Goldilocks is in search of her real parents (her actual parents are too boring and not royalty). She ends up in the house of the three bears, and with the threat of the big bad wolf in the woods, she stays for about a week, much to Bobby (formerly known as Baby) Bear’s chagrin.

This witty combination of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and countless more fairy tales will entertain many young readers. Several of the fairy tale references are subtle and may be lost on kids, but if used as a one-on-one read aloud, the adult will certainly get them and chuckle. Each chapter is told from the perspective of either Bobby or Goldilocks, and the one not in charge of the chapter has many sidebar comments and interludes. While some find this distracting, those who enjoy things like Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc.won’t mind and will likely find the humor in this book appealing. Best for 3rd and 4th graders, this could be a good choice for reluctant readers, as a story read aloud to younger readers, or just as a quick, fun read.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME