There are a lot of books being marketed to young children out there. Many are based on popular kids shows — forget about these. Many are classic stories we remember from our own childhood — these are often nice. And then there are the fairy tales — be careful with these. Too often a publisher will put out a shoddy rendition of a fairy tale figuring that the story will sell itself. The abridged story will be poorly constructed and the illustrations barely passable. There is no joy in these stories.
I have read many, many versions of The Three Bears both as a child and as a mother and most of them suck, quite frankly. They rush through the tale to get to the part where Goldilocks is discovered and then take all manner of literary privilege in sugar-coating the ending. Really? The bears and Goldilocks get to live happily ever after? Is that necessary?
Byron Barton, on the other hand, has it exactly right in his HarperCollins published version. This book rocks. Barton’s language is sparse and his pacing delightfully slow. There is time to let the words sink in, to let the story sink in, to let a very young child find his way into the narrative. There is poetry in his telling that makes each re-telling better than the last. It was a favourite of Colum’s when he was a toddler and now it is Irene’s undisputed favourite book. At 14 months old she will insist of repeated readings of The Three Bears.
The illustrations are bright and bold, and as clean and clear as the language. With every turning of the page, Irene lets out an “Oh!” as a simple image in primary colours jumps out at her. She especially likes to point to Goldilocks. “Ocks!” she says. She remains absolutely riveted to the very end and her big brother usually winds up shuffling over to enjoy one of his old favourites.
And forget the kids. I love reading this book. There is so much pleasure to be had in letting the words roll off your tongue at their own pace. Letting the story unfold slowly and placing the emphasis just so. “She made a big bowl for Papa Bear,” and you draw out that “big” and add some oomph to the “Papa Bear.” The bears can have just slightly different voices and the excitement can build in your own voice whenever Goldilocks tries out something of Baby Bear’s. And the surprise just leaps from your lips when they find her in his bed and Baby Bear says, “Someone has been sleeping in my bed too. Look, there she is now.”
This book is perfect for children under three and it really comes to life with the right reading. Buy it only if you promise to love it. Read it only if you can forget everything else and immerse yourself in the story, the words, the syllables. You’ll find your own groove and after a while it will be like putting on your favourite record and singing along.
Available widely for about ten dollars for the board book.