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Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
A favorite fairy tale set in a bustling contemporary Chinatown.
It's Chinese New Year, and Goldy Luck’s mother wants her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. The Chans aren’t home, but that doesn’t stop Goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs, and their beds - with disastrous results.
In this funny and festive retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", Natasha Yim introduces a plucky heroine who takes responsibility for her actions and makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!), just in time for Chinese New Year.
Includes back matter about Chinese New Year and a recipe for turnip cakes.
It's Chinese New Year, and Goldy Luck’s mother wants her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. The Chans aren’t home, but that doesn’t stop Goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs, and their beds - with disastrous results.
In this funny and festive retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", Natasha Yim introduces a plucky heroine who takes responsibility for her actions and makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!), just in time for Chinese New Year.
Includes back matter about Chinese New Year and a recipe for turnip cakes.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
February 3, 2020
My last book for Chinese New Year, the library got it to me a little late.
This is a retelling of Goldilocks and the 3 bears. It is centered around Chinese New Year celebrations and it's very cute. Goldy is a clumsy girl and her mother tells her to take the neighbors some Turnip cakes, recipe in the back of the book. She knocks and the door opens and she spills the turnip cakes on the floor. The rest is like the story we know.
The ending, Goldy is happy because she helps them clean up her mess and she makes a new friend. It's the start of a beautiful friendship. I think it's a cute story and I love the Asian flavor in the old tale. It works.
The nephew thought Goldy being clumsy was funny, he must have related to her. This is exactly what he would have done. He thought the story was good and he wondered if a turnip cake would be any good. I told him we should fix the recipe and see for ourselves. We'll have to try that. He gave this 3 stars. He thought the panda bears were so cute.
This is a retelling of Goldilocks and the 3 bears. It is centered around Chinese New Year celebrations and it's very cute. Goldy is a clumsy girl and her mother tells her to take the neighbors some Turnip cakes, recipe in the back of the book. She knocks and the door opens and she spills the turnip cakes on the floor. The rest is like the story we know.
The ending, Goldy is happy because she helps them clean up her mess and she makes a new friend. It's the start of a beautiful friendship. I think it's a cute story and I love the Asian flavor in the old tale. It works.
The nephew thought Goldy being clumsy was funny, he must have related to her. This is exactly what he would have done. He thought the story was good and he wondered if a turnip cake would be any good. I told him we should fix the recipe and see for ourselves. We'll have to try that. He gave this 3 stars. He thought the panda bears were so cute.
March 28, 2021
Goldy is born in the year of the golden dragon which is considered very lucky so Goldy is also considered lucky. But Goldy didn't have any good luck and she always broke things. When her mother prepares turnip cakes for the Chinese new year celebrations and sends Goldy to the neighbors to wish Kung Hei Fat Choi along with the turnip cakes, she ends up spilling the turnip cakes as soon as she enters the neighbors' house. She also eats their food, breaks little Chan's chair and sleeps in their beds.
When the neighbors arrive at their place and find out what Goldy had done, Goldy runs out of there but later on comes back and apologizes and also brings food for little Chan.
This is a re-telling of the classic Goldilocks story and I quite enjoyed this. It stays true to the classic yet there is a Chinese spin on it. I enjoyed this and the illustrations are rich and beautiful.
4 stars
When the neighbors arrive at their place and find out what Goldy had done, Goldy runs out of there but later on comes back and apologizes and also brings food for little Chan.
This is a re-telling of the classic Goldilocks story and I quite enjoyed this. It stays true to the classic yet there is a Chinese spin on it. I enjoyed this and the illustrations are rich and beautiful.
