GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Brett´s beautifully executed retelling of this classic story is distinguished by the use of luxuriant color and a wealth of visual detail. Her bears are attired in festive Bavarian garb; they live in a magnificent thatched rock-and-wood structure that leans against a tree; and their household furnishings are lavish and intricatea candle-holder in the likeness of an owl, an acorn-patterned rug, several carved wooden bears adorning the head- and footboards of Papa Bear´s bed. The one overly precious touch is the continued reference to the baby bear as a "a little, small, wee bear." The rest of this is sumptuous and endlessly engrossing; with such a display before them, readers will hardly blame Goldilocks for her lack of restraint.