Deep in a green wood stood a cozy cottage. In it lived three bears: great big Papa Bear, middle-sized Mama Bear, and wee little Baby Bear. One morning Mama Bear made warm porridge for breakfast.

The porridge was too hot to eat. “Let us walk in the wood while it cools,” said Papa Bear. So the three bears put on their hats and went for a stroll among the trees.

Along came a little girl with golden curls, called Goldilocks. She smelled the porridge through the open window. She knocked, and when no one answered, she peeked inside and tiptoed in.

On the table sat three bowls. She tasted the big bowl — too hot! She tasted the middle bowl — too cold! She tasted the little bowl — just right, and she ate it all up.

Then she saw three chairs. The big chair was too hard. The middle chair was too soft. The little chair was just right — but as she sat, CRACK, it broke! “Oh dear,” said Goldilocks.

Feeling sleepy, Goldilocks went upstairs. The big bed was too hard. The middle bed was too soft. The little bed was just right, and soon she was fast asleep.

Soon the three bears came home. “Someone has been eating my porridge!” growled Papa Bear in his great big voice. “And mine!” said Mama Bear. “And mine is all gone!” squeaked Baby Bear.

“Someone has been sitting in my chair!” said Papa Bear. “And mine!” said Mama Bear. “And mine is broken!” cried Baby Bear sadly, looking at his little chair.

Upstairs they went. “Someone has been sleeping in my bed!” said Papa Bear. “And mine!” said Mama Bear. “And here she is!” squeaked Baby Bear. Goldilocks woke and saw three bears!

Goldilocks jumped up, said “I’m so sorry!”, and hurried home through the wood. The bears mended the little chair and laughed about their visitor. And Goldilocks never forgot to ask before entering anyone’s home again.