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Berlioz the Bear
A "Reading Rainbow" Feature Title
Zum, zum, buzz.... zum, zum, buzz...
What's that strange buzz coming from the double bass? Berlioz has no time to investigate, because he and his bear orchestra are due at the gala ball in the village square at eight. But Berlioz is so worried about his buzzing bass that he steers the mule and his bandwagon full of magicians into a hole in the road and gets stuck.
Time is running out, and if a rooster, a cat, a billy goat, a plow horse, and an ox can't rescue the bandwagon, who can?
As the suspense mounts, intricate borders reveal the village animals making their way to the square one by one. When the clock chimes eight, the animals, ready to dance, have filled the square-but there's no sign of Berlioz.
Jan Brett's glorious illustrations invite the eye to linger over exquisite details and humorous nuances that enhance the story. This delightful cumulative tale is one that will be looked at again and again.
Zum, zum, buzz.... zum, zum, buzz...
What's that strange buzz coming from the double bass? Berlioz has no time to investigate, because he and his bear orchestra are due at the gala ball in the village square at eight. But Berlioz is so worried about his buzzing bass that he steers the mule and his bandwagon full of magicians into a hole in the road and gets stuck.
Time is running out, and if a rooster, a cat, a billy goat, a plow horse, and an ox can't rescue the bandwagon, who can?
As the suspense mounts, intricate borders reveal the village animals making their way to the square one by one. When the clock chimes eight, the animals, ready to dance, have filled the square-but there's no sign of Berlioz.
Jan Brett's glorious illustrations invite the eye to linger over exquisite details and humorous nuances that enhance the story. This delightful cumulative tale is one that will be looked at again and again.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
7 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Jan Brett
113 books1,028 followersWith over thirty three million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 4, 2019
Oh, the colors, the details and the beautiful animals. What a wonder and joy this book is. The setting appears to be a little European village having a town dance. An orchestra has been called in to play for the celebration and Berlioz the bear is the double bass player.
He is nervous today as there is something not quite right about his playing. He loads up his festive cart with the band and they are off to the town until his wagon wheel hits a hole in the road and they are stuck. The whole time we see animals trying to help pull out the wagon and in the panels we see townspeople gathering in the square for the dance.
I love what gets the wagon moving and it was a delightful surprise. It turns out to be a wonderful event. I love that music is part of this story and the wagon full of musicians cracks me up. They sit there the whole time and don’t get out to help move the wagon. I love the fancy clothes everyone is wearing. The whole story works beautifully.
Both kids loved this story. The nephew gave this 5 stars and the niece gave it 4 stars. I wait for the book that both kids think is worthy of 5 stars.
He is nervous today as there is something not quite right about his playing. He loads up his festive cart with the band and they are off to the town until his wagon wheel hits a hole in the road and they are stuck. The whole time we see animals trying to help pull out the wagon and in the panels we see townspeople gathering in the square for the dance.
I love what gets the wagon moving and it was a delightful surprise. It turns out to be a wonderful event. I love that music is part of this story and the wagon full of musicians cracks me up. They sit there the whole time and don’t get out to help move the wagon. I love the fancy clothes everyone is wearing. The whole story works beautifully.
Both kids loved this story. The nephew gave this 5 stars and the niece gave it 4 stars. I wait for the book that both kids think is worthy of 5 stars.
October 22, 2015
Classic morality tale about the pampered elite, incapable of helping themselves and instead demanding more and more from the masses.
December 3, 2012
"Berlioz the Bear" is a cute fantasy about a group of violin-playing bears who have a problem as they are traveling to play at a gala ball. This story has a creative plot that would engage young readers. This book features unique illustrations to add to the story. This book is great for learning about helping others and teamwork. I definitely recommend this book for young children!
January 15, 2024
If you’re wondering “Shalee, why are you reading a children’s book and counting it towards your GoodReads goal?” well, I’ll tell you. When I was in elementary school, I checked this book out from the library. Then I lost it. The book haunted me for approximately 22 years until I ran across it while shelving books at work today. Obviously I had to read it. 😂 The illustrations in this book are GORGEOUS!!! I think little kids will love how silly this one ends up. 🐝
April 20, 2025
Another Jan Brett tale that has hints and clues to the part of the story on each page. These hints are pictured on tiny little circles inside the frame of each page.
June 22, 2025
This book glosses over issues of inequality in the animal community. Why doesn’t anyone offer kind support to the mule instead of just trying to tug on him? Why is the mule naked while everyone else has clothes on? Why can’t the bears get out and walk what seems to be 20 ft to the town square?
I’d give it a 2 but the illustrations are quite elaborate so I’m bumping it up.
