We're Going on a Bear Hunt - Michael Rosen

Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) is one of the most beloved children’s picture books, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. It’s a rhythmic, repetitive adventure story that has become a staple of early childhood reading and performance.

📚 Book Overview

• Title: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

• Author: Michael Rosen

• Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

• Publisher: Walker Books (UK)

• First published: 1989

• Age range: 2–6 years

🧩 Content & Themes

• Story: A family sets out on an adventure to find a bear, chanting the refrain: “We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one…”

• They face obstacles — long wavy grass, a deep cold river, thick oozy mud, a dark forest, a swirling snowstorm — each overcome with rhythmic repetition.

• Finally, they find the bear in a cave and race back home, reversing their journey in a dramatic chase.

• Themes: Adventure, rhythm, family bonding, imagination, and the thrill of storytelling.