The Cottage in the Woods

Travel back in time to when Goldilocks and the three bears lived in the Enchanted Forest. Ursula, a young she-bear moves into the elegant mansion of the Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn to serve as a governess and tutor for their young cub, Teddy. However, Ursula often senses someone watching her, and there are mysterious sounds at night. The Cottage in the Woods is as much a mystery as it is a fantasy with animal characters who speak, read, and function like humans. It has the same “feel” as Jane Eyre mixed with gothic mystery.

Although it is marketed for middle grade, the extensive vocabulary requires middle graders whose reading skills surpass their grade level. At times it felt wordy and dense. It reads slow, and I found myself scanning pages. It is not a page-turner.

The plot is clever and wraps around the fairytale of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” while it brings up modern issues in adoption and foster care. Tension also arises when human characters try to strip freedom and rights from the enchanted animals.

I chose this book because I enjoy the retelling of fairy tales, and other tales are incorporated into the plot. It’s hard book to review. The content is age appropriate, and overall I enjoyed it. Yes, it’s good, but it’s not one that I recommend for everyone. The Cottage in the Woods is only for tenacious readers.

What’s your favorite fairy tale or book that “reworks” a fairy tale? Leave a comment:

Happy Summer Reading!

Gretchen Carlson http://gretchen-carlson.com