiar tale will delight readers with its unexpected plot and fantastic word choice! The text alone makes this a WOW book for me. Fun words and phrases abound inviting lots of expressive reading and character accents, making it both a hysterical adventure to read as a group and enjoyable independent read for upper grade or advanced readers. This text has all the markings of a fun shared reading experience too! Another WOW factor are the colorful illustrations and their use of perspective which create a storyboard effect. They're the perfect accompaniment to this humorous, pirated-themed adaptation sure to get your 'wordsmiths' and 'scallywags' alike onboard!
IDEAS & TIPS FOR INSTRUCTION
Prince's use of rich vocabulary is perfect for expanding students' word banks. The familiarity of the story will help students fill in the meaning of some of the words. It's also a fantastic text for conducting word hunts. The author uses a lot of enriched vocabulary so students could create word meaning posters where each poster contains words that have the same meaning. Find a few less common words that are suitable to use as words of the week. Let students vote for one or two of the most transferable words to add to the Word Wall.
Use the momentum generated from reading this book to get students writing! Encourage students to incorporate some of their new words in their writing pieces. See what funny stories they can come up with by using these new words. Building on the final sentence of the book, invite your students to write what they think will happen next. Teachers can use these activities to talk about the use of vocabulary and how word choice can capture different moods.
IDEAS & TIPS FOR INSTRUCTION
Prince's use of rich vocabulary is perfect for expanding students' word banks. The familiarity of the story will help students fill in the meaning of some of the words. It's also a fantastic text for conducting word hunts. The author uses a lot of enriched vocabulary so students could create word meaning posters where each poster contains words that have the same meaning. Find a few less common words that are suitable to use as words of the week. Let students vote for one or two of the most transferable words to add to the Word Wall.
Use the momentum generated from reading this book to get students writing! Encourage students to incorporate some of their new words in their writing pieces. See what funny stories they can come up with by using these new words. Building on the final sentence of the book, invite your students to write what they think will happen next. Teachers can use these activities to talk about the use of vocabulary and how word choice can capture different moods.
April 15, 2019
Fractured fairy tale of Goldilocks meeting a pirate family. While pirate talk is typically fun for kids, the dialect in this case is so heavy that the target audience won't understand the text. While Mom is an accomplished swashbuckler, she laments over her lack of culinary skills; meanwhile, her husband doesn't seem concerned about household duties at all.
December 16, 2017
I LOVE fractured fairy tales!
January 22, 2018
Great take on "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." I loved the pirate theme and the dialogue was fabulous! Illustrations were wonderful.
January 6, 2018
Love fractured fairy tales! This book definitely brings a smile on your face! Beautiful illustrations!
February 28, 2018
I loved this book! I was always a fan of the Goldilocks and the three bears story and this one was awesome. Plus, I really love pirates so that was a wonderful addition. Love the differences from the original story and the illustrations are beautiful too. The illustrations are full of life and so colorful.
March 15, 2018
The “pirate talk” had too advanced vocabulary for my kids (3.5, 5). Of course I enjoy a chance to explain word meanings, but not every word of the sentence. Funny premise, replacing the three bears with pirates. Enjoyed voicing the different characters. Felt bad for the mom pirate (she was overworked and saw Goldenlocks’ help initially as criticism).
January 22, 2020
Plays off of many traditional, outdated archetypes, but can be a fun read for those that like pirates. Seems to only focus on the failures of the mother pirate, however, which makes me not want to read it at all.
January 18, 2018
Not bad! Good for pirate story time. I just wish the women didn't have to do everything...
April 19, 2018
Prince, April Jones Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates, illustrated by Steven Salerno. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2017. $17. 9780374300746
This retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" takes place on a pirate ship. In this case, the mama pirate has burned their morning gruel, so she, the papa, and the baby row ashore for fresh water while it cools. They come back to discover that Goldenlocks has sneaked onto their boat, repaired many of their worn items, and fallen asleep on the baby's hammock.
This is an amusing and colorful fractured fairytale, and I love that Goldenlocks leaves things better in her wake instead of worse. I do, however, have an issue with the gender roles in this story. The papa's main job seems to be standing around and blustering. The boy just unhelpfully follows his father. The mama, however, is expected to cook, sew, fix broken furniture, and row the dinghy back and forth between the shore and the ship. At one point, the papa and boy complain about Mama's cooking skills and, rather than stepping in to do it themselves, they suggest hiring someone. And at the end, when the boy hangs off the ropes with a sword and the father steers the ship, mama is reading a book about...cooking. (Ye Bonnny Cook, to be precise, so not only is she supposed to cook and sew and repair and row, but she's also supposed to be beautiful while doing it.)
Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
This retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" takes place on a pirate ship. In this case, the mama pirate has burned their morning gruel, so she, the papa, and the baby row ashore for fresh water while it cools. They come back to discover that Goldenlocks has sneaked onto their boat, repaired many of their worn items, and fallen asleep on the baby's hammock.
This is an amusing and colorful fractured fairytale, and I love that Goldenlocks leaves things better in her wake instead of worse. I do, however, have an issue with the gender roles in this story. The papa's main job seems to be standing around and blustering. The boy just unhelpfully follows his father. The mama, however, is expected to cook, sew, fix broken furniture, and row the dinghy back and forth between the shore and the ship. At one point, the papa and boy complain about Mama's cooking skills and, rather than stepping in to do it themselves, they suggest hiring someone. And at the end, when the boy hangs off the ropes with a sword and the father steers the ship, mama is reading a book about...cooking. (Ye Bonnny Cook, to be precise, so not only is she supposed to cook and sew and repair and row, but she's also supposed to be beautiful while doing it.)
Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
January 20, 2018
A take-off on some of the classic pirate stories and a fractured version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this picture book features a small pirate family whose mother seems unable to take care of the household chores very well. I'm not particularly thrilled that she's the one that seems to take the blame for not being able to cook or keep things tidy, something that might be worth pointing out to young readers, but she solves the family's problems by hiring a new crew member after Goldenlocks slips onto the family's ship and does her thing. While the family is away, she explores the ship, seasons their food, repairs a chair, rehangs a hammock, and is caught red-handed once they return as she slumbers in that very same hammock. Instead of making her walk the plank, they decide to keep her on. Readers who enjoy pirate stories will like this humorous one, and those who are fond of fairy tales may also like this one because of its resemblance to one of their favorites. The illustrations have a cartoon-like quality that makes almost every scene humorous. For those who enjoy using voices and uttering pirate lingo, this picture book offers plenty of read aloud possibilities. ARRGH! ARRGH! ARRGH!
July 2, 2020
I really liked this twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Both Papa and Mama are capable pirates and Baby is in training (Baby appears to be lower elementary age and never gets any pronouns. I had assumed female from the very first page, but I see other reviewers presumed male.)
Goldenlocks comes aboard while the pirates are out. She seasons the gruel, rebuilds a stool into a chair and mends and rehangs Baby's hammock. At first Mama sees herself in competition with Goldenlocks, but then asks to hire her on as part of the crew.
I like that Goldenlocks is apparently as good at cooking as she is at carpentry.
Other reviewers have suggested that Papa and Baby should have pitched in.
I think it's a good way to discuss what things different people are good at and that gender doesn't determine that. Also, that everyone needs to be able to do some basic things (like cook an edible meal) because those are survival skills -- not everyone can taste gruel and determine it needs a bit of nutmeg, but everyone should be able to follow a basic recipe.
Both Papa and Mama are capable pirates and Baby is in training (Baby appears to be lower elementary age and never gets any pronouns. I had assumed female from the very first page, but I see other reviewers presumed male.)
Goldenlocks comes aboard while the pirates are out. She seasons the gruel, rebuilds a stool into a chair and mends and rehangs Baby's hammock. At first Mama sees herself in competition with Goldenlocks, but then asks to hire her on as part of the crew.
I like that Goldenlocks is apparently as good at cooking as she is at carpentry.
Other reviewers have suggested that Papa and Baby should have pitched in.
I think it's a good way to discuss what things different people are good at and that gender doesn't determine that. Also, that everyone needs to be able to do some basic things (like cook an edible meal) because those are survival skills -- not everyone can taste gruel and determine it needs a bit of nutmeg, but everyone should be able to follow a basic recipe.
April 12, 2018
Papa, Mama and Baby Pirate are not good at cooking, fixing, and sewing, but the pirates refuse to take on more crew to help out. One morning they leave their unappetizing gruel to cool while they go out a-plundering and when they come back they find a stowaway that might just be the answer their problems.
