The Three Bears

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23322

Title

The Three Bears

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A classic tale of three bears and a curious girl named Goldenhair. When the bears leave for a walk, Goldenhair enters their home, tasting porridge, sitting in chairs, and sleeping in beds. Upon their return, the bears discover the intruder and chase her out as she leaps from a window. A timeless story of curiosity and consequences.

Summary up to 500 words

In a wood near Hazel-nut Wood lived three bears: the surly and rough Bruin, his wife Mammy Muff, and their son Tiny-cub. Their household was distinctively sized to their owners; Bruin utilized granite bowls and cast-iron chairs, Mammy Muff preferred items made of brick-bats, and Tiny-cub enjoyed the finest porcelain, china, and furniture. One day, the family departed for a stroll, leaving the door open with the intention that any visitor would find them out. Unbeknownst to them, a daring young girl named Goldenhair, known for her bright curls, wandered into the wood and decided to explore the empty house. Upon entering the parlor, she tasted the porridge in each bowl. Disliking the food of the father and mother, she found Tiny-cub's porridge delightful, adding salt and a thick slice of bread to it. Satiated, she moved to the living room to sit. She sat in Tiny-cub's chair, but the bottom broke instantly under her weight. Seeking rest, she ascended the stairs to the bedrooms. She inspected Bruin's bed, which was stuffed with lead, and Mammy Muff's, filled with round stones, finding them uncomfortable. She settled into Tiny-cub's bed and fell fast asleep. When the bears returned, they discovered their home in disarray. Bruin roared in anger at the missing porridge, his voice likened to wind down a chimney. Mammy Muff growled about the eaten food, while Tiny-cub lamented the broken chair. They ascended the stairs to find Goldenhair sleeping peacefully in their son's bed. Upon waking her, Bruin declared she must stay until he decided her fate, ordering Mammy Muff and Tiny-cub to block the chimney and nail up the door. Goldenhair, realizing the severity of her situation, spotted an open window kept for fresh air. She leaped out, escaping the house just as the bears rushed to the window. The story concludes with a whimsical note suggesting that while some details may have been dreams, the existence of the three bears is undeniable.

LLM editorial rating

4.0/5

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Local file path

data/epubs/pg23322.epub

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2026-08-14 04:02 UTC

Categories

• Fairy Tales
• Children's poetry