We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Less a book than a piece of theatre you put on in your own living room.
Why they ask for it again
They swish through grass and squelch through mud with their whole body. By the end of the first page, they are in the show.
Our review
A family sets out to find a bear, chanting that they cannot go over it, they cannot go under it, they have to go through it. Grass, river, mud, forest, snowstorm, cave. Then they meet the bear, and the whole journey rewinds at top speed in one glorious panicked spread.
The ending is the quiet genius of it. The family hides under the covers, and the final picture shows the bear walking away alone down a moonlit beach. Plenty of kids ask why he is sad. That question, at age three, is worth the price of the book.
How to read it aloud
Use your hands on your knees for the walking beat, and speed up on the way home until you are nearly out of breath. Then whisper "we're not going on a bear hunt again."
The catch
It is impossible to read quietly, so it is a poor choice for the last book of the night.
Is it scary?
The cave and the chase are mildly thrilling, in a fun way. The lonely bear can prompt a question or two.
Books like We're Going on a Bear Hunt, and what to read next
Giraffes Can't DanceAnother book that gets them up off the sofa.
The GruffaloSame joy of a chant, with a stronger plot.
Press HereFor the kid who wants to physically do things to the book.
The Girl, The Lights & The PrinceFor a kid who loved the rhythm and wants to dance to the next one.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is We're Going on a Bear Hunt for?
Ages 1–6. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 2 to 4.
How long does We're Going on a Bear Hunt take to read aloud?
About 5 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is We're Going on a Bear Hunt scary?
The cave and the chase are mildly thrilling, in a fun way. The lonely bear can prompt a question or two.
What should we read after We're Going on a Bear Hunt?
We would suggest Giraffes Can't Dance, The Gruffalo, Press Here, The Girl, The Lights & The Prince (we have a personal connection to this one).