Fractured Fairy Tales: Goatilocks

This isn't a secret, children love stories that riff on familiar tales. Whether it's an adaptation, a backstory, or a continuation; the experience of rearranging what they thought they knew so well creates sheer delight. I'll spare everyone the "lesson plans" but suffice it to say, fractured fairy tales are not only an effective way to expose students to synthesis, it's downright fun. To celebrate Erica Perl's new picture book Goatilocks and the Three Bears, here's some of my favorite Goldylocks books that are guaranteed to mess with young minds.

1. First up: Goatilocks

Pros:

First line: “Once upon a time, there was a kid named Goatilocks.” (This is very funny because Goatilocks is a young goat and thus literally a kid.)

Cons:

Kids (the people children kind) might develop the misconception that goats will eat anything*. 

*Whoops, head over to Mr. Schu’s Watch. Connect. Read. for the premiere of the Goatilocks book trailer.

2. The first title in Scholastic's new Branches series Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe: Molylocks and the Three Beards

Pros:

Messes with organization. The first chair's too soft. The second chair's too hard. The third chair is... by no means "just-right." But wait, the first bowl of chili is too cold. The second bowl is too hot. The third bowl... is just right... until it's not. Sneaky. 

Cons:

This is not a princess story. It's a Princess story. The main character's first name is Princess and her last name is Pink. A bummer for anybody expecting princesses, fairies, or the color pink. 

3. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs:

Pros:

Plenty of nefarious humor and multiple morals. For Goldilocks, “If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave.” For the dinosaurs, “Lock the back door.” 

Cons:

We lack longitudinal data indicating the effects that exposure to Mo Willems from an early age could have.