We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Title: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Author/Illustrator: Michael Rosen
Author/Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publication Year: 1989
Website: www.michaelrosen.co.uk
Age Group: Babies/Toddlers, Preschool
Amazon Product Page (Affiliate Link)

Recommended By:

1. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
2. 100 Best Books for Children
3. The Read-Aloud Handbook
4. Babies Need Books
5. The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children

Comments: I was a little wary reading his book to my 4-year-old who had recently developed a fear of bears. This cute, repetitive story (complete with sound effects!) is about a family going on a bear hunt. I was a little surprised when, at the end, they actually find a bear who chases them all the way home. However, with the unthreatening images, and the predictability with which they escape, the book is not really frightening. After I read it to the preschooler, he asked his dad to read it to him the next day and assured him in an unconvincing voice, “It’s not scary, Dad.” My two year old just flat-out enjoyed it. She’s not afraid of bears even a little bit. I know of a local preschool that acts out the story, which sounds like it would be a lot of fun for kids.

Included on Lists:

1. Best Books for Babies & Toddlers
2. Best Books for Preschoolers