The Cottage in the Woods

Before I started reading The Cottage in the Woods, I thought it would just be a fluffed up story about what happened to Goldilocks after she was found in Baby Bear’s bed. Of course, that topic was covered, but according to author Katherine Coville, there was more to the story. It is the back story for a fairy tale, but it’s so much more than that, much more than you would expect.

Not only does the reader learn the “real” story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (in this version they are called the Vaughns and Goldilocks is not the little blond-headed girl’s name), the reader is taught lessons about love, jealousy, prejudice, justice and faith. I was quite surprised by this story as though I believe it was written for a mainstream audience, there is a definite Christian storyline as well.

Every once in a while you read a book that leaves a lasting impression on you for one reason or another. This is one such book. Coville tells a familiar tale with a lot of unexpected twists. She includes characters from other well-known fairy tales and nursery rhymes, all who live in the Enchanted Forest with the Vaughns. She writes with witty humor and a healthy dose of truth. As the blurb on the book says, “Filled with bold twists and turns, this is a beautiful coming-of-age story wrapped in a tale both well-loved and wholly unexpected.”

What I Like: Everything.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8-12, although I think almost everyone would enjoy it.

Publisher Info: Knopf Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9780385755733; Hardcover, 400 pages, $12.74.

Buy at Amazon.com $12.74!

Buy the Kindle edition at Amazon $9.78.