Guarnaccia’s snappy narrative introduces young children to a tale familiar to their parents and care-givers, and possibly to them as well. Guarnaccia’s bears live in a split-level house in the forest. The bear family consists of “big burly Papa Bear” dressed in a beret, plaid shirt, and sandals; “medium-sized Mama Bear” attired in clothes made of designer fabrics; and “pint-sized Baby Bear,” who wears relatively little. These are eclectic, very hip bears. They’ve furnished their home with special chairs (Eames, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Arne Jacobsen, etc.), George Nelson clocks, and other objects developed for the 20th -century, ultra-modern home by internationally prominent designers. “Gee whillikers,” says Baby Bear upon finding Goldilocks in his bed. “Yikes,” says Goldilocks, and she exits as expected. Designer objects are labeled on the end-pages for the curious of any age. (Ages 2-6)

This retelling of the traditional children's tale has one crucial difference - the bears are a new breed. These guys are hip, with a love of style and design. Their 1950s split-level home is filled with cool furniture from such designers as Alvar Aalto and Isamu Nogochi.