I’d give it a 2 but the illustrations are quite elaborate so I’m bumping it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2014
New York, Scholastic, 1991
I love Jan Brett and have been wanting to read this picture book. I've a collection of her work; I love her colorful, detailed illustrations and Scandanavian flair to her artwork. This story follows true to her form with the detailed foreshadowing story in the margins with each page.
It's a delightful story of a musical bear on the way to a concert with his orchestra. Berlioz is worried because his bass has a buzzing sound in it. The mule pulling the wagon stops and won't move, stubborn as mules can be. Many other animals come by to try and help but what finally works in the end is the mule getting stung by the bee that is in Berlioz's bass! The illustrations are bright and cheerful. The animlas have cute, funny character faces.
I would use this in the classroom as a compare/contrast author study book for improving comprehension skills. I would compare it to another Brett book (The Mitten or The Hat) since there are animals that enter during the story to help solve the problem.
I love Jan Brett and have been wanting to read this picture book. I've a collection of her work; I love her colorful, detailed illustrations and Scandanavian flair to her artwork. This story follows true to her form with the detailed foreshadowing story in the margins with each page.
It's a delightful story of a musical bear on the way to a concert with his orchestra. Berlioz is worried because his bass has a buzzing sound in it. The mule pulling the wagon stops and won't move, stubborn as mules can be. Many other animals come by to try and help but what finally works in the end is the mule getting stung by the bee that is in Berlioz's bass! The illustrations are bright and cheerful. The animlas have cute, funny character faces.
I would use this in the classroom as a compare/contrast author study book for improving comprehension skills. I would compare it to another Brett book (The Mitten or The Hat) since there are animals that enter during the story to help solve the problem.
July 5, 2017
Another charming Jan Brett book that is truly directed for the younger crowd as a possible solution gave itself to me that wasn't thought of by the bears. For children who may not also think of this solution it can be a cute book on how helping others or even attempting to help others can be beneficial to those we help as well as the fact to take opportunity to use your time wisely even when things may not go right.
As with any Jan Brett book, though, the illustrations are a story within a story. At the same time that you are reading about Berlioz and his problems with the mule-drawn wagon of musicians you are given a three-times view of arriving animals with one the animals entering town on the sides and the topmost picture being the town itself with its own activity as they prepare for the musicians to arrive.
All in all it is a charming book and if you want to try to make it more interactive then you can see if you can find a copy of the last song for your child to listen to as you finish it up.
As with any Jan Brett book, though, the illustrations are a story within a story. At the same time that you are reading about Berlioz and his problems with the mule-drawn wagon of musicians you are given a three-times view of arriving animals with one the animals entering town on the sides and the topmost picture being the town itself with its own activity as they prepare for the musicians to arrive.
All in all it is a charming book and if you want to try to make it more interactive then you can see if you can find a copy of the last song for your child to listen to as you finish it up.
January 24, 2020
A surprising end will make this a fun read for your kids!
Ages: 4 - 7
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
Ages: 4 - 7
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
January 7, 2014
It is a wondrous journey to soak in the magnificent talent of an artist who loves nature, children, and animals. Luckily, I've only begun to read some of the many and eagerly look forward to reading more!
This particular book held my interest and I read it three times. The illustrations are beautiful beyond words.
When Berlioz the bear decides to take his wandering wagon of musical bears, he aims to win awards. Along the way, the cart is stuck in a rut. Various animals attempt to help to no avail.
Earlier, Berlioz was concerned with a buzz, buzz, buzzing sound from his bass. Much to his dismay, the buzzing sound was a bee who escapes to sting the mule who then runs and pulls the cart of of the rut. Now, Berlioz can take his vagabond travelers to the competition in time.
This particular book held my interest and I read it three times. The illustrations are beautiful beyond words.
When Berlioz the bear decides to take his wandering wagon of musical bears, he aims to win awards. Along the way, the cart is stuck in a rut. Various animals attempt to help to no avail.
Earlier, Berlioz was concerned with a buzz, buzz, buzzing sound from his bass. Much to his dismay, the buzzing sound was a bee who escapes to sting the mule who then runs and pulls the cart of of the rut. Now, Berlioz can take his vagabond travelers to the competition in time.
April 11, 2018
Great title and music-themed story which is why I bought it.
Like all of Jan Brett's books, this is beautifully illustrated, actually amazingly gorgeously illustrated with a story that leaves just a little something to be desired. It was fine, but not quite funny enough or lyrical or imaginative enough to be memorable.
