Book details
Open Preview See a Problem?We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Bear Who Wasn't There by LeUyen Pham. Thanks for telling us about the problem.
Friend ReviewsTo see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Community Reviews· 708 ratings · 140 reviews Start your review of The Bear Who Wasn't There
Mar 08, 2017 Jasmine rated it it was amazing Slyly funny book about how bears get all the attention and people should really move on to the obvious next thing, ducks.
Yet another of those books like Interrupting Chicken and Z Is for Moose. Ha ha. How many must we have? These are picture books that have been corrupted by cartoons, where this kind of thing is ubiquitous. (And yes, those who have seen the Chuck Jones Duck Amuck cartoon will long for the olden days.) Yet another of those books like Interrupting Chicken and Z Is for Moose. Ha ha. How many must we have? These are picture books that have been corrupted by cartoons, where this kind of thing is ubiquitous. (And yes, those who have seen the Chuck Jones Duck Amuck cartoon will long for the olden days.) ...more
Jul 15, 2018 JoyAnn rated it it was ok The premise was interesting. The illustrations were likable. My toddler didn't get it - the humor was definitely over her head but would probably be found entertaining by a kid audience older than her. But for me it just felt like the book never hit it's peak. I wanted a bit more. The premise was interesting. The illustrations were likable. My toddler didn't get it - the humor was definitely over her head but would probably be found entertaining by a kid audience older than her. But for me it just felt like the book never hit it's peak. I wanted a bit more. ...more
This is imaginative, fun, and interactive--my kind of book! I especially loved the poster underneath the dust jacket--don't miss out on the humor inside. This is imaginative, fun, and interactive--my kind of book! I especially loved the poster underneath the dust jacket--don't miss out on the humor inside. ...more
Dec 01, 2016 Selena rated it liked it Funny book for kids who have a good sense of humor. But there isn't a kid around who won't laugh at page 11. If you read this out loud, get your voices ready. Funny book for kids who have a good sense of humor. But there isn't a kid around who won't laugh at page 11. If you read this out loud, get your voices ready. ...more
May 10, 2017 Barbara rated it really liked it My friends and students know that I am rather fond of metafiction and am amused when the boundaries that separate readers from the text are removed. In this entertaining picture book that's precisely what happens as a Bear--the one about whom this book is supposed to be--has disappeared, and everyone is trying to find him. Well, maybe not everyone since a mallard duck is convinced that there are far too many books about bears being published and perhaps a book about a duck would be more interest My friends and students know that I am rather fond of metafiction and am amused when the boundaries that separate readers from the text are removed. In this entertaining picture book that's precisely what happens as a Bear--the one about whom this book is supposed to be--has disappeared, and everyone is trying to find him. Well, maybe not everyone since a mallard duck is convinced that there are far too many books about bears being published and perhaps a book about a duck would be more interesting. As readers are led from one page to the next, even interrupting Giraffe as he is sitting on the toilet. The book even features word play as the animals confuse a boar with a bear, a pear with a bear, and the phrases "a bare hare" and "a bear here." The author even gets in on the action by slipping out from the pages and acknowledging that she drew a bear, but she has no idea about his whereabouts. As it turns out, the footprints on several of the book's pages lead to the end papers where a bear can be found. The concept for this cleverly-executed picture book is imaginative, particularly since it is carried out all the way through the book. I loved how some of the pages contain simple images while others are filled with several animal characters and seem crowded. Brilliant and delightful in every way! This one will be read repeatedly--and it should be! ...more
Mar 04, 2017 Marsha rated it liked it This picture book is a zany romp as the reader engages in an escalating search for the elusive titular ursine beast. Featuring an attention-hogging duck, an embarrassed giraffe, a pun-spouting hare, an outraged reptile, a plethora of other avians and one bewildered author and
illustrator, this book is as amusing as it is original. The game starts on the front cover where the aforementioned duck spoils the reader. This is one aggravated bird, determined for stardom like the Looney Toons Daffy Duck The game starts on the front cover where the aforementioned duck spoils the reader. This is one aggravated bird, determined for stardom like the Looney Toons Daffy Duck, and his commentary and antics are the linchpin of this crazy search. It’s quite simply a lark, a fun story livened with goofy illustrations to go along with its wandering prose. Kids will adore it and parents
may get a kick out of it, too.