4 stars
November 8, 2018
This is how you take a story from one cultural tradition and adapt it to another. Unlike
The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes
, which felt the need to take a rude swipe at the original source material, Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas takes the original "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story and adapts it to a Chinese New Year theme. It's a bit gentler than the original, since Goldy isn't breaking any laws; she's actually the Chans' neighbour, and she goes over to their house to deliver some turnip cakes, only to discover that the pandas aren't home. Despite warning her mother that she was sleepy and hungry, she was told to make the visit anyway... which of course leads to the familiar elements of the story as Goldy eats all of Little Chan's congee and ends up falling asleep in his bed. There aren't really any surprises here if you know the original story, but I liked the twist of having all the Chinese elements and the bears being pandas.
The illustrations are super cute. I liked how there are a few panda motifs in Goldy's life (her toy, her bowl, etc.). And why wouldn't she like pandas? The Chans are actually very nice. They don't hold her actions against her, especially once she apologizes and helps to clean up (something the original Goldilocks never did, as far as I can recall).
The back of the book features an author's note that explains a bit about Chinese New Year and the significance of some of the symbols and traditions. There's also a bit about the Chinese zodiac, as well as a recipe for turnip cakes. So, overall, this book has a lot to offer: a cute retelling of a classic story, along with some facts and a yummy-sounding recipe. What's not to like?
Quotable moment:
The illustrations are super cute. I liked how there are a few panda motifs in Goldy's life (her toy, her bowl, etc.). And why wouldn't she like pandas? The Chans are actually very nice. They don't hold her actions against her, especially once she apologizes and helps to clean up (something the original Goldilocks never did, as far as I can recall).
The back of the book features an author's note that explains a bit about Chinese New Year and the significance of some of the symbols and traditions. There's also a bit about the Chinese zodiac, as well as a recipe for turnip cakes. So, overall, this book has a lot to offer: a cute retelling of a classic story, along with some facts and a yummy-sounding recipe. What's not to like?
Quotable moment:
One Chinese New Year, Goldy's mother woke her up and sent her to wish their neighbors Kung Hei Fat Choi.
"But Ma Ma, I'm still sleepy, and I'm so hungry."
"It'll only take a minute," her mother said. "Mr. and Mrs. Chan would enjoy a visit from you. Take these turnip cakes to share with Little Chan."
September 22, 2019
Nice retelling of the Goldilocks story, but in a much more interesting, contemporary setting. Young Goldy has to deliver turnip cakes to her next door neighbours, the Chans (who happen to be pandas!), and while there, well, there were these bowls of congee.....
Goldy is actually more thoughtful than the other girl, and actually returns to apologize for her messes. A cute story, with lovely artwork and pleasing colours. And there’s a recipe at the end for turnip cakes. :)
Goldy is actually more thoughtful than the other girl, and actually returns to apologize for her messes. A cute story, with lovely artwork and pleasing colours. And there’s a recipe at the end for turnip cakes. :)
October 2, 2020
#FemmeFanTale
Continent: Asia
Prompt: Read a book written by a Malaysian author
Continent: Asia
Prompt: Read a book written by a Malaysian author
June 17, 2015
1.)Reflection on ONE: Text to text, text to self, or text to world connection for each book
While I read the story of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, I found myself comparing it to the book Goldilocks and the Three Bears because the two stories are so similar. The author included the traditional elements of any sort of Goldilocks story including having a young girl visit a house of bears while they are gone and trying out their different things such as their food and resting places. By the end of the book, the bears and Goldy Luck become friends just like Goldilocks and the bears do in the traditional story. I loved the twist on this book and how the author kept it true to the Chinese Culture while also making it closely follow the Goldilocks story theme.
2.)Rationale and evidence proving why each book is culturally specific
This book is culturally specific because it includes many accurate details about the Chinese culture. The book includes pictures of a street decorated for a Chinese New Year and it includes culturally specific items and terms, such as the congee porridge. Finally, the book includes traditionally Chinese names for the characters (besides Goldy Luck) and some information about the Chinese New Year.
3.) Six discussion questions for each book using all six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
a. What is congee?
b. What was the main idea of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas?
c. What would you have done if you were Goldy Luck and the door opened when you got to the apartment?
d. Compare Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas to Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
e. Justify Goldy Luck’s decision to enter the apartment and try out all of the Chan’s things.
f. What inferences can you make about the Chan’s based on their reactions to Goldy Luck?
