Named as one of eight picture books in Booklinks's list of "Lasting Connections of 2003"

The books on the list were chosen for effective, solid writing, imaginative art, and engaging presentation of information, and all have strong possibilities for classroom use.

Picture Books
Aylesworth, Jim. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Illus. by Barbara McClintock. 2003. 32p. Scholastic, $15.95 (0-439-39545-3).
Preschool­Gr. 2. In this spirited retelling of the familiar tale, a feisty Goldilocks forgets "not to do things that her mother told her not to do" and lands in trouble when she raids the three bears' house. Printed on thick, creamy paper, McClintock's detailed, Victorian-inspired artwork lends the story richness, while Aylesworth's keen ear for rhythmic language makes this perfect for reading aloud. Check out the entire list.

Included on the list of School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2003

Included on Publishers Weekly's Best Children's Books, 2003

Publisher Weekly's children's editors choose the year's most distinguished titles
Picture Books--Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Jim Aylesworth, illus. by Barbara McClintock (Scholastic)

McClintock's Goldilocks may have the thick blonde curls and voluminous rose-pink dress of a doll, but her untied shoelaces, fierce eyes and predatory smile suggest a certain willfulness. The young troublemaker's delightful contradictions come through in Aylesworth's conversational narrative voice. Together, this team makes this classic tale a staple for nursery shelves.

Starred Review -- The team behind The Gingerbread Man sinks their teeth into this traditional but never dull retelling of a classic. McClintock borrows from Tenniel and Caldecott in her intricate ink-and-watercolor illustrations. ... A conversational voice, delightfully fussy pictures and a recipe for 'Mama Bear's Porridge Cookies' make for a satisfying nursery story." -- Publisher's Weekly Read the full review

Starred Review -- Aylesworth's text is faithful to the traditional elements of the original, juicing up the plot with folksy, conversational asides. Goldilocks, not the bear family, is the focus of this retelling, and both author and illustrator imbue her with plenty of spunky charm. ... At once antique and immediate, this Goldilocks will sassily invite herself onto library shelves everywhere. -- School Library Journal Read the full review. 

"Is there room for [another] version of Goldilocks? Yes ... [this book is] delightful and will attract [its] own audience...." -- Booklist Read the full review

"Aylesworth turns the traditional, all-in-fun nursery tale into a coy lesson -- save for the pictures -- in doing as mother says. McClintock is ideally suited, of course, to illustrating the core of the story: her characterization of the Three Bears is on a par with the animal portrayals of Wallace Tripp...." -- Horn Book

"Jim Aylesworth and the illustrator Barbara McClintock wholeheartedly hark back to tradition in their retelling. ... Aylesworth's fine ear for rhythm and sound (best exemplified in his sing-song rhyming alphabet book ''Old Black Fly''), and his adept humor, are reaffirmed here... Aylesworth's chatty version will delight the traditionalists ... " -- Sara London in "Still Eating That Porridge" in New York Times Book Review; 11/16/2003, Vol. 153 Issue 52669, p43, 0p, 1c Access to full article available to registered users (free)

"Though not straying as far from standard versions as Diane Stanley's Goldie and the Three Bears, this new rendition gives the classic tale a fresh shot of charm....McClintock's finely detailed illustrations have a 19th-century feel, classic but not stiffly formal. A witty alternative to Paul Galdone's primal version (1972)." -- Kirkus Reviews Read the full review

"... successful melding of message and story appear in an outstanding new adaptation of the well-known tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jim Aylesworth."-- quoted from "New Picture Books Are Sure to Delight" by Tara Rockacy. Arts & Entertainment Section of the Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (August 24, 2003).

"A warm new rendition of an old favorite about a feisty little girl whose irrepressible curiosity gets her into more trouble than she's bargained for. McClintock's classical yet witty illustrations will keep the youngest listeners spellbound." -- Mercer Island Books "New Fall Favorites"

"Picture-book author Jim Aylesworth offers two new gems for the read-aloud crowd, ages 4-8. For an old favorite, try Goldilocks and the Three Bears." -- From "There's gold for children in our own backyard" by Deborah Abbott. (October 12, 2003) Chicago Sun Times.