We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

By Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Little Simon, 1989 (board book edition 1997)
Picture book, 36 pages, ages 1+

A family (father, mother, and 3 kids) goes on an outing. They’re going to look for a bear. Along the way they encounter long, wavy grass; a deep, cold river; thick, oozy mud; and more that could cut their hike short. But this undeterred family goes through everything until … WHAT’S THAT? …they actually do find a bear. Their reaction and what happens next culminates in a fun, satisfying twist ending.

A delightful, entertaining classic full of adventure, fun twists, and unexpected wisdom.

I wish I would have read this book as a kid – I would have loved it. As an adult, it holds a special place in my heart, as it does for most kids and adults. For me, its simple wisdom got me through a tough spring. The refrain, “We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. We’ve got to go through it!” kept going through my head and helped me face a tough situation and take one day at a time. This non-preachy book teaches such an important lesson for kids (and adults) – developing a mindset that will carry them through life’s bumps and bruises.

By turns exciting, sweet, wise, funny, and always full of heart, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is an undisputed classic. And deservedly so. A highly recommended addition to any library.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen gets 5 stars from this reviewer.