I really enjoyed the kid humor and "behind the scenes" aspect of this book. Pham does an amazing job staying very cognizant of the child reader (as well as the adult). It contains elements reminiscent of DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS and CHLOE AND THE LION, where the interrupting, persistent duck attempts to persuade everyone that ducks are better than bears. After all, they show up for the book. The narrator even pulls the author into the fray. The ingenious humor doesn't stop with the sto I really enjoyed the kid humor and "behind the scenes" aspect of this book. Pham does an amazing job staying very cognizant of the child reader (as well as the adult). It contains elements reminiscent of DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS and CHLOE AND THE LION, where the interrupting, persistent duck attempts to persuade everyone that ducks are better than bears. After all, they show up for the book. The narrator even pulls the author into the fray. The ingenious humor doesn't stop with the story. Be sure to check out the end pages, cover, and back of the dust cover. Definitely a don't miss picture book, besides you have to see if they ever find the bear. ...more
I have to admit, I have a weak spot for books that are self-aware. It cracks me up when a book calls itself a book and laughs about it. Like The Bear Who Wasn’t There. You spend the whole book searching for the bear the book is supposed to be about (including hunting down the author to see what she has to say about the situation) and hilarity ensues. I found the art clever, and while it’s one of those books that’s a little clunky to read aloud (word bubbles and such), it’s well worth it. My kids I have to admit, I have a weak spot for books that are self-aware. It cracks me up when a book calls itself a book and laughs about it. Like The Bear Who Wasn’t There. You spend the whole book searching for the bear the book is supposed to be about (including hunting down the author to see what she has to say about the situation) and hilarity ensues. I found the art clever, and while it’s one of those books that’s a little clunky to read aloud (word bubbles and such), it’s well worth it. My kids were laughing out loud. As was I, actually. And I think the octopus gets the best line in the book. Now you’re curious, aren’t you? ...more
Oct 13, 2018 Cemeread rated it it was ok (2-2.95 stars) This could possibly be a story time book. You must pay
attention to the end pages of this book to get complete satisfaction. The title tells the story. As the reader continues through the story a duck wants it to be about him and other animals with dialogue balloons add comments, which don't always help the reader in the search. Just when it looks like the bear has been found the author is pulled into the story to explain herself. This is a book of misleading silliness, but you mu (2-2.95 stars) This
could possibly be a story time book. You must pay attention to the end pages of this book to get complete satisfaction. The title tells the story. As the reader continues through the story a duck wants it to be about him and other animals with dialogue balloons add comments, which don't always help the reader in the search. Just when it looks like the bear has been found the author is pulled into the story to explain herself. This is a book of misleading silliness, but you must stick with it to
the very end if you really want to see the bear. (2-almost 3 stars because this one seems like it could get annoying if requested more than once and it really has no point.)
Jun 10, 2019 Karen rated it really liked it There may not be a bear in this book, but there is most definately a
duck. A very persistent duck who doesn't think you really need to see a bear, or find a bear, or read about a bear. You should read HIS book. All about HIM. He will put it in front of you many times. This book is a shameless tool for the duck to promote his own agenda. But wait, what is that at the very end? Hiding under the bookjacket? That's a bear! There is a bear in this book! That attention-seeking quack had better watch o There may not be a
bear in this book, but there is most definately a duck. A very persistent duck who doesn't think you really need to see a bear, or find a bear, or read about a bear. You should read HIS book. All about HIM. He will put it in front of you many times. This book is a shameless tool for the duck to promote his own agenda. But wait, what is that at the very end? Hiding under the bookjacket? That's a bear! There is a bear in this book! That attention-seeking quack had better watch out! This is a
cute story with bright illustrations that will delight readers with the duck's shameless self-promotion and twist ending. It will only be a surprise the first time through, but young readers will find repeated joy in the duck's antics and seeing the many other animals contained within the pages. There is plenty to see on each page, and the theme opens an opportunity to talk with children about appropriate ways to seek attention without calling all of the attention to one's self. The book
broaches this topic with humor which makes for a safe environment to discuss such issues. For more reviews, please visit byucbmr.com
May 28, 2021 Cheryl rated it it was ok Enough already. If you can't do meta or interactive well, please don't try. Especially if you can't respect the fact that most of us read books from libraries and can't see the entire endpaper under the taped on flap... that's just
rude. The Monster at the End of this Book The Monster at the End of this Book
Sep 02, 2017 Lara rated it liked it Very silly book, definitely a sense of humor appealing to an average group of kids. For
fans of the Z is for Moose and the like. I think I enjoyed Zebra and Moose's antics a little more, but still chuckled at good bit at the animals in this one too. And I enjoyed the duck and his own literary efforts in this too. Because ducks are reliable, after all. If you're reading this aloud, be prepared with lots of silly voices - the characters talk to the narrator a good bit as he searches for the bear. W If you're reading this aloud, be prepared with lots of silly voices - the characters talk to the narrator a good bit as he searches for the bear. Would take some practice and
planning, but could be a fun story time book too.
Apr 01, 2018 Nicola rated it it was amazing We loved it! Miss 3 adores interactive picture books. This is one that very actively breaks the 4th wall with the text involving conversations with the reader, characters, and author. There are gorgeous illustrations involving everything from bear footprints to follow, the DUCK!, and a dinosaur making a cameo performance. There are some clever word puns (Bear here? Bare hare!) that will go over younger kids heads but are fun as an adult and a good opportunity to talk about words that sound simil We loved it! Miss 3 adores interactive picture books. This is one that very actively breaks the 4th wall with the text involving conversations with the reader, characters, and author. There are gorgeous illustrations involving everything from bear footprints to follow, the DUCK!, and a dinosaur making a cameo performance. There are some clever word puns (Bear here? Bare hare!) that will go over younger kids heads but are fun as an adult and a good opportunity to talk about words that sound similar but have different meanings. ...more
I was really enjoying this, thinking how fun and challenging it would be to read aloud. The book itself narrates much of the action, speaking directly to the reader. The rest of the animals have plenty to say, too. I was not a fan, however, of the reader walking in on Giraffe in the bathroom. Potty humor is cool, but not invading someone's privacy. Even if it is just an anthropomorphized illustration of a giraffe. So, everything was great, funny, hilarious... except that. It's a shame, because I I was really enjoying this, thinking how fun and challenging it would be to read aloud. The book itself narrates much of the action, speaking directly to the reader. The rest of the animals have plenty to say, too. I was not a fan, however, of the reader walking in on Giraffe in the bathroom. Potty humor is cool, but not invading someone's privacy. Even if it is just an anthropomorphized illustration of a giraffe. So, everything was great, funny, hilarious... except that. It's a shame, because I love Pham's illustrations. *Old lady shakes fist at cloud. ...more
Jan 18, 2018 Jennifer rated it it was amazing Two thumbs up from my little guy. In the tradition of The Monster at the End of the Book, The Bear who Wasn't There encourages readers to interact with the book by deconstructing conventions of picture books. This was a very fun read aloud. For those who would
find it inappropriate, there is one page where an animal is surprised while in the bathroom. It is not portrayed distastefully. What child (or parent) hasn't been walked in on while in the bathroom? Kids will relate to it. In the tradition of The Monster at the End of the Book, The Bear who Wasn't There encourages readers to interact with the book by deconstructing conventions of picture books. This was a very
fun read aloud. For those who would find it inappropriate, there is one page where an animal is surprised while in the bathroom. It is not portrayed distastefully. What child (or parent) hasn't been walked in on while in the bathroom? Kids will relate to it.
Jul 10, 2021 Elizabeth rated it really liked it 4.5 stars
Feb 25, 2017 Jillian Heise rated it it was amazing This one had me laughing along the way. Love how meta it is and that the author becomes a character in the book at some point to confirm she actually did draw the bear...that we can't seem to find throughout the story. Lots of animal characters, humor, sarcasm, and fun. Plus surprises abound in the end papers, case, and under the book jacket. This would be fun to share with kids. This one had me laughing along the way. Love how meta it is and that the author becomes a character in the book at some point to confirm she actually did draw the bear...that we can't seem to find throughout the story. Lots of animal characters, humor, sarcasm, and fun. Plus surprises abound in the end papers, case, and under the book jacket. This would be fun to share with kids. ...more
May 09, 2017 Katie rated it really liked it We have been brought to this book under false pretenses. Duck knows how
popular bear books are and he's using our weakness in hopes of earning a duck book. We will pass silly signs, animals, and situations as we search for the missing bear. Find out what kind of madness can be made in the search for the BEAR WHO WASN'T THERE. The narrator's text is large and perfect for a beginning reader. We will pass silly signs, animals, and situations as we search for the missing bear. Find out what kind of madness can be made in the search for the BEAR WHO WASN'T THERE. The narrator's text is large and perfect for a beginning reader.
