We're Going on a Bear Hunt Book Review: A Read-Aloud Classic
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury's classic about a family hunting for a bear through grass, river and mud. Story, pictures, age guide and similar books.
If your child has ever stomped across the living room pretending to wade through long grass and squelch through mud, you already know the joy of this book.
In this We're Going on a Bear Hunt book review we look at the story, the family on the hunt, Helen Oxenbury's pictures and why it is such a good read-aloud for young children.
The short answer We're Going on a Bear Hunt is a children's picture book by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, for readers aged 3 and up. A family wades through grass, splashes through rivers and squelches through mud in search of a bear, chanting catchy refrains as they go. Its repetitive text and lively rhythm make it a favourite read-aloud.
ISBN: 9780689853494
We're Going on a Bear Hunt book review: the story
A family sets out on a journey through different landscapes to find a bear.
They wade through grass, splash through rivers and squelch through mud, chanting refrains that capture the excitement of the adventure. Each obstacle builds the anticipation for the big discovery at the end.
The text is engaging, the structure is repetitive in the best way, and readers of all ages end up joining in.
The characters
The family: a spirited group of adventurers, a father, mother, three children and their dog. Each one plays a part in the bear hunt, which adds to the sense of togetherness and excitement.
Why it has been a favourite for decades
We're Going on a Bear Hunt has held readers for decades with its story, its characters and its interactive feel.
Michael Rosen's lively text and Helen Oxenbury's expressive pictures invite children to take part. The rhythmic language and repeated phrases make it easy for children to join in, so story time becomes a shared game.
The book's rhythmic language and repetitive phrases make it easy for children to join in the storytelling.
The illustrations
Helen Oxenbury's pictures are vibrant and full of small details. From green fields to swirling river water, each scene has expressive characters and lively compositions.
Collage and mixed media add texture and depth, and her style heightens the sense of adventure on every page.
What age is We're Going on a Bear Hunt for?
It is a children's picture book suited to readers aged 3 and up who enjoy interactive stories and imaginative play.
The repetitive text and lively rhythm make it perfect for reading aloud in a group, and also for young readers who are learning to read on their own.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt book for kids: imagination and adventure
As children chant along and copy the actions of the hunt, they are pulled into the story. The book encourages imaginative play and outdoor exploration, and invites children to use their senses and create their own adventures.
Read-aloud tip Act it out. Swish your hands for the grass, splash for the river and squelch your feet for the mud. Children remember the book far better when their bodies are part of it.
About the author, Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen is a celebrated author and poet known for his engaging storytelling and playful language. With this book he created a classic full of adventure and togetherness.
Similar books in this category
- "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
- "The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
- "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
Gift it right: We're Going on a Bear Hunt as a birthday gift
A classic read-aloud for ages 3 and up is one of the most dependable books as birthday gifts for kids, because the whole family ends up using it. Add a name label inside the cover and a teddy name sticker on the wrapping.
58% off
58% off
26% offSee all personalised book labels, more children's books, or our gifts for kids.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote We're Going on a Bear Hunt?
Michael Rosen wrote it, and Helen Oxenbury illustrated it.
What age is We're Going on a Bear Hunt for?
It is a picture book suited to readers aged 3 and up, great for reading aloud in a group.
Who goes on the bear hunt?
A family: a father, mother, three children and their dog.
Keep reading
-
BusyBunnysABCBusy Bunny's ABC Book Review: Richard Scarry's Alphabet Book
-
#ChristmasActivityBook #FeltStickers #HolidayFun #ChildrensBooks #InteractiveActivities #FestiveCreativityChristmas Activity Book Felt Stickers Book Review: Holiday Fun
-
#ChristmasTime #TheNutcracker #HolidayBooks #ChildrensBooks #ClassicTales #ImaginationChristmas Time: The Nutcracker Book Review, a Ballet Story for Kids
Join the conversation