When it comes to toddlers and young children picking up a book to read, there is just something extremely magical and enchanting about picture books. With their mix of fun, vibrant artwork and short tales they make fascinating reading, especially for that all-important 10 minute bedtime story. These short books are more than just stories – they are the gateway to adventurous magical realms, laughter and wide-eyed wonder. With every exciting turn of the page, young readers will discover bold, bright and vivid illustrations and a story that will spark moments of surprise, while eliciting giggles and gasps alike. Introducing concepts such as friendship, empathy and problem solving in bite-sized tales, these stories will resonate with young minds long after the story-telling session has finished. Within the confines of these pages, with their fun words and beautiful artwork, children learn more than reading words but also emotions, and a lifelong love of reading. The Bear Who Went Boo!, written by David Walliams and illustrated by Tony Ross, is one such picture book that embodies this spirit with cheeky charm. The playful narrative and vibrant illustrations combine and join forces to create a hilarious Arctic adventure that is perfect for young and early readers.
The Bear Who Went Boo! is thirty-two pages of fun that moves along at a brisk, frosty pace. Each colourful spread of sprawling, full-page illustrations with minimal text – at times, just a single, punchy sentence, will keep young listeners and reluctant readers engaged while offering clear visual cues for early readers to follow along.
In the very chilly North Pole there lives a very cheeky polar bear. Only a little cub, he is very mischievous and loves nothing more than giving others a VERY BIG FRIGHT. It doesn’t matter where he goes, if he sees another animal he will crouch behind snowdrifts and ice floes, then leap out and shout loudly with an enthusiastic “BOO!” – sending terrified puffins, seals and fellow polar bears scrambling away in fright. His antics are so relentless that the Arctic animals band together, plotting a friendly lesson in manners. What unfolds is a comedic caper with a gentle moral, as our pint-sized prankster discovers that “surprise” isn’t always fun when it never stops.
To boo, or not to boo?
That is the question.
The Bear Who Went Boo! / David Walliams
Overall, I think that The Bear Who Went Boo! is plenty of picture book fun. It superbly blends laugh-out-loud moments with gentle lessons on empathy and self-regulation. Its brisk pacing, colourful art and interactive “BOO!” make it an excellent choice for young page turners (although it could make bedtime reading sessions a bit loud and lively). With its playful simplistic short, rhythmic sentences and repeated “BOO!” it engages young readers and gets them involved in the story.
While The Bear Who Went Boo! is an exciting tale, beneath the laughter on the pages there are underlying themes of empathy and respecting boundaries, friendship, consequences of your actions and self-awareness.
- Empathy and boundaries: the cub learns that even harmless pranks can upset friends when they happen too often.
- Friendship: the Arctic animals work together to teach the young cub a lesson, demonstrating problem-solving and support.
- Actions have consequences: even the most playful of actions can have a real emotional impact on others, which allows young readers to consider how their behaviour might affect others, despite how harmless you might think they are.
- Self-Awareness: as the story comes towards the end, the small bear learns to reflect on his actions, embracing growth and kindness.
Young page turners will adore this tale, from its waddling penguins to the laid-back seals, as each creature reacts in a delightfully over-the-top way when frightened by a big “BOO”. With expressive frightened characters, with their cartoonish terror and gleeful mischief, it really ramps up the humour.
The illustrations by Tony Ross brings these moments to life with bold outlines and a cool, frosty palette. Icy blues and snowy whites dominate, but splashes of bright orange (scarves, beaks, mittens) punctuate every page. His dynamic illustrations of animals tumbling over each other, snow flurries swirling and frightened characters injects an energy that enhances the text and brings with it a visual humour that is fantastic.
If you’re seeking a hilarious tale about kindness and boundaries, David Walliams and Tony Ross deliver a picture-perfect treat that is perfect for any child’s personal bookshelf. Just don’t be surprised when your little reader jumps out with their own “BOO!” at bedtime.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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