Goldilocks Returns

Goldilocks Returns

Written and Illustrated by: Lisa Campbell Ernst

Scholastic Inc. 2000

Traditional Literature

40 pages

            Everyone knows the story about Goldilocks and her visit to the three bears. However, have you ever wondered what happened to poor little Goldilocks after she left the cottage of the three bears? Goldilocks Returns takes place when Goldilocks grow up. She has constantly been reminded about how she snooped around in the bears’ house. Nevertheless, she is very upset with herself and believes that she must make the whole confrontation better.  How will she correct what she did so many years ago? Will the bears allow her to even be near them? Read Goldilocks Returns to find out!

            Lisa Campbell Ernst does an unbelievable job at expressing the story with her illustrations. The illustrations really compliment the text throughout the entire book. Her artwork is expressed on the pages with watercolor and shading. The emotions of the characters are captured within the illustrations. The illustrations simple add more meaning to the story as you read and examine the artwork along the way.

            This traditional literature book has several ways that it can be integrated into a classroom setting. I would use Goldilocks Returns in my class to help introduce new vocabulary words. There are several words that Lisa Campbell Ernst uses to create her story. However, these words can be strange and new to a child. Next, Goldilocks Returns would be a great story to compare and contrast how the characters where in the original book and how they are in this story. Lastly, this book could be read while introducing career paths. Goldilocks is a locksmith in this newer story. The story even shows clues that help you to realize that she is a locksmith. All in all, this story is a great twist on the already known book about Goldilocks.