In a rhythmic text with striking pictures, Byron Barton retells the classic fairytale of the three bears and a little girl named Goldilocks. Barton's simple words, bold images, and imaginative use of color have made his many picture books perennial favorites with very young children. Young readers will love the rhythmic refrain throughout the story. Supports the Common Core State Standards PreSchool-- The Three Bears go basic, and they've seldom looked better. Recognizing that the tale's youngest fans focus on its core and skip over the embellishments, Barton distills it to a bare outline and the rhythmic refrains that preschoolers love to hear. This is a celebration of their literary needs and a huge success in meeting them. The illustrations are comfortably reminiscent of children's drawing styles, both in simplicity and vision, including a woods of lollipop trees. The paintings are bold and brightly colored; most include just the fundamental items (three chairs, three beds, etc.) with no extra clutter. Observant listeners will notice a few nice details: the single flowers left behind by Goldilocks at the sites of her explorations; the use of one color to identify each bear's belongings (Papa Bear's pants, bed, bowl, and chair are blue). This volume hits the target so squarely that its success is virtually guaranteed as a story-time crowd-pleaser. It's an uncomplicated, relaxing bedtime story and a confidence-builder for very young children who want books to flip through solo. In libraries that already enjoy the handsomeness of Jan Brett's version (Putnam, 1987), the atmosphere of the Eisen/Ferris variation (Knopf, 1987), and the humor of James Marshall's rendition (Dial, 1988), Barton's retelling will be a wonderful complement. --Liza Bliss, formerly at Leominster Pub . Lib . , MA Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. An illustrator noted for innovative use of bright color and bold forms turns in a predictable performance. His retelling, a primer-style oversimplification, may have its uses but robs the story of much of its interest; and while the art has visual impact--the color juxtapositions are subtle and arresting, the pared-down forms easily ``read''--the characters are not particularly expressive. Attractive but not Barton's best. (Folklore/Picture book. 2-7) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. In a rhythmic text and striking pictures, Byron Barton retells the classic story of the three bears and a little girl named Goldilocks. Mr. Barton's simple words, bold images, and imaginative use of color have made his many picture books perennial favorites with very young children. Byron Barton (1930–2023) was the creator of many picture books for young children, including My Car , Building a House , and The Little Red Hen .