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Rubia and the Three Osos
The Oso family is going out for a stroll, and Rubia has her eye on their empty casita. A nice bowl of sopa, a comfortable chair, a perfecta little bed Who wouldn't want to open la puerta and come in?
This is the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, retold in a musical combination of English and Spanish, illustrated with great humor and heart by a Caldecott Honor-winning artist, and featuring a surprise ending that's downright fabuloso. Just right for bilingual families, new Spanish speakers, and anyone who likes a bueno twist on a classic.
This is the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, retold in a musical combination of English and Spanish, illustrated with great humor and heart by a Caldecott Honor-winning artist, and featuring a surprise ending that's downright fabuloso. Just right for bilingual families, new Spanish speakers, and anyone who likes a bueno twist on a classic.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2010
4 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Susan Middleton Elya
31 books39 followersSusan Middleton Elya is the author of many books that cleverly incorporate Spanish vocabulary into lively verse. She is originally from Iowa and now lives in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
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February 15, 2017Text-to-Text
This book is the Hispanic version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This book contains both English and some Spanish words in it. I would read the English version of this book and then read this version of the book. I would then ask my class to observe the words that were different. I believe that this would be a good book for 1st and 2nd graders.
This book is the Hispanic version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This book contains both English and some Spanish words in it. I would read the English version of this book and then read this version of the book. I would then ask my class to observe the words that were different. I believe that this would be a good book for 1st and 2nd graders.
March 29, 2019
For a multicultural (Latina and Bear) version of Goldilocks, check out Elya's spin on a classic tale that'll tickle your funny bone and provide a language lesson at the same time.
April 9, 2016
I just read this one to a kindergarten class today, and was SO impressed with their ability to figure out the meaning of the Spanish words! I'd write them down in front of them, and after reading each page, we'd (really, they would!) figure out what the Spanish words on that page means. Sometimes, they used the pictures, sometimes they used prior knowledge of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears stories they'd heard before... But they got nearly all of them without me scaffolding much! They also made predictions about what would happen in the story after Rubia ran away. They had some great ideas! This one went over so well!
Originally, I gave it four stars, but it was so great in this kindergarten class, I have to give it 5!
(Side note- we have a new girl in our class from Spain, who hasn't said much or contributed much due to the language barrier. She was over the moon with this book! Love love love how bilingual books can connect students- even if it's just a few words per page!)
Originally, I gave it four stars, but it was so great in this kindergarten class, I have to give it 5!
(Side note- we have a new girl in our class from Spain, who hasn't said much or contributed much due to the language barrier. She was over the moon with this book! Love love love how bilingual books can connect students- even if it's just a few words per page!)
October 22, 2010
A nice retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears--combining Spanish and English words. The revised ending has a good message about making up for your mistakes and the bears and Goldilocks are all likable characters.
February 1, 2018
I love the illustrations, the Spanish, and the twist on a familiar story, but I didn't like the inclusion of Mama bear wanting to go on a walk to be "thinner" and Papa bear rolling his eyes at it. Um...no. Still, Rubia wanting to right her wrongs was appreciated.
May 19, 2011
Fun rendition of Goldilocks & the 3 Bears with a sprinkling of Spanish words thrown in.
November 18, 2019
This is the classic story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," but with a Latinx spin. This book had highlighted words in Spanish, words that the reader can likely piece together by knowing the original story. I really enjoyed this book because it would be an awesome book to introduce young students to Spanish, or middle graders who are currently learning Spanish. It is the perfect way to blend two cultures in a story. Context clues are given for the words is Spanish (through pictures and the rest of the sentence).
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February 8, 2015Rubia and the Three Osos is the familiar story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears but with two crazy twists! The first twist is that this is a bilingual book! At least one word every sentence is in Spanish instead of English! To highlight the difference, the word in Spanish is written in a different color and a bigger font. At the end of the book, there is a glossary providing a pronunciation guide and definitions. The second twist is the ending! While the traditional Goldilocks and the Three Bears story ends with Goldilocks running away from the bears, this one ends much differently. Rubia, as she is called in tis story, sneaks into la casa while los osos are away. She does the same things that Goldilocks does but eating the soup, sitting in the chair, and crawling into bed, but when the angry bears arrive home, she realizes she is not in her home! Rubia runs away just like Goldilocks but instead of never coming back, she makes soup to bring back to the bears to replace all that she ate. She also helps fix the chair and plays with bebe in the house.
