Mr. Bear Squash-You-All-Flat

by Morrell Gipson

65 years ago children were first delighted by Mr. Bear, the Neighborhood Nuisance who roams the forest squashing the houses of other animals--and finally gets his own hilarious, smashing comeuppance. Well Mr. Bear's story is here to stay with the same wonderful pictures by Angela and an afterword from a longtime admirer, the Far Side's Gary Larson, who adds "As a child, I loved this bear. As an adult, I'm thrilledto see that-after a long hibernation-he is once again roaming the forest of every child's imagination."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Humor

42 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1950

Reviews

[Margie]

Love this book! It is one of my husband's favorite books as a child. He remembers his mom reading it to his brother and him, just like I remember my mom reading Doctor Dolittle stories to my brother and me. Great memories! I will be reading it at storytime this summer at "Teddy Bear Storytime." (Dress in PJs and bring your favorite bear or stuffed animal!)

[Stephen]

A bully gets his comeuppance and the forest is once again safe for the small animals in their commune. The illustrations make this book. Somewhere [I think] I read it is a favorite of the cartoonist Gary Larson.

[Holly]

This was my very favorite book as a child. I read it, and had it read to me, countless times. Now I read it to my 3 daughters.

[Natalie]

I didn't realize this book was on my daughter's bookshelf until I heard my husband reading it to her over the baby monitor one day. Clearly written by a mad genius, "Mr. Bear Squash You All Flat" tells the tale of a restless bear who relieves the symptoms of insomnia by squashing the homes of small woodland animals. Hillarity insues. I think this book is out of print but it's worth some searching.

[Stephanie]

An older picture book that reminds me a bit of the three little pigs, but only in the woods. I don’t know how the roof doesn’t get squashed, but best to not ask too many questions when your reading children’s books.

[Sandra]

Read as a child. Just recently bought a used copy on e bay.

[Alesia]

An absolute classic!

[Linda]

A customer said this was her favorite book when she was a little gitl and she wanted to get a copy for a shower gift to start a library for a new baby. Made me smile :D

[Polly Kronenberger]

Mr. Bear truly does what to squash you all flat. I, however, am not one to give up the ending. No spoiler alert here. Turn the page. It is a quick read, afterall.

[Abby combs]

This was my favorite book as a child and it was just as amusing to read now as it was when I was younger. Such a cute story with great illustrations

[Dwight]

I read that Gary Larson of The Far Side really liked this book when he was three. It is a pretty good story and this edition has an afterward by Gary Larson.

[Edward Creter]

This is a kids' classic that somehow escaped my attention, but somehow I discovered it in the library. I'm glad I did! It's about a bear who is sooooo insensitive! He squashes his big bear butt on all sorts of forest houses owned by timid forest creatures. Timid...until they teach him a BEARY good lesson. This edition has a nice foreword by Far Side's Gary Larson, who was a huge fan of the book and has now shared it with us. See how luck finds me? How about you?

[Sara]

This book has been a favorite in our household for years. My father loved this book as a child and has made sure every grandchild received a copy. It tells the story of a bear who grumpily squashes things when he's had a night of no sleep. Very funny. Great for doing voices and entertaining kids!

[Emmy]

What a funny little book! I found this at a second-hand shop (I had gone in there looking for jewelry, and left with a children's book!) and thought it was the funniest thing. The story is great, the bear gets his comeuppance, and the illustrations are just adorable! I love Mr. Bear's grump-face so much! This is definitely getting a special place on my shelf.

[Angela]

A small press gem from Purple Horse Press. Awesome!

[Leeldoo]

Mr Bear loves to squash things. Kids think it is a funny story. From Purple press publishers.

[Katherine]

One of my all time favorite children's books. Grab a copy. You will be glad you did!

[Carrie]

This book is so very funny!

[Amar Pai]

This bear is a total jerk!