GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

In the manner of a parent trying to make a familiar old story more immediate, a colloquial update featuring white bears who ``had lots to eat and a color television set'' and a moptop Goldilocks in jeans. Ross's scribbly, deftly constructed square illustrations incorporate various amusing details, including art in many different styles hanging on the bears' walls (Japanese, a Modigliani, and Baby Bear's own pictures of airplanes and superheroes, etc.). The text, extended with irreverent details, is fairly lively; kids may find the illustrations sophisticated, though their attention will be grabbed by Goldilocks jumping on the bed, and certainly by the bears' fierce teeth when they scare Goldilocks away. As a lighthearted modern take, though, James Marshall's delightful version (1988) is to be preferred; still, this is also acceptable, where funds permit. (Folklore/Picture Book. 4-8)