This would be a great book to read to discuss ethnicity and cultural differences. The class could gather and talk about if they know any Spanish words, or maybe even someone who speaks Spanish. After this discussion, the students could re-write the book by using the glossary to translate the words back to English.
Another activity the class could do is write story maps. This author does a great job of creating very an established storyline. There is a definitive beginning, middle, and end. The children could find the beginning, middle, and end of the story, and then write their own stories using this same format. This would be a good way to teach narratives and sequential writing. (Idea from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3608509...)
This would be a great book to read to discuss ethnicity and cultural differences. The class could gather and talk about if they know any Spanish words, or maybe even someone who speaks Spanish. After this discussion, the students could re-write the book by using the glossary to translate the words back to English.
Another activity the class could do is write story maps. This author does a great job of creating very an established storyline. There is a definitive beginning, middle, and end. The children could find the beginning, middle, and end of the story, and then write their own stories using this same format. This would be a good way to teach narratives and sequential writing. (Idea from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3608509...)
December 9, 2014
Book Information:
The genre of this book is fairytale. The reading level is first, second, and third grade.
Summary:
Just like the three little pigs, this book is similar to the well-known story of Goldie Locks and Three Bears. It tells the story of a little girl named Rubia that cannot find a chair that fits, a bed that is comfy, and soup that is the right temperature. The bears come home and they are shocked to see Rubia sleeping in their home. This book is geared towards second graders and can also be used for third and fourth graders. It is a great introduction to Spanish words for students. This is a good book for students because they have heard the story before, so the Spanish words can make sense to the reader.
Instructional Information:
You could use this book in addition to other bilingual and multicultural books and you could have students write the Spanish words in the book and then use the context from the book to figure out what the spanish words mean. Students could then work in groups to practice pronunciation and spelling the Spanish words correctly.
Contextual Information:
The themes of this book are bilingual education and multicultural. Mexican ethnicities are addressed in this book because the bears speak Spanish. This book also appeals to both female and male genders. I enjoyed how this book was the same story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears but it had a cultural twist.
Elya, S., & Sweet, M. (2010). Rubia and the three osos. Disney-Hyperion.
The genre of this book is fairytale. The reading level is first, second, and third grade.
Summary:
Just like the three little pigs, this book is similar to the well-known story of Goldie Locks and Three Bears. It tells the story of a little girl named Rubia that cannot find a chair that fits, a bed that is comfy, and soup that is the right temperature. The bears come home and they are shocked to see Rubia sleeping in their home. This book is geared towards second graders and can also be used for third and fourth graders. It is a great introduction to Spanish words for students. This is a good book for students because they have heard the story before, so the Spanish words can make sense to the reader.
Instructional Information:
You could use this book in addition to other bilingual and multicultural books and you could have students write the Spanish words in the book and then use the context from the book to figure out what the spanish words mean. Students could then work in groups to practice pronunciation and spelling the Spanish words correctly.
Contextual Information:
The themes of this book are bilingual education and multicultural. Mexican ethnicities are addressed in this book because the bears speak Spanish. This book also appeals to both female and male genders. I enjoyed how this book was the same story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears but it had a cultural twist.
Elya, S., & Sweet, M. (2010). Rubia and the three osos. Disney-Hyperion.
July 25, 2017
Category/Genre: Picture book, Traditional
Copyright date: 2010
Estimate Grade Level of Interest: K-2
Estimate Reading Grade Level: Grade 3-4
Brief Description: The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold with Spanish words and with a slightly different ending.
Traditional literature are culturally significant stories. They are stories that serve as references in various ways in a culture. Rubia and the Three Osos takes a story that most children know and adds Spanish vocabulary and some Latino cultural references (food, music, hospitality). Books with a multicultural perspective make new connections for students: students gain a new perspective, either seeing something as more strange or more familiar. The changes that a multicultural book provides can make a connection with Latino students that the traditional English only book might not. Moreover, for students who are not familiar with Spanish language or Hispanic culture, the change in this traditional story invites further discovery and learning.
Since most students in K-2 know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the twists that this book presents will make it more engaging and interesting. The illustrations with bears are fun and colorful.
