"Bender...takes the most liberties with the familiar goats (the troll has "foul breath that makes his daisies wild," and the little Gruff describes himself as a "low-calorie snack"), though his lively text is almost as concise as the original and he keeps all the key phrases; his is an irreverent contemporary version that should amuse anyone who knows the classic text. His illustrations are rendered in animator's paint on clear acetate backed with black paper for a bold, vibrantly colorful effect...Funny, and fun."
—Kirkus Review

"Bender's dramatic illustrations are the highlight of this picture-book version of the favorite folktale. In rich colors "backlit" to a glasslike clarity...A fresh visual interpretation of a sturdy standby, this may energize some school and public library story times."
—Booklist