Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction PreSchool-Grade 2. A straightforward, if somewhat less-than-imaginative, retelling of the traditional tale. Jan Brett's interpretation (Putnam, 1990) has appealing illustrative details that pull children in for repeat readings. James Marshall's humorous cartoons (Dial, 1988) emphasize Goldilocks's naughty behavior and is a sure bet for storytime or independent reading. Russell's artwork is presented in a style reminiscent of, but more primitive than, Brett's. Like that edition, this one also has borders that incorporate folk-art details found in the story. Goldilocks is depicted as a lovely fair-haired child, but often appears stiff. Russell's Goldilocks is for those youngsters looking for simplified variants such as Byron Barton's The Three Bears (HarperCollins, 1991). An attractive if not memorable addition.?Susan M. Moore, Louisville Free Public Library, KY Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. An unembellished retelling of the enduring tale. This is not Goldilocks with a twist, a spin, a new race; it has no alternative ending or unusual point of view. Instead, this is the basic version, simply told with a little dialogue for those who want the story, nothing but the story, homespun and unadulterated. An omniscient narrator uses informal language to recount the story of the girl with the golden hair who wanders into the cottage of three bears, sampling their porridge, chairs, and beds. Country gates and gardens and docile, domestic log-cabin interiors are textured and framed with Jan Brettlike borders that give the book a European look. Meticulous patterns and designs adorn the tempting porridge bowls, vine-entwined handcrafted chairs, and the calico quilts in the cozy cottage. Full-frame close-ups of the bears enliven the telling, especially when Goldilocks awakes from her sleep, for ``this is what she saw'': Three huge, furry faces stare at readers as well as Goldilocks. A good, simple edition. (Picture book. 2-4) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.