Stu Smith

In this book Goldilock’s mom is a huge nag, so Goldilocks builds a rocket to find another planet “where everything’s just right.” Her rocket runs on porridge, and she takes her three teddy bears along for the ride, which are both clear references to the original story. She ends up landing on Mars and seeing a Martian house, where she decides to go inside even though no one is home. The food, chairs, and beds situations are repeated just like in the original story, as well as the Martian family’s discovery of Goldilocks’s break-in. Unlike in the original story the Martians are excited that she’s there because they can eat her for dinner, a fate she only escaped when her dog and cat (also along for the ride) pulled her to out and into the safety of her rocketship.… (mais)

This is such a silly, rhyme book that I would recommend to students in kindergarten through third grade. The illustrations are fascinating and filled with humorous details. It tells the story of a little boy who wakes up after a trip to the zoo and, to his surprise, everyone has turned into an animal. This makes for a crazy day! I would use this book to reinforce the concept of rhyme and, for older grades, I would use it as a mentor text for metaphors. Overall, the comical story and engaging illustrations are more than likely going to capture students’ attention and give them a good giggle.… (mais)