Somebody And The Three Blairs (Orchard Paperbacks) - Softcover

Tolhurst, Marilyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0531070565 ISBN 13: 9780531070567

Publisher: Scholastic, 1994

Synopsis

In a reversal of the Goldilocks story, a bear explores the home of the three Blairs while they are out

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- In this satirical send-up of the Goldilocks tale, Somebody is a bear who rampages through the Blair family's house while they are out. Somebody raids the pantry, slightly twisting the usual rejections of the food: "too dry, too noisy, just right." The hand-held shower is too hot, the toilet is a pond that is too small, but the stream of water at the sink is just right. Somebody devastates the house far worse than Goldilocks ever did, and falls asleep in Baby Blair's crib. He escapes down the drainpipe when the Blairs return, but Baby Blair invites him back to play. Abel's paste cartoons are jolly, with red-cheeked Blairs and a cuddly Somebody. Figures are laid against large white backgrounds with additional details present only occasionally. This uncluttered look is effective, lending emphasis to the ritual plot elements. Children who have overdosed on Goldilocks will love this version. Brinton Turkle's Deep in the Forest (Dutton, 1976) is a straightforward retelling of the story with the role reversal the only differing component. Tolhurst's version is a bit more sophisticated with its urban setting, and Abel adds a sly touch of humor in the worried expressions on the faces of Mr. and Mrs. Blair while Baby enters fully into the enjoyment of mess, damage, and naughtiness. So will readers, who will also appreciate the uncommon stimulation of literary allusion. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

According to PW, this role-reversal, "vivacious version of the classic tale... is just right." Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0531070565
• ISBN 13: 9780531070567
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Abel Simone