While I read the story of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, I found myself comparing it to the book Goldilocks and the Three Bears because the two stories are so similar. The author included the traditional elements of any sort of Goldilocks story including having a young girl visit a house of bears while they are gone and trying out their different things such as their food and resting places. By the end of the book, the bears and Goldy Luck become friends just like Goldilocks and the bears do in the traditional story. I loved the twist on this book and how the author kept it true to the Chinese Culture while also making it closely follow the Goldilocks story theme.
2.)Rationale and evidence proving why each book is culturally specific
This book is culturally specific because it includes many accurate details about the Chinese culture. The book includes pictures of a street decorated for a Chinese New Year and it includes culturally specific items and terms, such as the congee porridge. Finally, the book includes traditionally Chinese names for the characters (besides Goldy Luck) and some information about the Chinese New Year.
3.) Six discussion questions for each book using all six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
a. What is congee?
b. What was the main idea of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas?
c. What would you have done if you were Goldy Luck and the door opened when you got to the apartment?
d. Compare Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas to Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
e. Justify Goldy Luck’s decision to enter the apartment and try out all of the Chan’s things.
f. What inferences can you make about the Chan’s based on their reactions to Goldy Luck?
March 24, 2014
This fractured tale is a delightful way to teach children about the Chinese New Year traditions. Cultural education is presented throughout the story in a very age appropriate, interesting way and also in the back matter. The illustrations add depth to the Chinese New Year rituals and preparations, with lots of red to bring good luck.
As a first grade teacher, I embrace opportunities for children to make text to text connections and comparisons. Analyzing this story in comparison to other fractured Goldilocks tales, will help students create a deeper understanding of the story elements. In contrast to the original version of the Goldilocks tale, Natasha Yim puts problem solving in Goldy's hands at the end of the story. Hooray for children as problem solvers!
As a first grade teacher, I embrace opportunities for children to make text to text connections and comparisons. Analyzing this story in comparison to other fractured Goldilocks tales, will help students create a deeper understanding of the story elements. In contrast to the original version of the Goldilocks tale, Natasha Yim puts problem solving in Goldy's hands at the end of the story. Hooray for children as problem solvers!
June 4, 2018
Fun twist on a familiar fairy tale introduces children to the traditions of Chinese New Year. There's a sweet message about helping others and righting what you've done wrong.
Veg*n families note: This book concludes with a recipe for the turnip dumplings Goldy carries to her neighbors. The recipe calls for sausage and names dried shrimp as an optional ingredient. While the text doesn't suggest plant-based exchanges, there are numerous types of veggie sausages you could use, and dried seaweed could add the "fishy" flavor instead of shrimps.
Veg*n families note: This book concludes with a recipe for the turnip dumplings Goldy carries to her neighbors. The recipe calls for sausage and names dried shrimp as an optional ingredient. While the text doesn't suggest plant-based exchanges, there are numerous types of veggie sausages you could use, and dried seaweed could add the "fishy" flavor instead of shrimps.
November 20, 2020
My youngest daughter is nuts about Pandas. She collects Panada stuffies, she has Pandas on her bed covers. She had done at least 3 school projects on Pandas. She just cannot get enough of them. This year they need to pick their school library books from the computer and reserve them. This was one of the first library books she has had since the 2020 Pandemic began. And she had mixed feelings about it. Normally if any book has Pandas in it, it is usually 5/5 stars, occasionally 4/5 but this one only garnered 2 from her. As she approaches her 10th birthday, she is becoming a harder judge.
She brought this and another Panda book home from school. She read this one to me second. And She asked a lot of questions as reading it. She said she liked the ending but did not like most of the book. Goldy Luck was supposed to be nice and have luck. She appears to have neither through most of the book. She trashes the neighbour’s apartment. In the end she does make amends.
