Guarnaccia’s snappy narrative introduces young children to a tale familiar to their parents and care-givers, and possibly to them as well. Guarnaccia’s bears live in a split-level house in the forest. The bear family consists of “big burly Papa Bear” dressed in a beret, plaid shirt, and sandals; “medium-sized Mama Bear” attired in clothes made of designer fabrics; and “pint-sized Baby Bear,” who wears relatively little. These are eclectic, very hip bears. They’ve furnished their home with special chairs (Eames, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Arne Jacobsen, etc.), George Nelson clocks, and other objects developed for the 20th -century, ultra-modern home by internationally prominent designers. “Gee whillikers,” says Baby Bear upon finding Goldilocks in his bed. “Yikes,” says Goldilocks, and she exits as expected. Designer objects are labeled on the end-pages for the curious of any age. (Ages 2-6)

When she discovers the three bears' house in the woods, Goldilocks ventures in and makes herself at home. According to tradition, she sits in the chairs, samples the meal laid on the table, and takes a nap. Yet something is different in this retelling of the classic story of the girl with golden locks.

Though our heroine is the same, our bears certainly are not. These bears are hip; they have a sense of style and a love of design. Their split-level home is filled with furnishings created by an international crowd of celebrated designers, from Alvar Aalto to Charles and Ray Eames to Isamu Noguchi.

Children will delight in this long-beloved story given new life by Steven Guarnaccia's stylized artwork--and may even pick up a design tip or two.

F&P Level: N
F&P Genre: TL