Jun 08, 2017 Juliana Lee rated it really liked it Duck interacts with the reader, trying to convince the reader to tell the story about the duck since the bear isn't there. But throughout the story, the rest of the animals look for the bear so they can tell the story. Funny accidents take the reader into all the wrong places looking for the bear who finally shows up in the end. Duck interacts with the reader, trying to convince the reader to tell the story about the duck since the bear isn't there. But throughout the story, the rest of the animals look for the bear so they can tell the story. Funny accidents take the reader into all the wrong places looking for the bear who finally shows up in the end. ...more
This is a cute book to share with a couple of kids, but it would be hard to read aloud to a group. My son decided from the start that it would be like the Sesame Street book - the Monster at the end of the book. I was expecting to find the bear hidden somewhere in the book - but never found him. I didn't get it. This is a cute book to share with a couple of kids, but it would be hard to read aloud to a group. My son decided from the start that it would be like the Sesame Street book - the Monster at the end of the book. I was expecting to find the bear hidden somewhere in the book - but never found him. I didn't get it. ...more
Apr 14, 2018 Lynn rated it really liked it I somehow missed this when it first came out and glad to have found it
through a goodreads recommendation. Very funny with terrific illustrations and is a kid-centric meta-fiction that works very well. Lots of things for sharp eyes to spot, inside jokes and clever fun. A perfect picture book for kids who are on the brink of thinking they are too old for picture books.
Jul 26, 2018 Kristen rated it liked it A charming assortment of animals populate this book, but the main question is, where is the Bear? The narrative text combined with the myriad animal voices can be confusing for young readers during a read aloud, but my littlest little enjoyed the hunt for the bear. A fun book with adorable illustrations.
Oct 30, 2018 Cecilia rated it it was amazing Because of all the dialogue that crops up from all the different animals, this book would only be fun read aloud IF someone could do all the voices. Not good at voices? That's okay. This book is REALLY fun read silently. It is definitely for a reader that can keep a narrator/plot straight from LOTS of interruptions. Because of all the dialogue that crops up from all the different animals, this book would only be fun read aloud IF someone could do all the voices. Not good at voices? That's okay. This book is REALLY fun read silently. It is definitely for a reader that can keep a narrator/plot straight from LOTS of interruptions. ...more
Jul 22, 2017 Amy rated it it was amazing I love metafiction, and I do appreciate the running gag about the bear who hasn't shown up for the book. We do the author trying frantically to turn the pages looking for the bear she thought she put in there ... I love metafiction, and I do appreciate the running gag about the bear who hasn't shown up for the book. We do the author trying frantically to turn the pages looking for the bear she thought she put in there ... ...more
Sep 19, 2018 Katie rated it liked it In my quest to read all of the Young Hoosier Book Award picture books for 2019-2018, I came upon this book. It wasn't terrible but I'm struggling to find the ideal audience for it. It certainly wasn't me. In my quest to read all of the Young Hoosier Book Award picture books for 2019-2018, I came upon this book. It wasn't terrible but I'm struggling to find the ideal audience for it. It certainly wasn't me. ...more
I love a funny, good interactive picture book to read at story time. This one is wonderful. Its very interactive, hilarious and quick. Definitely a great read that will keep their attention and have them laughing to the last page.
My three year old nephew had me read this book back to back too him three times, which is his magic number for books he loves. And as a plus this book is sooo funny, so adult will enjoy it too, at lest got the first ten times lol. LeUyen Pham is the illustrator of many books for children, including God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams, The Princess in Black series and Aunt Mary’s Rose by Douglas Wood. LeUyen Pham lives in California. Related ArticlesMahogany L. Browne is the author of Chlorine Sky, Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice, Woke Baby, and Black Girl Magic. She's also the... Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. |
The bear who wasnt there read aloud
Copyright © 2024 berikutyang Inc.