I thought it was an interesting variation on the theme. The story stays true to the original, and yet is culturally adjusted. The illustrations are well done, and fun to look at while reading the story. We settled on a 3 rating, 2 from my daughter and 4 from me.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and other books from Scholastic.
She brought this and another Panda book home from school. She read this one to me second. And She asked a lot of questions as reading it. She said she liked the ending but did not like most of the book. Goldy Luck was supposed to be nice and have luck. She appears to have neither through most of the book. She trashes the neighbour’s apartment. In the end she does make amends.
I thought it was an interesting variation on the theme. The story stays true to the original, and yet is culturally adjusted. The illustrations are well done, and fun to look at while reading the story. We settled on a 3 rating, 2 from my daughter and 4 from me.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and other books from Scholastic.
June 2, 2014
Still waking for the day, Goldy runs the errand for her mother rather begrudgingly. Finding the Chan’s apartment empty, she also finds the congee (rice porridge) too much to resist, same with the chairs and beds. Of course, the Chan’s know who she is when she runs away. It is a wonderful twist that Goldy cannot forget what she’s done and how it affects her neighbors. The apology goes over well and she begins her new year on a high note, suggesting maybe that some wealth and good luck can be made, not merely wished or destined.
Yim is humorous, and the illustrations (acrylic on paper) carry the same kind of warmth and dry-wit. Yim’s version of the classic tale has details that make the story relatable to modern audiences, and manages to entertain and write a good lesson. Goldy is rewritten from a selfish, invading figure to a child who can be a bit foolish and unlucky, but who can also be sympathetic and fortunate.
The illustrations are engaging, with just the right balance of realism and play (like the text itself). Yim and Zong have created a successful partnership here. The colors and the movement, the openness, are attractive and easy on the eyes. And if so desired, only reading the pictures will tell a great deal of the story itself.
An “Author’s Note” follows the story wherein it further illuminates the themes and actions of the story, “Before New Year’s Day it is customary for people to clean their houses, repay their debts, and resolve old arguments in order to star fresh in the new year, as Goldy’s mother advises her.” And there is a translation for a well-wishing she uses in the story with a pronunciation guide in both Cantonese and Mandarin.
“The Chinese Zodiac” and “A Lucky Character” are nice paragraphs accompanying a rather adorable rendering of the Chinese zodiac. The final bonus feature is not the least for being last: a “Turnip Cake” recipe!
A delightful read…for an occasion or no. It will be one to own, and share.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
Yim is humorous, and the illustrations (acrylic on paper) carry the same kind of warmth and dry-wit. Yim’s version of the classic tale has details that make the story relatable to modern audiences, and manages to entertain and write a good lesson. Goldy is rewritten from a selfish, invading figure to a child who can be a bit foolish and unlucky, but who can also be sympathetic and fortunate.
The illustrations are engaging, with just the right balance of realism and play (like the text itself). Yim and Zong have created a successful partnership here. The colors and the movement, the openness, are attractive and easy on the eyes. And if so desired, only reading the pictures will tell a great deal of the story itself.
An “Author’s Note” follows the story wherein it further illuminates the themes and actions of the story, “Before New Year’s Day it is customary for people to clean their houses, repay their debts, and resolve old arguments in order to star fresh in the new year, as Goldy’s mother advises her.” And there is a translation for a well-wishing she uses in the story with a pronunciation guide in both Cantonese and Mandarin.
“The Chinese Zodiac” and “A Lucky Character” are nice paragraphs accompanying a rather adorable rendering of the Chinese zodiac. The final bonus feature is not the least for being last: a “Turnip Cake” recipe!
A delightful read…for an occasion or no. It will be one to own, and share.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
January 20, 2014
Natasha Yim’s picture book, Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, is an adorable and sweet Chinese American Goldilocks and Three Bears retelling. Little Goldy is sent by her mother, on the Chinese New Year, to wish their panda neighbors happy new year and bring them a plate of yummy turnip cakes, but the neighbors aren’t home and upon entering their home Goldy drops the turnip cakes all over the floor! What follows is a familiar set of events, but with a wonderful new cultural twist.
I love this picture book! Natasha Yim has created an unforgettable fairytale retelling that, while reminiscent of the original, is very much its own wonderful and captivating story. Yim introduces the Chinese New Year to young readers in a way that will excite and amuse them, while teaching them all about this amazing holiday. Goldy is such a cute, relatable little character! She’s not angelically good or bad on purpose, she’s simply and genuinely a kid. Little readers will love exploring the panda’s home with Goldy and watching her create one disaster after another! Along with teaching readers all about the Chinese New Year, this book offers a timeless and heartfelt message about love, friendship, and forgiveness.
The illustrations, by Grace Zong, are beyond gorgeous! Bright, detailed, fun, and full of such life and spirit, these illustrations are the absolute perfect companion to Yim’s story, and little readers will find new delightful things in them with each read.
I also love that the author has included, at the end of the book, more easily understood information about the Chinese New Year, the Chinese Zodiac, and even a recipe for turnip cakes!
Retellings of famous stories can be a tricky thing to pull off, but Natasha Yim has done it with ease! Imaginative, sweet, and fun, with fantastic illustrations, Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas is a gem of a picture book!
I love this picture book! Natasha Yim has created an unforgettable fairytale retelling that, while reminiscent of the original, is very much its own wonderful and captivating story. Yim introduces the Chinese New Year to young readers in a way that will excite and amuse them, while teaching them all about this amazing holiday. Goldy is such a cute, relatable little character! She’s not angelically good or bad on purpose, she’s simply and genuinely a kid. Little readers will love exploring the panda’s home with Goldy and watching her create one disaster after another! Along with teaching readers all about the Chinese New Year, this book offers a timeless and heartfelt message about love, friendship, and forgiveness.
The illustrations, by Grace Zong, are beyond gorgeous! Bright, detailed, fun, and full of such life and spirit, these illustrations are the absolute perfect companion to Yim’s story, and little readers will find new delightful things in them with each read.
I also love that the author has included, at the end of the book, more easily understood information about the Chinese New Year, the Chinese Zodiac, and even a recipe for turnip cakes!
Retellings of famous stories can be a tricky thing to pull off, but Natasha Yim has done it with ease! Imaginative, sweet, and fun, with fantastic illustrations, Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas is a gem of a picture book!
February 1, 2025
It is very rare to find an adaptation better than the original (If You Give a Mouse an iPhone: A Cautionary Tail being another example), but Goldy Luck > Goldilocks!
1. Goldy is a more interesting character than Goldilocks, and we see her wrestle with more emotions than her predecessor.
2. The lesson is better. What's the takeaway from Goldilocks: Don't break and enter? Here, it makes more sense why Goldy went into the house, ate the congee (porridge) and went looking for a place to rest; and then she feels guilty and wants to fix the mess she made.
3. I always hated how the adjectives for the chairs and beds were the same in Goldilocks. I've read other versions of Goldilocks trying to remedy this, but none as well as Goldy Luck.
4. This retelling also teaches about Lunar New Year (note: Goldy and her parents are Cantonese, not Chinese, because they say "Kung Hei Fat Choi," not "Gōngxǐ Fācái") and some of its traditions: red envelopes and turnip cakes. At the end of the book, it includes information about the Chinese Zodiac, the character 福 (fú), and even a recipe for turnip cakes. This makes it more interesting and educational, especially for Western audiences.
I've read this book to my daughter multiple times since we bought it probably over a year ago, but I'll just put it as read on the first day of the Lunar New Year this year.
1. Goldy is a more interesting character than Goldilocks, and we see her wrestle with more emotions than her predecessor.
2. The lesson is better. What's the takeaway from Goldilocks: Don't break and enter? Here, it makes more sense why Goldy went into the house, ate the congee (porridge) and went looking for a place to rest; and then she feels guilty and wants to fix the mess she made.
3. I always hated how the adjectives for the chairs and beds were the same in Goldilocks. I've read other versions of Goldilocks trying to remedy this, but none as well as Goldy Luck.
4. This retelling also teaches about Lunar New Year (note: Goldy and her parents are Cantonese, not Chinese, because they say "Kung Hei Fat Choi," not "Gōngxǐ Fācái") and some of its traditions: red envelopes and turnip cakes. At the end of the book, it includes information about the Chinese Zodiac, the character 福 (fú), and even a recipe for turnip cakes. This makes it more interesting and educational, especially for Western audiences.
I've read this book to my daughter multiple times since we bought it probably over a year ago, but I'll just put it as read on the first day of the Lunar New Year this year.
January 24, 2014
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim and illustrated by Grace Zong is a lively picture book that is a wonderful introduction to Chinese New Year traditions.
The main character, Goldy Luck, isn’t enthusiastic about taking turnip cakes to the Chan family for the New Year. After all, things hadn’t been going that well for her the previous year and she just woke up. Things get even worse when she spills the turnip cakes on the Chan’s floor, is so hungry she eats their food without permission, and accidentally breaks their furniture. Will her bad luck ever end?
Author Natasha Yim has built her story on the familiar and comfortable tale of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” but has made it fresh by adding details of Chinese New Year traditions and a new ending that gently teaches children about responsibility and conflict resolution. I was not surprised to learn that Yim has training in counseling as well as English, because her expertise shows.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas is delightful. After reading it, I was excited to come up with some ideas for activities to extend the book. I hope reading it encourages others to learn more about the Chinese New Year and Chinese traditions, too.
For a complete review and added activities, see Wrapped in Foil.
The main character, Goldy Luck, isn’t enthusiastic about taking turnip cakes to the Chan family for the New Year. After all, things hadn’t been going that well for her the previous year and she just woke up. Things get even worse when she spills the turnip cakes on the Chan’s floor, is so hungry she eats their food without permission, and accidentally breaks their furniture. Will her bad luck ever end?
Author Natasha Yim has built her story on the familiar and comfortable tale of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” but has made it fresh by adding details of Chinese New Year traditions and a new ending that gently teaches children about responsibility and conflict resolution. I was not surprised to learn that Yim has training in counseling as well as English, because her expertise shows.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas is delightful. After reading it, I was excited to come up with some ideas for activities to extend the book. I hope reading it encourages others to learn more about the Chinese New Year and Chinese traditions, too.
For a complete review and added activities, see Wrapped in Foil.
June 16, 2015
Text to Self Connection: Though this story is a fictional story, I couldn’t help but relate to the main character Goldy. In this story, Goldy is portrayed as very clumsy and I am one of the clumsiest people I know (i.e. I fall down steps). I also related to Goldy when she went to sit in papa bear’s chair because it has the roller massage built into in and it hurts Goldy. I, too, think that those built in massagers hurt, especially the ones at nail salons! In a way, Goldy seemed a little bit picky, just like me!
Evidence of being culturally specific: Though this book is a remake of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the author Natasha Yim made it culturally specific to the Chinese culture because it is centered around the Chinese New Year. The traditional food, changi; the native animal, the panda; the Chinese zodiacs; and the tradition of the Chinese New Years all make this a culturally specific text.
Blooms Questions:
Remember: Name the two things that Goldy was supposed to have?
Understand: Summarize the story.
Apply: What examples can you find to support Goldy’s bad luck?
Analyze: How would you compare yourself to Goldy?
Evaluate: What choice would you have made if you had dropped all the turnip cakes?
Create: Create a new story ending.
Evidence of being culturally specific: Though this book is a remake of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the author Natasha Yim made it culturally specific to the Chinese culture because it is centered around the Chinese New Year. The traditional food, changi; the native animal, the panda; the Chinese zodiacs; and the tradition of the Chinese New Years all make this a culturally specific text.
Blooms Questions:
Remember: Name the two things that Goldy was supposed to have?
Understand: Summarize the story.
Apply: What examples can you find to support Goldy’s bad luck?
Analyze: How would you compare yourself to Goldy?
Evaluate: What choice would you have made if you had dropped all the turnip cakes?
Create: Create a new story ending.
Read
June 16, 2015Text-to-Self Connection: The setting of Chinese New Year reminds me a time I was visiting Chinatown in Chicago, Illinois. Some friends and I enjoyed good food and watched a very colorful and interesting parade. It was quite the celebration!
Rationale: This book is culturally specific to Chinese culture. It seems the setting is either in China or in Chinatown somewhere. The language and references used are specific to Chinese culture and tradition.
Blooms Taxonomy Questions/Prompts:
1. Remembering: What are the reasons Goldy’s family believe she will bring good luck?
2. Understanding: Describe what happened before Goldy took the turnip cakes to her neighbors.
3. Applying: What would result if her neighbors, The Chans, had answered the door?
4. Analyzing: How would you compare this story to the traditional story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears?
5. Evaluating: What choice would you have made if you were in Goldy’s situation? Would you go back the Chan’s apartment to help?
6. Creating: Invent a new scenario that involves aspects from your culture.
Rationale: This book is culturally specific to Chinese culture. It seems the setting is either in China or in Chinatown somewhere. The language and references used are specific to Chinese culture and tradition.
Blooms Taxonomy Questions/Prompts:
1. Remembering: What are the reasons Goldy’s family believe she will bring good luck?
2. Understanding: Describe what happened before Goldy took the turnip cakes to her neighbors.
3. Applying: What would result if her neighbors, The Chans, had answered the door?
4. Analyzing: How would you compare this story to the traditional story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears?
5. Evaluating: What choice would you have made if you were in Goldy’s situation? Would you go back the Chan’s apartment to help?
6. Creating: Invent a new scenario that involves aspects from your culture.
July 6, 2017
A retelling of Goldilocks that happens on Chinese New Year. When Goldy goes next door to deliver turnip cakes to the Chans, they are not home. The first thing Goldy encounters is congee in three bowls, then three chairs (one a vibrating one) and then three beds. The story proceeds as the folk tale until the end. When Goldy starts to feel bad about breaking Little Chan's chair and eating all his congee, so she returns to help fix things.
Includes information at the back regarding Chinese New Year, the Chinese zodiac and a recipe for turnip cakes. A solid addition to the library collection for diversity, Chinese New Year and fractured folk tales.
Includes information at the back regarding Chinese New Year, the Chinese zodiac and a recipe for turnip cakes. A solid addition to the library collection for diversity, Chinese New Year and fractured folk tales.
January 30, 2016
This is such a cute and funny book. As you can imagine it's based on the Goldilocks and the Three Bears story but the main girl in this book is a Chinese girl celebrating Chinese New Year, and the three bears are, naturally, pandas. I like that after making a mess at the panda family's house, Goldy regretted that she ran off and actually went back to their house to apologize and make amends. It's a feel good story for a new year and you can have a glimpse at how other culture celebrates New Year too. I'd think it's a little lengthy for really small children but for this one Little Guy didn't mind it at all.
April 10, 2014
A very cute fractured folk tale combining Goldilocks and the Three Bears with Chinese New Year. A lovely introduction to the holiday for preschoolers-K.
Author's Note at the end along with further information on the Chinese Zodiac and a (kid-friendly) recipe for making turnip cakes. Should a teacher or caregiver want to expand the lesson for children beyond simply reading the book, Natasha Yim has certainly provided a few avenues for that.
(Also, I'm totally curious to try a turnip cake now. Kinda. Maybe...)
Author's Note at the end along with further information on the Chinese Zodiac and a (kid-friendly) recipe for making turnip cakes. Should a teacher or caregiver want to expand the lesson for children beyond simply reading the book, Natasha Yim has certainly provided a few avenues for that.
