Goldilocks and the Three Bears

The Cottage That Smelled Like Honey

Once upon a time, in a forest where the trees whispered lullabies to the wind, there lived three bears — a great big Papa Bear, a medium-sized Mama Bear, and a tiny little Baby Bear.

Every morning, Mama Bear would make the most wonderful porridge. She would stir it slowly, round and round and round, until it was smooth as moonlight on a still lake.

One morning, while the porridge cooled by the window, the three bears decided to take a walk through the dewy forest.

Now, not far away, a little girl named Goldilocks was wandering through the same forest. Her golden curls bounced as she skipped along the mossy path. She followed a butterfly, then a ladybug, then the sweet smell of honey and oats drifting through the trees.

"What a lovely little cottage!" she said, peeking through the window.

The door was open — just a crack — and Goldilocks, being very curious, stepped inside.

On the table sat three bowls of porridge.

She tasted the biggest bowl first. "Too hot!" she said. She tasted the medium bowl. "Too cold!" she said. Then she tasted the smallest bowl. "Mmm... just right," she whispered, and ate it all up.

Feeling a bit tired, she found three chairs by the fireplace.

The biggest chair was too hard. The medium chair was too soft. But the littlest chair was just right — until... crack! It broke into pieces.

"Oh dear," said Goldilocks.

Upstairs, she found three beds.

The biggest bed was too firm. The medium bed was too squishy. But the littlest bed was just right. And before she knew it, Goldilocks had fallen fast asleep.

When the three bears came home, they noticed something was different.

"Someone's been eating my porridge," said Papa Bear in his great big voice. "Someone's been eating my porridge," said Mama Bear in her medium voice. "Someone's been eating my porridge," squeaked Baby Bear, "and they ate it all up!"

They found the broken chair, and then they went upstairs.

"Someone's been sleeping in my bed," said Papa Bear. "Someone's been sleeping in my bed," said Mama Bear. "Someone's been sleeping in my bed," said Baby Bear, "and she's still here!"

Goldilocks opened her eyes and saw three furry faces looking at her with surprise.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she said, jumping out of bed.

But the bears weren't angry. Baby Bear actually giggled.

"Would you like to stay for breakfast?" asked Mama Bear kindly.

And so Goldilocks helped make a fresh pot of porridge, and they all sat together — in chairs that fit just right — and became the very best of friends.

And from that day on, Goldilocks always knocked before entering. And every Sunday morning, she would visit the three bears for porridge, stories, and warm bear hugs.

The end.

Goodnight, little one. Sweet dreams.