Children's Books

Goldilocks, the Babysitter from Hell. By Liam Farrell. Illustrated by Terry Myler The Children's Press, €5.95 (ages 6+)

Having given us a whole new slant on the story of the Three Little Pigs and how they framed the poor, innocent wolf, Liam Farrell now turns his attention to Goldilocks. In this version of the story, Goldilocks is not the lost girl in the woods. Instead, she is a babysitter (actually she should be called a 'childminder') from hell who is employed by Poppa and Momma Bear to look after Baby Bear while they cope with the stresses of life in Celtic Tiger Ireland. And what a hideous girl Goldilocks turns out to be, in spite of her glowing references from the royal family! She encapsulates all that is selfish and manipulative about adolescents. Her friends are equally bad and soon Poppa Bear, who is chief taster at the honey factory, finds himself at risk not only of losing his job but also his mind.

The story, narrated by Poppa Bear, bounces along from one disastrous event to another and children – especially those with ruthless teenage siblings – will love it. Adults reading aloud to their offspring will also find a great deal to relate to. I am delighted to have Goldilocks shown up for the horror that she always was – a home-wrecker and a thief.

Great illustrations by Terry Myler.