Goldilocks and the Three Bears - English Folk Tale
Chapter 1: The Curious Girl
Once upon a time, in a cozy village nestled in the heart of a lush forest, lived a curious little girl named Goldilocks. She had bouncy curls as golden as the sun and eyes that sparkled like stars in the night sky. Goldilocks was always filled with an insatiable curiosity, and she loved exploring the woods that surrounded her village.
One sunny morning, as Goldilocks ventured deeper into the forest, she stumbled upon a quaint little cottage hidden amongst the trees. The cottage had a warm, inviting glow, and smoke billowed gently from its chimney. Intrigued, Goldilocks skipped up to the front door and gave it a gentle knock.
Chapter 2: The Empty Cottage
To Goldilocks’ surprise, the door creaked open with nobody in sight. She hesitated for a moment, her curiosity piqued, before cautiously stepping inside. The interior of the cottage was cozy and quaint, with wooden beams overhead and sunlight streaming through the windows.
“Hello?” called Goldilocks, but there was no response. The cottage seemed strangely deserted, yet a delicious aroma wafted through the air, drawing Goldilocks further inside. Following her nose, she found herself in the kitchen, where three steaming bowls of porridge sat on the table.
Chapter 3: The Taste Test
Unable to resist her hunger, Goldilocks approached the table and sampled a spoonful of porridge from the first bowl. “Too hot!” she exclaimed, fanning her mouth with her hand. She then moved on to the second bowl and took a taste. “Too cold!” she declared with a shiver.
Finally, Goldilocks tried the porridge in the third bowl and smiled in delight. “Just right!” she exclaimed, savoring every mouthful. With her hunger satisfied, Goldilocks decided to explore further, leaving the kitchen behind.
Chapter 4: The Three Chairs
In the next room, Goldilocks discovered three chairs arranged around a cozy fireplace. Eager to rest her feet, she sat down in the first chair, but it was too big and uncomfortable. She then tried the second chair, but it was too small and wobbly.
Finally, Goldilocks settled into the third chair and sighed in contentment. “Just right!” she exclaimed, wiggling comfortably in her seat. But just as she was getting comfortable, there was a creaking sound, and the chair broke beneath her.
Chapter 5: The Three Beds
Undeterred by the mishap, Goldilocks decided to explore the upstairs of the cottage. There, she found three cozy beds tucked neatly side by side. Eager to rest after her adventures, Goldilocks climbed into the first bed, but it was too firm and lumpy.
She then tried the second bed, but it was too soft and saggy, leaving her feeling like she was sinking into a marshmallow. Disappointed, Goldilocks approached the third bed and hesitated for a moment before tentatively lying down.
Chapter 6: The Three Bears
As Goldilocks drifted off to sleep, she was unaware of the three bears who had returned home to find their cottage in disarray. Papa Bear growled in frustration as he noticed the empty porridge bowls, Mama Bear shook her head at the broken chair, and Baby Bear whimpered at his disturbed bed.
Quietly, the three bears crept upstairs, following the sound of soft snores until they reached the bedroom. There, they found Goldilocks fast asleep in Baby Bear’s bed, snuggled beneath the covers with a contented smile on her face.
Chapter 7: The Surprising Awakening
Startled awake by the sound of growls and grumbles, Goldilocks opened her eyes to find herself face to face with three bears. She gasped in alarm, her heart pounding in her chest, but to her surprise, the bears didn’t seem angry.
Papa Bear cleared his throat and spoke in a deep, rumbling voice. “What are you doing in our cottage, little girl?” he asked, his tone stern yet not unkind.
Chapter 8: The Apology
Feeling a twinge of guilt for trespassing in the bears’ home, Goldilocks quickly sat up and explained how she had stumbled upon the cottage and been drawn inside by her curiosity. She apologized profusely for eating their porridge, breaking their chair, and sleeping in Baby Bear’s bed without permission.
Chapter 9: The Forgiveness
The three bears exchanged a glance before Papa Bear let out a hearty chuckle. “Well, little one, you certainly have a knack for adventure,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “But in the future, it’s always best to ask before helping yourself to someone else’s belongings.”
Mama Bear nodded in agreement, her expression softening. “We forgive you, Goldilocks,” she said kindly. “Just promise us that you’ll remember to respect others’ property in the future.”
Chapter 10: The Friendship
Relieved and grateful for the bears’ forgiveness, Goldilocks smiled brightly. “I promise, I’ll be more careful next time,” she said earnestly. “Thank you for not being angry with me.”
With that, the three bears welcomed Goldilocks into their home, and together they shared stories and laughter long into the night. From that day forward, Goldilocks learned to balance her curiosity with respect, and she cherished the friendship she had found in the heart of the forest.
And so, with the stars twinkling overhead and the fire crackling in the hearth, Goldilocks and the three bears lived happily ever after.
Chapter 11: Moral of The Story
The moral of the English folk tale is that curiosity is a wonderful thing, but it should always be tempered with respect for others’ belongings and boundaries. It’s important to remember to ask permission before entering someone else’s home or taking what doesn’t belong to you. Respecting others’ property shows kindness and consideration, fostering positive relationships and friendships.