This pirate retelling of the popular Goldilocks fairy tale works well in its new ocean setting. The story has lots of infamous pirate lingo and its own pirate glossary for the land lubber to study. Steven Salerno’s enchanting illustrations add to the fun. This would make a good read aloud in classroom or library settings. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This pirate retelling of the popular Goldilocks fairy tale works well in its new ocean setting. The story has lots of infamous pirate lingo and its own pirate glossary for the land lubber to study. Steven Salerno’s enchanting illustrations add to the fun. This would make a good read aloud in classroom or library settings. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
June 20, 2018
The illustrations in this book are STUNNING! I could spend an eternity just staring at each page and all the vibrancy. I love how this children's book contains elevated language that forced my three-year-old son to ask, "What does that word mean?" It was such a great opportunity to learn new words and discuss different ship terminology. I also thoroughly appreciated the spin on the classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This book gave "Goldenlocks" a sense of agency and purpose. My son needs to read that women are capable of doing jobs that have traditionally been thought of as masculine. He needs to know that women are knowledgeable and able-bodied people who should be treated as such. This book gets a huge BRAVO from me!
January 5, 2019
Papa Pirate, Mama Pirate, and Baby Pirate are good at pirating, but not so good at upkeep and cooking. When they go to shore while Mama Pirate's flame-baptized gruel cools down, a capable girl boards drawn by the smell. Is she a troublemaker, or just what this ship needs?
This is a great twist on the usual Goldilocks and the Three Bears tale. Instead of being a destructive invader, Goldenlocks leaves a trail of ship improvements in her wake. And lest you're worried, this scurvy lot doesn't seem very nasty. Hand this one to kids who enjoy fractured fairy tales and pirate adventures.
This is a great twist on the usual Goldilocks and the Three Bears tale. Instead of being a destructive invader, Goldenlocks leaves a trail of ship improvements in her wake. And lest you're worried, this scurvy lot doesn't seem very nasty. Hand this one to kids who enjoy fractured fairy tales and pirate adventures.
January 26, 2019
I think this book is age appropriate for second-grade students. Goldenlocks goes onto the pirate's ship. She tries their breakfast, sits on their stools and then falls asleep on their hammocks. When the pirates get home they are not happy with what they see. The pirates allow for to live with them and become a pirate. In my classroom, I could use this to show that there can be different versions of the same story. Also, this book would be good for children because it uses lots of similes.
September 12, 2019
I wanted to like this, but found myself pretty annoyed by the sexist division of duties aboard the pirate ship (namely that Mama pirate does them all - and is described as doing the domestic duties poorly). Papa Pirate and Baby Pirate do nothing. The only thing keeping me from giving this 1 star is I like Goldenlocks - she is a problem solver and a fixer - not the breaking-and-entering, food-stealing, chair-breaker she is in the original fairytale.
March 14, 2018
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
This is a cute retelling of the three bears. I think young readers will be amused and it will make a good read aloud. The young Goldenlocks is smart and capable and not as destructive as your traditional Goldilocks.
This is a cute retelling of the three bears. I think young readers will be amused and it will make a good read aloud. The young Goldenlocks is smart and capable and not as destructive as your traditional Goldilocks.
October 14, 2018
This book, like 24 others, is a potential Show Me Nominee for the 2018-19 school year. What fun it has been to read all 25 books and help choose the ten nominees that most Missouri school children will read with their librarian next year.
MEH - just meh. Good art, fun idea - poor execution. This book is disappointing.
MEH - just meh. Good art, fun idea - poor execution. This book is disappointing.
October 13, 2021
In this twist on a known fairy tale, Goldilocks goes on a pirate ship. The pirates (especially mom pirate) are not so good at cooking, fixing things and sewing, so the gruel, the stool and the sleeping hammocks all need repair. Goldilocks tests everything and fixes what needs fixing…
Good book for kids who love pirate tales!
Good book for kids who love pirate tales!
February 5, 2024
I like this version. Three pirates leave their sloop while their gruel cools. Goldenlocks comes aboard and asks if anyone is their. She improves the flavor of the gruel, fixes Baby Pirate's chair after breaking it and mends his hammock before sleeping in it. The pirates realize she would be a helpful addition to the crew.
July 25, 2018
This will make a good addition to Pirate Day reads for school age children and older preschoolers.
The vocabulary in the back will help with the pirate lingo-- a good vocabulary stretcher for the whole book. Imaginative and colorful, this book has a satisfactory resolution to the encounter.
The vocabulary in the back will help with the pirate lingo-- a good vocabulary stretcher for the whole book. Imaginative and colorful, this book has a satisfactory resolution to the encounter.
September 9, 2019
A loves this one from her book club. It's not my favorite, but not my least favorite of the current repeat reading list. ;) I am trying to have more fun with the words and I appreciate the ending message!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews