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We're Going on a Bear Hunt book cover
Picture Book · ages 2–5

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

by Michael Rosen · illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

A family travels through grass, water, mud, woodland, snow, and a cave in search of a bear. Repeated phrases and sound-rich obstacles build participation before the expedition becomes a rapid journey home.

Best forAges 2–5
Age 2Age 3Age 4Age 5
FormatPicture Book
First published1989
ThemesAdventure, Courage, Family
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Why choose this book

This works especially well when sitting still for a story is difficult: every landscape has an action, sound, and repeated line to perform. The return journey rewards children who remember the route and enjoy hearing the sequence accelerate.

Reading it together

The bear encounter and chase may feel intense to very young listeners, but the family reaches home safely and hides together. Read the outward journey slowly, add movements for each obstacle, then let the faster return provide the comic release.

The related shelf below offers nearby choices if the age fit, tone, or reading experience is not quite right.