In this spirited new version of "Goldilocks," we meet a determined heroine with a mind of her own. Goldie knows exactly what she likes -- and what she doesn't. Can she help it if everyone she invites over is too bossy or too boring or too snobby or too rough? What she desperately wants is a friend who is just right -- someone she can love with all her heart. Then one day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, walks to a nearby cottage to find help, and opens the door. . . Diane Stanley, author and illustrator of Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter , once again takes an old tale and gives it a fresh spin that is funny as well as perceptive. Readers will love accompanying Goldie on her up-to-date adventure and discovering the clever, heartwarming surprise at its end. PreSchool-Grade 1-One of Goldilocks's qualities-her desire to have things "just right"-is extended into a charming story. "It was hard work finding the perfect hat, a really comfortable sweater, or shoes that didn't pinch her toes. But it was worth the effort, because when Goldie loved something, she loved it with all her heart." What's missing in her life is just the right friend. One day, she gets off the bus at the wrong stop and wanders into a little brick house at the end of a winding path. What she finds there will bring a smile to every child who is looking for a friend who's "not too bossy," "Not too boring," and "Not too snobby or silly or rough." The writing is smooth, concise, and rhythmic. The author's voice peeks through now and then, adding an understated humor that kids will love. "When she had finished the book, Goldie peeked into the next room. It will not surprise you to learn that she found three beds in there." And the pictures are marvelous, with fine lines; soft, glowing colors; and winsome, telling details. Many contemporary retellings of familiar fairy tales are successful in a clever way, but this goes beyond clever to also have real substance. A 24-carat selection for many children, especially those who like things just so. Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Reviewed with Jim Aylesworth's Goldilocks and the Three Bears . PreS-Gr. 1. Is there room for two more versions of Goldilocks? Yes, if it's space for these two. Although as different from each other as peas and pies, both are delightful and will attract their own audience, with some children preferring the traditional story and others gravitating to the fresh and funny version. Although Aylesworth follows the standard telling, he adds decorative touches in the text. McClintock's art is also traditional. Executed in watercolor, sepia ink, and gouache, her pictures have a nodding acquaintance with Tenniel's artwork for Alice, but the Victorian sensibility is interrupted here and there with some humorous details, particularly the expressions on Goldilock's face. Stanley's Goldie is a modern-day kid. She has definite likes and dislikes about food, clothes, and even friends: Jenny is too boring; Alicia is too snobby. One day, Goldie gets off the school bus at the wrong stop and wanders into a strange house. Children may think they know the rest, but in the end, the little bear girl turns out to be just the friend Goldie has been looking for. Stanley's art, so sophisticated in her biographies, is delightfully childlike here, with lots of fun in every scene. Ilene Cooper Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved “Fresh and funny…Stanley’s art, so sophisticated in her biographies, is delightfully childlike here, with lots of fun in every scene.” - ALA Booklist “A charming story…goes beyond clever to also have real substance. A 24-carat selection.” - School Library Journal (Starred review) “The pictures alone are delectable, at once saucy and tender. The snappy text, with which they’re closely integrated, reads like Charlotte Zolotow or Arnold Lobel of yore.” - Horn Book Magazine “Reads like Charlotte Zolotow or Arnold Lobel of yore.” - Horn Book Magazine “Upbeat…Endearing…Fresh and funny.” - Publishers Weekly In this spirited new version of "Goldilocks," we meet a determined heroine with a mind of her own. Goldie knows exactly what she likes -- and what she doesn't. Can she help it if everyone she invites over is too bossy or too boring or too snobby or too rough? What she desperately wants is a friend who is just right -- someone she can love with all her heart. Then one day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, walks to a nearby cottage to find help, and opens the door. . . Diane Stanley, author and illustrator of Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter , once again takes an old tale and gives it a fresh spin that is funny as well as perceptive. Readers will love accompanying Goldie on her up-to-date adventure and discovering the clever, heartwarming surprise at its end. Diane Stanely is the author and illustrator of beloved books for young readers, including The Silver Bowl , n