Also, why the Hell didn't they just get off their Lazy Bear-Asses and get OUT of the cart? The cart would have been MUCH lighter and easier to get out of the rut, PLUS they all could have helped lift and push while the ungulates pulled. They would have been on their way in 10 minutes instead of sitting there like big dumb Ursine Bumps on Logs. But then there would be no plot. OH.
Like all of Jan Brett's books, this is beautifully illustrated, actually amazingly gorgeously illustrated with a story that leaves just a little something to be desired. It was fine, but not quite funny enough or lyrical or imaginative enough to be memorable.
Also, why the Hell didn't they just get off their Lazy Bear-Asses and get OUT of the cart? The cart would have been MUCH lighter and easier to get out of the rut, PLUS they all could have helped lift and push while the ungulates pulled. They would have been on their way in 10 minutes instead of sitting there like big dumb Ursine Bumps on Logs. But then there would be no plot. OH.
April 13, 2018
Berlioz and his bear band are about to play at a very important gala ball but too many things go wrong! Berlioz’s double bass keeps making a terrible buzzing sound, the wagon gets stuck in the road, and many animals, including an ox can’t help them, and time is running out. Everyone is ready to dance at the ball, but where is the band? This is a fun book that incorporates many different animals. The illustrations are awesome as usual. They don’t really foreshadow anything in this book like she tends to do in others. The main problem I had with it was the practicality, but then again, there wouldn’t be a story line if the bears were actually smart about solving their problem. Maybe that would be a good classroom discussion if my class was older.
April 7, 2011
This book is about Berlioz the bear who is trying to get to the ball with his musician friends when their cart gets stuck in the road and their mule refuses to pull. I thought this book could be clever to read with younger children and have them point out the increase in animal size as the different animals try to help the cart: from rooster to an ox. And, all it takes for them to move is a tiny bee! There is some irony in the story which I think can be found with students, and the end shows how everything works out like it's supposed to: the musicians are dressed and ready to play when they arrive because they were scared of losing time whilst stuck, etc.
October 16, 2016
This book could be read to younger students during a read aloud time or students could read it on their own. The lesson in this book was that a bear was going to play in the orchestra and his instrument was making a funny sound. He was worried what people would think of him, but they could not get to the concert because their mule would not walk. Out of his instrument flew a bee that stung the mule and got him to go so they made it to the concert on time. This would be a great lesson to tell students that there can always be good that comes out of a situation and even if you are worried about what other people will think, you can save the day.
June 26, 2011
You just can't go wrong with Jan Brett. Every children's book she writes and illustrates is an instant classic that every children's library should have. L loved this book and how the main character is a part of an orchestra. It provides an easy way to talk to children about the influence for the bear's name; the composer, Berlioz.
Read my full review at Examiner.com where I write about children's fiction.
http://www.examiner.com/fiction-in-sa...
Read my full review at Examiner.com where I write about children's fiction.
http://www.examiner.com/fiction-in-sa...
April 10, 2015
I adore Jan Brett's illustrations, so getting me to pick up one of her books to read by myself or to my children is not a hard task at all. She is detailed but still so appealing to small children. The story was entertaining with a wise but unspoken moral as well, which is a huge plus for me in picture books.
This is a tale of a problem that the brings on a bigger problem and how friends attempt to help solve it with brawn. But sometimes small things make a big difference.
My eight-year-old cried out that she would do the same thing as the mule - and she didn't mean his stubbornness.
This is a tale of a problem that the brings on a bigger problem and how friends attempt to help solve it with brawn. But sometimes small things make a big difference.
My eight-year-old cried out that she would do the same thing as the mule - and she didn't mean his stubbornness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2016
Picture Book #5
This book is about a bear named Berlioz and other musicians who are on their way to play at a dance. Berlioz heard a buzzing noise coming from his instrument, but he thought that something was wrong with it. On the way to the gig, the mule stopped in a whole. Many animals from a chicken to a ox tried to get them out, but none were successful. It wasn't until Berlioz started to play his double bass that a bee flew out and stung the mule in the butt. This made the mule move and the band made it to the gig just in time.
This book is about a bear named Berlioz and other musicians who are on their way to play at a dance. Berlioz heard a buzzing noise coming from his instrument, but he thought that something was wrong with it. On the way to the gig, the mule stopped in a whole. Many animals from a chicken to a ox tried to get them out, but none were successful. It wasn't until Berlioz started to play his double bass that a bee flew out and stung the mule in the butt. This made the mule move and the band made it to the gig just in time.
September 21, 2016
I loved Jan Brett's work!
First off, her illustrations are always flawless and I enjoy the pictures just as much as the words.
Secondly, this is another book that could have a great lesson taught from it. You can use the problem solving to implement things like 'sometimes the biggest isn't always the best', or that 'the biggest heroes are the ones who are the least expected'. I think those could be both great lessons for kids to think about and understand while they are growing up, getting through school, etc.
Yay for Jan Brett books!
First off, her illustrations are always flawless and I enjoy the pictures just as much as the words.
Secondly, this is another book that could have a great lesson taught from it. You can use the problem solving to implement things like 'sometimes the biggest isn't always the best', or that 'the biggest heroes are the ones who are the least expected'. I think those could be both great lessons for kids to think about and understand while they are growing up, getting through school, etc.
Yay for Jan Brett books!
May 16, 2008
A stubborn old mule stops midway to the gala and the band will be late if they don't get him moving again. From small to large animals come to try and help budge that mule, but it's a small, angry bee who stings his behind and gets him going again. I thought it was strange logic when the horse and ox come along and they can't get the mule to move. Just detach the mule and let the other animals do the job instead.
March 5, 2012
Berlioz is practicing for a concert when he realizes there is a buzzing coming from his double bass. He knows he doesn't have time to fix it and gets ready to leave. While riding to the concert the wagon gets broken and the mule can't move. A lot of animals stop by to help the mule move the wagon but nothing works until the buzzing from Berlioz's bass comes out and zaps the mule into action. The wagon gets unstuck and Berlioz is able to perform at the concert with all of his friends.
March 26, 2015
This is another excellently illustrated book from Jan Brett that also has a similar plot to some other books of hers (not saying that's a bad thing). I do like that this book (as well as several of her books) can be an excellent way to help kids predict what happens next in the text, as well as predict what is making the sound in Berlioz's bass instrument; for this reason, I do see myself purchasing this book for my future classroom.
March 28, 2015
More Jan Brett!
In this story a group of musical bears are traveling to a ball to perform but their wagon gets stuck in a hole and their mule won't move. One by one, different animals come by to help (I most enjoyed voicing the ox, haha) but the mule still won't budge.
My son found this story quite comical, especially when I pinched his booty at the same time the angry bee stung the mule. I'm sure we'll be reading this one a few more times before it goes back to the library.
In this story a group of musical bears are traveling to a ball to perform but their wagon gets stuck in a hole and their mule won't move. One by one, different animals come by to help (I most enjoyed voicing the ox, haha) but the mule still won't budge.
My son found this story quite comical, especially when I pinched his booty at the same time the angry bee stung the mule. I'm sure we'll be reading this one a few more times before it goes back to the library.
April 2, 2015
Young readers will enjoy this book for its detailed illustrations that go perfectly with the story. Each page also includes artwork around the borders, featuring preparations for the big gala at the village square, that catches the reader's attention. The story itself casts an interesting set of animal characters such as a band of bears and ones who see themselves as the quickest, smartest, and strongest. I look forward to exploring more from this author in the future.
May 31, 2015
I don't think that I ever read this book when I was a kid, but it's officially one of my favourite of Jan Brett's now! As always, the artwork is truely amazing - this time with the dual story line of Berlioz's orchestra troupe in the main panel and the villagers setting up for the ball as the borders. What really sold me though was that her inspiration was "the Flight of the Bumblebees" and that ends up being one of the songs that Berlioz plays with the orchestra! Absolutely charming.
January 25, 2018
A bear is on the way to a show with his group but realizes there's something wrong with his instrument, it keeps buzzing. Then suddenly the wagon they're on breaks down. They get other animals to help pull the wagon but it doesn't help. Suddenly a bee comes out of Berliozs instrument and stings their horse and the horse freaks out and runs full speed. This helps the bear reach their destination in time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2018
Berlioz plays the double bass in a band. He is concerned that there is a buzz coming from his instrument. Nonetheless, they all get in the bandwagon to head for their ball. But the wagon wheel gets stuck in a hole. Several animals come along to try to pull the cart out, but it is a bumble bee that gets the mule going. It happens to be the same bee that has been making the buzz in Berlioz’s bass.
As always, beautiful illustrations.
As always, beautiful illustrations.
July 29, 2018
As always with the Brett books, the illustrations are gorgeous and the side panels and borders add so much to the story. This is a story of challenges getting in the way, getting help from others, getting help from unexpected places, and not being nervous or worried.
November 8, 2015
The illustrations are beautiful. The story? Pretty mundane.
February 1, 2017
No surprises here. It's just what I have come to expect from Jan Brett. The story is nice, but the illustrations are beyond reproach. Busy, detailed, beautiful.
January 10, 2018
another wonderful book by Jan Brett. I especially Pike the story in the pictures in this one. I like the the build up and the humor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews