Anthony Browne creatively demonstrates the many ways stories can be told and interpreted, and the many experiences that can coexist in a single place, through this new take on the “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” tale. On each two-page spread, Baby Bear tells one side of the story in prose narrative illustrated in full color, while wordless, paneled illustrations showing a blonde-haired girl unfolds in a subdued palette as a visual narrative on the other. Baby Bear’s world is one of economic wealth but little affection—his parents are too self-involved to give him much attention. Goldilocks lives in a bleak urban landscape. The two narratives come together as Goldilocks chases a balloon through a the sketchy cityscape, gets lost, and comes upon a large, inviting house full of comforts—warm food, soft chair, cozy bed—belonging to none other than the three bears. The juxtaposition of the contrasting art styles and contrasting experiences supports the idea that multiple perspectives—visual and otherwise—can inform both storytelling and life. (Ages 4–8)

Three bears decide to go out for a walk in the park while their porridge cools. Meanwhile a little girl has lost her mum and lost her way and is walking the streets alone, until she happens upon a house...

The bears arrive home and discover several things are amiss... What will they find upstairs?