By Ryan T. Higgins
Disney Hyperion, 2022
Picture book, 48 pages, ages 3-5
Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs (a trio of adorably mischievous mice) are back at it again. They’re making an interactive book, and Bruce is the unwitting (and unwilling) star. But they need the reader’s help.
“What’s a reader?” asks Thistle.
“I have no idea!” says Nibbs.
Rupert kneads his brow. “Sigh! The reader is who’s looking at us right now.”
“We’re being looked at?! But we’re not wearing pants!”
A fun, interactive book full of laughs – emphasis on FUN
Hey, Bruce! takes readers on an interactive romp while poor Bruce is just trying to have a peaceful nap. Kids will laugh uproariously at the mice’s antics. What they won’t realize is that they’re actually learning new words, storytelling technique, and a step-by-step process of book creation. It’s truly meta.
This might be my favorite book of the year, and might even be my favorite of all the Mother Bruce books (vying with the original Mother Bruce and Be Quiet! for the top spot.) I love everything about it. The words. The expressive and hilarious illustrations. The HUMOR. The way Higgins plays with the genre and story structure. Perfection.
Looking for a fun book for a reluctant reader? Get Hey, Bruce! Looking for a fun storytime book? Read Hey, Bruce! Looking for an interactive book to engage young readers? Check out Hey, Bruce! Looking to start your own Mother Bruce collection? Buy Mother Bruce and Hotel Bruce, then go buy Hey, Bruce! (It’s okay if they’re a little out of order.)
The only one who might not like this book is Bruce. He’s not a fan. Of all his books, this is the angriest I’ve seen him.
Hey Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins receives 4 stars from this reviewer.