Awards:
Reviews:
Copyright date: 2010
Estimate Grade Level of Interest: K-2
Estimate Reading Grade Level: Grade 3-4
Brief Description: The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold with Spanish words and with a slightly different ending.
Traditional literature are culturally significant stories. They are stories that serve as references in various ways in a culture. Rubia and the Three Osos takes a story that most children know and adds Spanish vocabulary and some Latino cultural references (food, music, hospitality). Books with a multicultural perspective make new connections for students: students gain a new perspective, either seeing something as more strange or more familiar. The changes that a multicultural book provides can make a connection with Latino students that the traditional English only book might not. Moreover, for students who are not familiar with Spanish language or Hispanic culture, the change in this traditional story invites further discovery and learning.
Since most students in K-2 know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the twists that this book presents will make it more engaging and interesting. The illustrations with bears are fun and colorful.
Awards:
Reviews:
August 16, 2012
Overall, I enjoyed this version of the classic tale, complete with a wonderful new ending. The illustrations were great and the storytelling/rhyming was fun. If this book was written for an older audience I wouldn't be so picky about the things I don't like.
I didn't like that Mama wants to go for a walk so she'll be thinner. Why not walk for good health for everyone? Why push the female weight-loss trap onto young children? Papa rolls his eyes to the idea of taking a walk. Great example, Papa! *rolls eyes*
Why use the word "perp" in a book targeted for 3-7-year olds? Maybe save the cop-show lingo for when they're a bit older and use an age-appropriate word instead.
The book jacket mentions the author used the Goldilocks story in her beginning Spanish classes. Using this version of the story with middle or high school students (or adults) to teach Spanish vocabulary would be more appropriate than with preschoolers. The story is familiar, but the nuances that make this version unique are enjoyable.
I didn't like that Mama wants to go for a walk so she'll be thinner. Why not walk for good health for everyone? Why push the female weight-loss trap onto young children? Papa rolls his eyes to the idea of taking a walk. Great example, Papa! *rolls eyes*
Why use the word "perp" in a book targeted for 3-7-year olds? Maybe save the cop-show lingo for when they're a bit older and use an age-appropriate word instead.
The book jacket mentions the author used the Goldilocks story in her beginning Spanish classes. Using this version of the story with middle or high school students (or adults) to teach Spanish vocabulary would be more appropriate than with preschoolers. The story is familiar, but the nuances that make this version unique are enjoyable.
May 15, 2016
"Rubia felt love from the family Oso, and having their friendship was great- FABULOSO!" - Susan Elya
Of all the fractured fairy tales I've read, Rubia and the Three Osos is definitely one of my favorites. Susan Elya puts a new spin on an old classic...Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Elya uses a mixture of Spanish and English to tell her version of the story. The story's humor and smooth rhythm helps readers easily learn new vocabulary terms. This picture book is intended for readers ages 3-7 and comes with a glossary in the back.
In my opinion, Melissa Sweet's artistic flair was perfect for Rubia and the Three Osos. Sweet's portrayal of each character adds to Elya's humor and encourages her audience to keep reading. The bright colors and cheerful designs match the author's silly, lighthearted tone. Personally, I loved how Sweet illustrates Elya's female lead. I can't help but grin every time I see Rubia's fire engine red cowgirl boots and puffy lilac colored skirt.
Of all the fractured fairy tales I've read, Rubia and the Three Osos is definitely one of my favorites. Susan Elya puts a new spin on an old classic...Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Elya uses a mixture of Spanish and English to tell her version of the story. The story's humor and smooth rhythm helps readers easily learn new vocabulary terms. This picture book is intended for readers ages 3-7 and comes with a glossary in the back.
In my opinion, Melissa Sweet's artistic flair was perfect for Rubia and the Three Osos. Sweet's portrayal of each character adds to Elya's humor and encourages her audience to keep reading. The bright colors and cheerful designs match the author's silly, lighthearted tone. Personally, I loved how Sweet illustrates Elya's female lead. I can't help but grin every time I see Rubia's fire engine red cowgirl boots and puffy lilac colored skirt.
April 12, 2011
Did not recognize the author's name at first ... til I saw the picture of her book with the seal on the cover.
The rhymes are funny. And she does a great job of mixing both Spanish and English.
I like how in her version Goldilocks tries to come back and make things right. Truly haven't seen that before.
The one thing I don't like ... is that some libraries may think buying this book will constitute filling the needs of their Spanish speaking patrons. It's a cute story ... but it really isn't culturally authentic. It's hard to find children's literature in Spanish that IS culturally authentic. We need more of it. Don't get this and think it covers multicultural requests. Just get it because it's cute ... and keep looking for Mexican or Guatemalan or Puerto Rican folk tales in Spanish. You need some of those, too.
The rhymes are funny. And she does a great job of mixing both Spanish and English.
I like how in her version Goldilocks tries to come back and make things right. Truly haven't seen that before.
The one thing I don't like ... is that some libraries may think buying this book will constitute filling the needs of their Spanish speaking patrons. It's a cute story ... but it really isn't culturally authentic. It's hard to find children's literature in Spanish that IS culturally authentic. We need more of it. Don't get this and think it covers multicultural requests. Just get it because it's cute ... and keep looking for Mexican or Guatemalan or Puerto Rican folk tales in Spanish. You need some of those, too.
December 11, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this book. First let me say, I actually like this version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The twist at the end is wonderful. The illustrations are fun. As a book/story, I would be happy with it. However, as an educator with an immersion Spanish program at my school, I have some issues with the way the Spanish is included. We spend lots of time and energy in building up a strong language base and fighting against Spanglish. To have a story that randomly throws in Spanish words (yes, they are highlighted in a different color) is what I struggle with. Thoughts - do the story in English and Spanish. Or if you are going to highlight words and feature them as Spanish vocabulary then be consistent about how you introduce those words and consistently repeat them.
July 8, 2011
Age:
Grades K-3
Genre:
classic fairy tale; bilingual-Spanish
Diversity:
bilingual-Spanish
Illustrations:
Illustrations look like they were created watercolors and mixed media.
Personal response:
I really enjoyed this book and loved all of the bilingual Spanish terms throughout the whole book. It takes a classic fairy tale about Rubia (aka Goldilocks) and the three Osos (bears). I loved the ending because Rubia doesn't just run off leaving the Osos with all of the damage and loss, but instead she tries to make things right. Also, the book includes a glossary of all the Spanish words in the back.
Curricular or programming connections:
This book would be good for creative writing unit for students to create a bilingual story using a well-known fairy tale of fable.
Grades K-3
Genre:
classic fairy tale; bilingual-Spanish
Diversity:
bilingual-Spanish
Illustrations:
Illustrations look like they were created watercolors and mixed media.
Personal response:
I really enjoyed this book and loved all of the bilingual Spanish terms throughout the whole book. It takes a classic fairy tale about Rubia (aka Goldilocks) and the three Osos (bears). I loved the ending because Rubia doesn't just run off leaving the Osos with all of the damage and loss, but instead she tries to make things right. Also, the book includes a glossary of all the Spanish words in the back.
Curricular or programming connections:
This book would be good for creative writing unit for students to create a bilingual story using a well-known fairy tale of fable.
August 10, 2016
This was a cute new English/Spanish rendition of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story. Written in rhyme, there is a smattering of Spanish words throughout the story that are highlighted and bolded. Unique about Spanish words is that the English meaning isn't accompanied with the Spanish word which I thought was a fresh change up. There is, however, a glossary included at the back. The rhyming was consistent throughout the story which made it a smooth, lyrical read. The story is the same until the end where there is a revised ending with a nice moral. The illustrations were fantastic and added a wonderful dimension to the story. This would be a fun one to have in a bilingual class.
February 24, 2019
As Mama oso, baby oso and Papa oso are sitting down for dinner; mama oso suggest they go out for a walk before they eat. While the bears are gone, they get a visit from Miss Rubia. Thinking that the bears' home is a castle, she invites herself in. Miss Rubia tries all of the soup, tests out all of the chairs and finds a bed to sleep in after becoming sleepy from eating the la sopa. A lovely rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Pictures are detailed with eye-popping colors. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Multicultural story. A good introduction to Spanish words. Brightly Blog’s “Happily Ever After: 17 Multicultural Fairy Tales to Delight Every Child.”
