Goldilocks Returns – by Stephen Murphy

“In a mind-bending twist of fate, Goldilocks is back—only this time, she’s not snooping around a quaint English cottage. Instead, she stumbles upon the Bears’ humble abode in the heart of India, where, believe it or not, things have gone from porridge-perfect to delightfully dysfunctional.

Picture this: Papa Bear, the exasperated patriarch, trying to instil a semblance of order in a house where Baby Bear, now a rebellious young adult, smokes a pipe filled with gange and throws bricks around just for kicks. Mama Bear, on the other hand, is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, thanks to the sugar being spilled everywhere but her chai. And did I mention the salmon? Oh yes, a wise-cracking salmon has somehow flopped his way into the kitchen sink, philosophising between sassy quips. If that’s not enough, a gang of ferrets storms the place, plotting an absurd coup, while a toad sits in a corner, croaking mournfully about its lost turnip friend.

This is not your childhood fairy tale. With its Monty Python-esque humour, sharp wit, and absurdity that somehow feels relatable, Goldilocks Returns doesn’t just bring fairy tales into adulthood—it catapults them into a whirlwind of chaos, existential musings, and downright hilarity. Each character, from the bears to ferrets, from a salmon to a toad and Goldilocks herself, engages in deep (and often ridiculous) conversations that could easily spawn a new philosophical school of thought—let’s call it perspectivological.

And let’s not forget the book itself—a stunning piece of art with its blue and gold-leaf cover, graced by artwork of none other than Rita Ann Duffy. Holding it feels like cradling a tiny masterpiece, but once you crack it open, you’re in for a wild, reflective ride that’ll make you laugh, scratch your head, and maybe, just maybe, reconsider the way you see the world.

In short, Goldilocks Returns is a riot of satire, absurdity, and sharp insight—an utterly bonkers yet brilliant reimagining of a story we thought we knew.”
– Luke Ó hErodáin

Buy this now for yourself or as a beautiful gift!