Goldie and the Three Hares
Palatini, imagining what might have happened to Goldilocks following her bear adventure, suggests that she tripped into a rabbit hole, injuring her foot. The three Hares (Papa, Mama, and Baby, aka Bunny) try to be hospitable, but the obstreperous Goldie ensconces herself on their sofa, demanding pillows, blankets, food, and entertainment. (Bunny is instructed to stand, ears just so, for better television reception.) The Hares try to dislodge her (serving veggie snacks and summoning a skunk) to no avail until Bunny speed-dials the Bears. Davis’ hilarious, cartoon-style art portrays Goldie at her obnoxious best—screaming, drooling, and sneezing on everyone—and the ending (a surprise visit from another blond, seeking a white rabbit) prompts Papa to action. A few jokes seem geared more to adults than kids (“Da Bears” and “Toss me some arugula!”), but any child who is familiar with the original will appreciate this send-up. Perfect for story hours or lap-sits, this can be shared with fans of Mary Jane Auch’s poultry series (Peeping Beauty, 1993). Preschool-Grade 2. --Kay Weisman