February 25, 2019
Phrases to describe Rubia and the Three Osos: bilingual, well-paced, excellent ending. Full disclosure - Goldilocks stories tend to get on my nerves because the gall displayed by the protagonist is particularly irksome to me. Luckily, in this story she redeems herself by going back the bears' house to make amends and correct the damage she's done. Spanish words are sprinkled fairly liberally throughout, but the pronunciation guide at the end is exceedingly helpful. Recommended read for storytimes, especially in lieu of the "usual" three bears story.
March 15, 2011
I seem to like all of Susan Middleton Elya, but especially love this one with the Melissa Sweet illustrations. The blending of Spanish and English is great and the inclusion of the glossary, with pronunciations, makes it a possible read aloud even by those who know no Spanish. The added ending was nice and not too didactic for me. The author is from Danville, CA making it a 2013 CCBA possible. Read it to some kids and see if they like it as much as I did.
August 16, 2012
I'm on the fence about this book. On one hand it's a nice introduction to the vocabulary, and there is a nice twist ending with cute pictures, but on the other hand there are elements that would confuse the target audience, for example their "chairs were derriere'd" This is just for the sake of rhyming the words. After reading quite a few kids books that are bilingual, I think I prefer those that have Spanish and English equally presented.
February 5, 2013
This was an enjoyable version of the classic tale Goldilocks and the Three bears, however, different and heartwarming ending has been created. The illustrations were great and the storytelling/rhyming was fun. I liked how various Spanish words were incorporated into the text. This book would be appropriate for ages 3-7 as a read aloud book and also includes a glossary of the pronunciation and definitions of the Spanish words used.
April 9, 2014
A cute twist to the retold story of Goldilocks and the three bears, the only difference was she came back to apologize to the family and they became good friends. This story has a different spin on it with words that are in Spanish, creating a cultural connection to Spanish speakers. I would use this story to introduce Spanish words to my class and build connections with my Spanish speakers in the classroom, using this book would help to create community within the class.
January 11, 2016
A rhyming retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears interspersed with Spanish words. The Spanish words are embedded within the text making it easy for non-Spanish speakers to understand the text. Sweet's bright and bold mixed-media illustrations capture the fiesta spirit of the Southwestern landscape. The satisfying conclusion veers charmingly from the traditional version empowering both Little Rubia and the bears. I especially appreciate the “our house es tu casa” ending.
March 29, 2011
I really loved this book! A nice spattering of Spanish vocabulary, without that annoying repetition we find in a lot of books like it. Instead of saying, "Little Miss Rubia, red, curls made of oro, gold," we just read "Little Miss Rubia, curls made of oro. A tiny casita, for me? La adoro!" It totally works!
January 13, 2012
I liked the new Spanish twist on an old story. I also liked that the author changed the ending. Goldilocks and the Three Bears always seemed like a story about a selfish girl who stole from others. In this version, Rubia realized that what she did was wrong and apologized and tried to make up for it.
January 23, 2012
This is an adorable rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I really liked how the girl tried to make up for her mistakes. Just lovely. And I really enjoy reading books which contain foreign language vocabulary. It's even better when the book gives you the proper pronunciation for the foreign words and the actual translation, which this book does at the end. Gracias!
September 11, 2016
This Goldilocks and the Three Bears variation is written in rhyme using Spanish words interspersed with the English. It is bouncy and fun. I especially like the ending: Goldilocks takes responsibility for her actions. She goes back to the Bears' house with a pot of soup and glue to fix the chair she broke.
May 23, 2013
Con: Using Spanish words is okay. Using slang is okay. But both? In the same sentences? With rhyming? Got a little confusing for me, and I'm the adult!
Pro: Rather than ending with the typical Goldilocks ending, I really like that.
Pro: Rather than ending with the typical Goldilocks ending, I really like that.
January 16, 2014
This story is very clever in the way that it used bio lingual text. You can still understand the story and meanings of the Spanish words because this story is so we'll know. This book would be a great way to teach and introduce Spanish to kids. I like that there is a glossary in the back which defines the Spanish words in the book.
June 11, 2014
A cute and unique take on the story of the three little bears, this picturebook is sprinkled with Spanish vocabulary. This book is a great way to learn Spanish words because students can use their background knowledge to figure out what the words mean, as most children are familiar with this oft told tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews