Goldilocks and the Three Bears

In a cottage beneath the pines lived Father Bear, Mother Bear and Little Bear.

One evening they made porridge: a great bowl, a middle-sized bowl and a little bowl. It was much too hot.

So the bears left it to cool. Father Bear took the lantern, and they went for a slow walk beneath the whispering pines.

Soon a girl named Goldilocks came along the path and saw the little cottage.

She knocked on the door, but no one answered. So she lifted the latch and stepped inside.

Goldilocks tasted Father Bear’s porridge, but it was too hot. She tasted Mother Bear’s, but it was too cold.

Then she tasted Little Bear’s porridge. It was just right, and she ate it all up.

Then Goldilocks sat in Father Bear’s chair, but it was too hard. She sat in Mother Bear’s chair, but it was too soft.

Then she sat in Little Bear’s chair. It was just right, but with a crack it broke into pieces.

Upstairs were three beds. Father Bear’s bed was too hard, and Mother Bear’s was too soft.

Little Bear’s bed was just right. Goldilocks snuggled under the quilt and fell fast asleep.

Before long, the three bears came home. “Someone has been eating my porridge,” said Father Bear in his great deep voice.

“Someone has been eating my porridge,” said Mother Bear. “Someone has been eating my porridge,” said Little Bear, “and has eaten it all up!”

“Someone has been sitting in my chair,” said Father Bear. “Someone has been sitting in my chair,” said Mother Bear.

“Someone has been sitting in my chair,” said Little Bear, “and has broken it to pieces!”

The bears went upstairs. “Someone has been sleeping in my bed,” said Father Bear.

“And in mine,” said Mother Bear. “Someone has been sleeping in my bed,” said Little Bear, “and here she is!”

The voices woke Goldilocks. She opened her eyes and saw the three bears.

Out of bed she jumped, down the stairs and through the door, and away she ran along the moonlit path.

Goldilocks ran all the way home, until she saw the lamp in her own doorway.

Safe at home, she promised never again to go into anyone’s house without being asked.

The bears mended the little chair together and made fresh porridge for supper.

Soon three empty bowls stood on the table. The fire burned low, the woods grew still, and everyone rested peacefully.