(Also, I'm totally curious to try a turnip cake now. Kinda. Maybe...)
April 7, 2014
This retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is set during Chinese New Year and contains many symbols from Chinese culture.
The rewrite works well and the extended ending whereby Goldilocks struggles with guilt before setting things right makes for a good conclusion.
An author's note follows the story explaining rituals present in the story as well as the Chinese zodiac. A recipe for turnip cake is also included.
Highly recommended as a read aloud during a fairytale unit and especially during Chinese or Lunar New Year units for grades grades 1-4+.
The rewrite works well and the extended ending whereby Goldilocks struggles with guilt before setting things right makes for a good conclusion.
An author's note follows the story explaining rituals present in the story as well as the Chinese zodiac. A recipe for turnip cake is also included.
Highly recommended as a read aloud during a fairytale unit and especially during Chinese or Lunar New Year units for grades grades 1-4+.
April 5, 2015
An adorable, clever and culturally enlightening (for those not familiar with the culture) re-envisioning of the Goldilocks tale with very cute illustrations!
I just have a personal aversion to the expression "gung hei fat choi" because growing up, it was said almost facetiously by my parents' friends. I much prefer the "sun neen fai lok" phrase which is the plain but more sincere-sounding "happy New Year."
I just have a personal aversion to the expression "gung hei fat choi" because growing up, it was said almost facetiously by my parents' friends. I much prefer the "sun neen fai lok" phrase which is the plain but more sincere-sounding "happy New Year."
March 19, 2018
A retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." In this version, Goldy Luck is a young Chinese American girl who creates chaos in the home of her neighbors, the panda bears.
I liked that this book took the story further, and told of how Goldy Luck dealt with the chaos she created in the home of the panda bears. Also, a cute story for introducing a different culture to young kids. The book discusses the Chinese New Year and its traditions.
I liked that this book took the story further, and told of how Goldy Luck dealt with the chaos she created in the home of the panda bears. Also, a cute story for introducing a different culture to young kids. The book discusses the Chinese New Year and its traditions.
June 1, 2014
This is a twist on the Goldilocks story with elements of Chinese New Year incorporated. Instead of porridge, there is congee. Other elements of Chinese culture are present. A nice twist at the end is when Goldy Luck runs out of the house, but then feels remorse and goes back to make new turnip cakes, make the beds and fix the chair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2015
Me and my children all LOVED this book. Not only is it well told, fun, whimsical, and well illustrated, but it teaches along the way without being preachy. Children (and adults) learn about Chinese New Year, it's traditions and the book even includes a recipe in the back for a food item mentioned in the text. A huge and emphatic 5 stars!
September 5, 2015
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Grace Zong – This is a very cute story about a little girl who believes in having good luck and hope for a new year. The book introduces the Chinese New Year traditions a little bit throughout. Also, it has a lovely spin-off of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This is a special book.
December 30, 2014
A solid addition to the school library--with obvious fairy tale and Lunar New Year connections. Good back matter: author's note, Chinese Zodiac and lucky character information and a recipe for turnip cakes.
January 14, 2015
Chinese New Year retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears features poor Goldy Luck, who is worried about being unlucky for another year. Her fear of bad luck (and her extreme tiredness) lead her into some predictable situations ... but with a twist for the ending!
August 9, 2015
What a very playful and thoughtful rendering of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I really liked it. From the storyline to the illustrations, this book was a colorful, creative work. The author's note was helpful and helped me better understand the cultural significance of what was in the book.
June 6, 2014
Cute ethnic version of the original. Great author's note in the back to answer cultural questions. Recipe included for turnip cakes too using daikon radishes.
June 17, 2014
What a fun and original take on the Goldilocks story. I love the flow, the vocabulary, and the illustrations. Wonderful new addition to the fractured fairy tale set.
October 2, 2014
A retelling of a classic story set in contemporary Chinatown. Quite enjoyable!
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