★ 01/01/2015
Gr 5–8—This charming and engaging book tells the tale of Ursula, a young bear just out of school, who is hired as a governess for young Teddy Vaughn. She and all the animals living in the Enchanted Forest have the same abilities as humans and have enjoyed a peaceful coexistence. However, tension soon builds as a group of humans demand limits on the freedoms of the enchanted. Complicating matters is a young girl, Goldilocks, living with the Vaughns. This situation becomes a point of contention with the townspeople and soon ends up in court. Ursula has to summon all her courage to protect the people important to her. Featuring a new interpretation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this novel weaves other nursery rhyme characters throughout the story. Beautifully written with thought-provoking vocabulary, it's best suited for strong readers who will also recognize the themes of social justice. Highly recommended.—Laura Fields Eason, Parker Bennett Curry Elementary School , Bowling Green, KY
