Caralyn Buehner

Caralyn and Mark Buehner, the husband and wife author/illustrator team who produced the bestselling Snowmen at Night, as well as its many sequels, turn their attention to the classic English fairytale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in this colorful retelling. The narrative follows the traditional story for the most part, although Goldilocks herself is a jump-rope jumping, snappy rhyme-making little terror here, as she destroys Little Wee Bear's chair, eats all of his porridge, and falls asleep in his bed...

Although the Buehners' Goldilocks and the Three Bears isn't going to go on any best-of list, when it comes to fairytale picture books in general, or retellings of this tale in particular—my favorite in this regard is the version done by Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock—I think it could provide reading/listening entertainment for younger audiences who enjoy this sort of fare. The artwork is colorful and immediate, and the narrative engaging. For myself, I prefer a more traditional, less wise-cracking Goldilocks, but tastes vary, and this telling has its place. I would recommend it to picture book readers looking for a slightly more contemporary-feeling version of this oft-told tale.… (mere)

First sentence: On the first night of Christmas
my dog chased up a tree
an elf with a present for me.
On the second night of Christmas
my dog chased up a tree
two tubing twins
and an elf with a present for me.

Premise/plot: Another spin on the song "Twelve Days of Christmas." This one stars ALL snow-creatures.

My thoughts: I really thought the narrative was clever. I didn't care for the illustrations. I almost wish it hadn't starred all snow-creatures. For example, if the dog had been a DOG instead of a snow-dog, I think it would have been funnier. The dog was VERY naughty!!! But I think this one could be very appealing to some readers.… (mere)