By Mo Willems
Balzer + Bray, 2012
Picture book, 40 pages, ages 3-6
Once upon a time, three dinosaurs – a papa dinosaur, a mama dinosaur, and a dinosaur visiting from Norway – just happened to tidy their house and make chocolate pudding and go … someplace else. They were definitely NOT setting a trap for a succulent little girl!
This fairytale retelling could only have come from the inventively brilliant Mo Willems. It’s hilarious fun. Adults and kids will love it. Seriously, get ready to laugh.
A ludicrously playful twist on the classic fairytale featuring dinosaurs and a delicious little girl.
Opening the book, you know you’re not in for your regular fairytale when you see end papers filled with crossed out title ideas: Goldilocks and the Three Chickens, Goldilocks and the Three Orthodontists, Goldilocks and the Three Mosquitos … (Imagine how THAT would have changed the story!) Also look out for the small details in the artwork – a photo on the fridge that MIGHT be Papa Dinosaur eating a favorite treat; signs that read “Two miles to trap very nice house”; a poster with a dinosaur, an oil derrick, and the slogan “We Are Natural Gas”; and even Pigeon makes a few surprise appearances (from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!).
If you’re looking for a lesson in the story, the author has provided two morals at the end, one for kids and one for any dinosaurs who might be reading the book and definitely NOT looking for tips!
Have I convinced you to read this book? Not yet? Still not sure if kids will like it? Let me just say, everyone who has read this book (and I recommend it to everyone who shows the slightest interest in children’s books) has laughed loudly and uproariously. Kids and adults. It’s just that good.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs: As Retold by Mo Willems receives 5 stars from this reviewer.