We're Going on a Bear Hunt

When Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury's family go on a bear hunt, they are full of the bravado and confidence that the knowledge of failure brings:

We're going on a bear hunt,
We're going to catch a big one.
What a beautiful day!
We're not scared.

Chunkily manageable for little hands, repetition of the "We can't go over it. / We can't go under it. / Oh no! / We've got to go through it" kind, and frequent onomatopoeia ("Swishy Swashy … Splash Splosh … Hoooo Woooo") will maintain interest for even the youngest of listeners.

The only disappointment in this wipe-clean board book is that the colour story boards are alternated with less interesting black-and-white ones, but apart from that Helen Oxenbury keeps to her usual high standard of illustration and, combined with Michael Rosen's delightful tale, it's easy to see why We're Going on a Bear Hunt is a former winner of the Smarties Prize. (Ages 3 to 5.) - -Lucie Naylor

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View books by Michael Rosen.

Hours of Fun - Rated
We had loads of fun with our kids reading this one, but not just at home. They loved it so much they had both memorised it in no time and would love reciting it if ever we went on walks, especially through woods and streams.

Very sturdy, high quality and fun - Rated
Our little boy got this book for his second birthday, and he loves it. I'm not sure he understands the story - a family go (unarmed) on a bear hnt and go through various obstacles, until they find a bear, which they then run away from - but he does very much enjoy the pop-up action features of it, and, three months on, he hasn't managed to destroy very much of it despite less-than delicate handling.

It only loses a star because the pages in between are skipped past, and because he is mainly interested in the page where the bear appears; meaning that I have to sit there for hours as he knocks on the cave 'door' opens it, growls and expects me to look shocked. There's also not that much to spot as you're working on vocabulary.

A good book, and a favourite at home.

Brilliant - Rated
My son is three and loved this book. The book has a lot of repitition in it, which younger children love. He almosts knows all the storey off by heart. The pictures are lovely also, adding something different with some pages being in pencil drawings.

Definatley worth the money.

Great story, great illustrations, sturdy format - Rated
One of the best books we've bought for our 18 month old child. We love the story and he loves the pictures.

truly enjoyable book for 2-3 year olds, it's our favorite! - Rated
was given the book while in London and it quickley became the favorite of our daughters. the constant repeating of the main verse invites the children to particpate in the story with the reader. Would recomend this book to anyone thats beginning to read to thier children.