Scholastic Canada / Cartwheel Books
ISBN 0-590-38358-2
40 pages
Ages 3-8
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by Melodye Benson Rosales
"I'm bored," Leola complained. "And I don't care what my Grandmama says. I'm going to do what I want to."
Take one headstrong little girl, mix with a deep, dark forest, add in three bears, and you have the makings of a classic nursery tale.
With a large helping of rural southern flavor, this African-American retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears follows the adventures of Leola as she wanders away from her Grandmama's cottage. Secretly followed by a kindly blackbird, Leola encounters the frightening Ol' Mister Weasel, surprises the gentle Honeybear family, and learns an important lesson about strangers.
Melodye Benson Rosales' spectacular oil paintings are a feast for the eyes, bringing new life to this timeless story.
A Message from Melodye-
This book is dedicated to all the grandmothers who have loved and cared for their grandchildren.
My great-grandmother, Ellen Weathersby, was born into slavery in a rural community in Lawrence County, Mississippi. She married the "Mulatto" son of the plantation's owner, my great-grandfather Sanco Benson. Together, Ellen and Sanco had 11 children. They raised them with an abundance of patience and guidance.
During this time, after slavery had been abolished, Sanco farmed the land... his land. Ellen made their house into a home. When their grandchildren were born, Ellen tenderly cared for them as well. It was a large family and her 23 grandchildren filled her days with joy and happiness.
Ellen, an enormous woman in size and stature, as well as love and affection, was known throughout the county for raising another thing of beauty — colourful flower gardens. Her son, my maternal grandfather, Papa Benson, would often tell me he thought my great-grandmother's spirit lived on in me by way of my artistic expression and appreciation of colours. I know it does.
This story is a reflection of memories. Memories of growing up with old-fashioned values in a family filled to the brim with love and understanding. Memories that are part of many families. Memories that are part of "my" family, the Bensons.
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