We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Retold by Michael Rosen
Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

A traditional story retold in a contemporary manner, We're Going on a Bear Hunt begs to be chanted, sung, acted out, whispered, shouted, and read over and over again. Full of fun and adventure, a family’s beautiful day together takes them over, under and through a multitude of obstacles in their search for a furry friend. Will they find a bear? Even more importantly, what will happen if they do? Be sure to keep this book on a handy bookshelf – it is guaranteed to be a sure fire hit!

In this Issue

• Cherry-Almond Butter
• Michael Rosen Reads We're Going on a Bear Hunt
• Squelch Squerch Finger Painting
• We're Going on a Bear Hunt Book Play

 

Cherry-Almond Butter

If you decide to go on a bear hunt of your own, it’s always wise to pack a nutritious lunch to keep your energy up. Inspired by bears’ love of cherries, honey and nuts we think you and your reader will enjoy making (and eating!) our Cherry Almond Spread. You might also like our honey-oat bread recipe, inspired by another favorite literary bear!

Cherry Almond Butter

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (2.5 ounces) raw unsalted almonds
• 1/4 cup cherries, fresh or frozen and thawed
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon 
• pinch of salt

1. Place almonds in a food processor (a blender would also work). Process for about 5 minutes, scraping down sides as needed, until the almonds have broken down; they should come together when pressed.
2. Add cherries, honey, vanilla, and salt and process until smooth.
3. Make into sandwiches, serve on toast, or simply eat with spoons!
   Makes 1/2 cup spread. Store remaining spread in the fridge.

 

Michael Rosen Reads We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Plus, enjoy this delightful video of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury discussing the origins of the book!

 

Squelch Squerch Finger Painting

Can you imagine what it felt like to squelch and squerch through the mud while going on a bear hunt? Get a good feel for it by finger painting with a glorious mixture of mud and glue. Adding glue to the mixture helps to prevent cracking as the masterpiece dries.

If you have fun finger painting you could also try toe painting or making a footprint painting. Maybe your young reader would enjoy painting a cave or a portrait of the bear with the mud. Be sure to have plenty of paper ready for this fun adventure, as one masterpiece will surely not be enough!

Mud Fingerpaint Guidelines

There is no exact way to create your mud mixture:

1. Put a scoop of dirt in your chosen container, add water and stick your hands in to mix up some mud. Add more water if it’s too dry. 
2. Once the desired consistency has been made, squirt in a nice amount glue and mix again. Young reader hands will have a great time squishing together oozy components of this art medium! 
3. When you are done mixing, let the finger painting begin!

 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt Book Play

Learn About Brown Bears

 Learn bears facts, see wonderful pictures and hear bear sounds with the San Diego Zoo's Brown Bear Animal Bytes. Scroll down to the bottom of the quick Facts box and click on the brown bear sound byte to hear a real brown bear.

We're Going to Find a Big One

Get ready to go on a bear hunt of your own! Follow the story, acting out each page. Some ideas:

• How would you make your way through the long, wavy grass and the deep, cold river?
• Would you pick your feet up high while going through the thick, oozy mud? 
• How would you walk through a big, dark forest full of scary sounds? Make your way through the story and see if you would do it like the family in the book.

 

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