We’re going a Bear Hunt (review)

We’re going a Bear Hunt
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Walker Books

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen, who has been writing for children since 1970, and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, an illustrator of many classic picture books, is an exciting action storybook for those readers who can enjoy the adventurous narration of a family going on a bear hunt. Not only is the story line stimulating but tension towards the end of the story is charmingly chilling enough for the youngsters.

The book tells the story of a family and their dog going through different settings, such as wavy grass, or a swirling snowstorm, in order to get to the cave and hunt a bear. However, once they arrive there, they get scared and run away going all the way back because the bear chases them.

As the adventure starts, the characters sing a catchy song that is repeated every time the pages are turned. This, together with the exclamation they let out when a new obstacle is faced, will be attractive for children. What’s more, the onomatopoeias used to show the characteristics of the different places along the adventure, makes it more appealing.

Helen Oxenbury uses black-and-white and watercolor cartoon drawings, which show literalness with the narration. In order to create drama, she chooses grey color scales which go along with the expression on the characters’ faces. When the family goes through the obstacles a colorful image fills the whole page creating a riskier atmosphere.

Rosen and Oxenbury’s story is absolutely hunting, not only for children but also for adults. This is one of the stories that you would remember for the rest of your life. Don’t miss it.