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A Happier Outcome
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears is a unique take on the traditional Goldilocks fairy tale that introduces readers to a welcoming Bear family and finds them crossing paths with the Gingerbread Man. What inspired you to recreate this beloved story?
I have always enjoyed baking, and one Christmas, I baked a large Gingerbread Man for my family. Needless to say, he didn’t escape and was quite tasty. As I was decorating him, I thought about all the stories where the Gingerbread Man was tricked and devoured, and I thought it would be fun to write a story with a happier outcome.
The illustrations in your book are wonderful. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Baran Sabahi?
I discovered Baran on Instagram and fell in love with her charming, whimsical illustrations. I knew she would be a wonderful fit for my story. Through emails, I sent Baran my ideas for each scene. It’s always exciting to see your story come to life through the illustrations, and it’s always a little bittersweet when the illustrations are completed.
Since Goldie and the Three Kind Bears, Baran also illustrated two other books for me: Eloise Evergreen Isn’t Keen on the Color Green and The Christmas Gift.
Are you considering retelling other classic stories? Can we get a glimpse inside your next book?
Another retelling is not in the works. However, I’m working on several manuscripts that I’m excited about. One is a historical fiction picture book.
What advice would you give aspiring children’s authors?
I walk away from my story for a while, and then I return to it with fresh eyes. I also read my story out loud to myself, as if I were reading it to a group of children. This helps me to know if the story has a good flow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears is a sweet twist on the classic Goldilocks story with a cozy baking vibe mixed in. Goldie stumbles into the home of three kind bears who do not scold her or chase her away. Instead, they welcome her in with open arms and full hearts. Goldie bakes a Gingerbread Man as a thank you. He then comes to life, panics about being eaten, and asks for freedom. In the end kindness wins, the Gingerbread Man goes off on adventures, and the bears and Goldie share blueberry biscuits and a real sense of home.
The tone of this children’s book feels warm from the very first page. The writing is simple but not dull. It flows like a bedtime story that wants you to relax. I liked how the bears are gentle and thoughtful. That choice made the whole book feel safe and comforting. It honestly made me smile more than once.
The ideas in this story really worked for me. Kindness is the big one, but it never feels preachy. It just shows up again and again in small ways. Letting someone stay. Sharing food. Letting someone go even when you want to hold on. I also loved the baking scenes. They feel homey and relatable. The Gingerbread Man storyline adds a fun bit of tension, and I genuinely felt bad for the little guy hiding under the bed.
The artwork on every page is adorable. It is bright, colorful, and soft in a way that feels cozy. Each scene feels full of little details that make kids want to look around. The Gingerbread Man is especially cute and very expressive. His big eyes and tiny face make his fear, excitement, and hope easy to feel, even without the words.
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears would be great for young kids who like fairy tales with gentle lessons. It also feels perfect for families who enjoy reading together at bedtime. If you want a picture book that leans into warmth, generosity, and cozy feelings, this one is a solid pick.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DQ4YBG5C
