Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sullivan gives the classic fairy tale a ghoulish twist in this punning variation. In the middle of a game of "hide-and-shriek," Ghouldilocks, depicted with chartreuse skin and Medusa-like "ghastly hair," follows a series of eerie sounds to an abandoned house in which a familiar chain of events unfolds. Wordplay provides the well-trod tale with a seasonal punch: the first chair Ghouldilocks sits in feels like a "tombstone" and the next is like "quicksand"; one bowl of ghoulash is "hotter than a werewolf's breath on a summer day," and another is "colder than a vampire's skin on a winter morning." Throughout, frenetic-feeling, queasy-hued digital artwork by Becker provides visual momentum via scenes of the subject wreaking havoc. When the returning spirit family finds the slumbering interloper, the discovery results in a collective fright before humor defuses the situation, propelling the story toward a conclusion that emphasizes that there's nothing frightening about friendship. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--Ghouldilocks the little ghoul is an unforgettable sight as she plays hide-and-shriek while sporting a ghastly haircut in the deep, dark woods. One night, Ghouldilocks hears some spooky sounds coming from a nearby abandoned mansion and naturally goes to investigate. Upon entering, she discovers chairs, ghoulash, and beds that fuel her curiosity until, that is, the house's actual residents return. This interpretation of the traditional story of Goldilocks is well suited to the spooky Halloween season. Featuring multiple puns and jokes, the narrative turns what might otherwise be a frightful tale into one that is enjoyable for all ages. Word bubbles pair well with the overall narrative of the story, providing a dynamic interface for both the characters and for readers, alike. The illustrations are a highlight, using wild lines and amusing details to bring Ghouldilocks's world clearly into readers' minds. A select range of colors are used within the book, and the images are large enough to be enjoyed in a group setting. Readers already familiar with the original will enjoy this approach to the tale, especially as they notice similarities and differences between the two stories within the narrative. VERDICT Fun and clever, this book is a unique addition to library collections for preschool readers and is an enjoyable story to read aloud as Halloween approaches.--Mary Lanni
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A familiar tale gets a spooky twist. While playing in the woods, Ghouldilocks, a wide-eyed, wild-haired, yellow-skinned creature, discovers an abandoned mansion. Inside she finds three chairs of differing degrees of hardness, three bowls of--what else?--"ghoulash" of varying temperatures, and three beds of disparate sizes. The tale matches "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" beat for beat as our protagonist sits in every chair and breaks the littlest one, samples all the ghoulash and devours the smallest bowl's contents, then falls asleep in the smallest bed. When the mansion's ghostly residents return, they discover Ghouldilocks still slumbering. Mistaking her for a mummy, they're terrified, and the hubbub awakens the interloper, who, in turn, becomes scared of them. Everyone scrambles for the door. Outdoors, the ghosts realize their error and explain that they're friendly but that they believed Ghouldilocks wanted their sheets for her wrapping. Mistaken identities are now resolved--with a couple of funny visual and textual puns thrown in--and new relationships are forged. Ghouldilocks is invited to stay, learns to cook ghoulash, becomes besties with Baby Ghost, and promises never to enter anyone's house uninvited. Children who enjoy the source material will giggle over this humorous take, which emphasizes friendship and goofy antics rather than scares; they'll pore over the comedically energetic cartoon illustrations and appreciate the satisfying ending. An entertainingly ghostly story with a decidedly gentle tone.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
