This is the story
of three grumpy bears,
who couldn’t see anyone’s viewpoint,
but theirs.
Until, with a bowl …
a bed … and a stool,
a little girl taught them
the Golden GRRR-Rule.

A captivating, colourful and dynamic twist on the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

From the creators of ‘Miss Understood‘.

Illustrated by Beau Wylie, released February 2026 with Scholastic Press, Australia.

🐝 Books and Publishing – Junior Book Club February Reads 🐝

Why young readers will love it: “In this captivating, colourful and witty adaptation of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story, readers will instantly love the engaging rhyme, playful puns and clever details in the art. But UnBEARable also plays with perspective, urging readers to look deeper into the stories they’ve heard. It encourages discussion on character and intentions, and the readers in a Junior Book Club could passionately plead their case for who is the real swindler (or swindlers!) in this tale. It could also be interesting for them to read this alongside Miss Understood – a retelling of the classic Three Little Pigs – by the same creative duo, and identify similar themes of perspective and prejudice. Perhaps this would also prompt readers to challenge their impressions of characters in other well-known stories.” – Rebecca Young, senior publisher, Scholastic

—–

🐻 REVIEWS 👧 

(Click on the links to read the full review.)

🍯 Elise Ellerman; Masterfully written in rhyme, with lively and humorous illustrations, UnBEARable is a rollicking inventive twist on the classic, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The upbeat rhythm and rhyme, utterly engaging storyline, witty puns and humour paired with the expressive and detailed illustrations make this story a delight to read aloud. The illustrations add depth and personality to each character, offering plenty for young readers to discover and delight in with every revisit.

🍯  Fran Knight (ReadPlus): A fun story. Lovely rhyming verse will provoke readers to predict the rhyming words, and the use of many puns and word play will bring smiles to their faces. The illustrations are wonderful. Goldilocks and her knowing smile, and three-way tale will entertain readers.

🍯  Sue Warren (Losangzopa): From the talented Kathryn Apel and Beau Wylie team, it will spark much fun, and many fanciful innovations in your teaching space. It’s taking Goldilocks and the Three Bears into territory they’ve not yet been in. The word play is just fabulous and, as usual, Beau Wylie’s illustrations are brimming over with hilarious expressions and details (love the family portraits on the wall, including Father Bear in his graduation regalia – what might he be qualified in? Claw and Order? Studies of Shakesbear? Graduate of Ursa Major University?) A 5 rating.

🍯 Telarah PS Library:  A modern reimagining of the classic Goldilocks, with a surprising twist and moral.
Great language throughout and bright and vibrant illustrations work wonderfully together for a read that will entertain all readers.

🍯 Playful Childhood: This was such a thoughtful read. Based off the traditional “Three Little Bears” but giving new perspective. It sparked chats about feelings and kindness. The illustrations feel warm and expressive, the kind that invite kids to pause and look closely.

🍯 Torins Bookshelf:Through delightful rhyming text and colourful illustrations, we await Goldilocks’ comeuppance only to discover that the bears aren’t all innocence either! This is a fun picture book which I highly recommend – great for read alouds and at bedtime. I absolutely loved Miss Understood so when I saw Unbearable, I instantly ordered it for the library and I’m so glad that I did.

🍯 Forest Hill College Library: A modern re-telling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, with a message about kindness and treating others how you would like to be treated.