We're Going on a Goon Hunt

by Michael Rex

This hilarious companion to the New York Times #1 bestseller, Goodnight Goon , is a ghoulish parody of We're Going on a Bear Hunt .

We're going on a goon hunt.
We're going to catch a green one.
What a spooky night! We're not scared.

A goon hunt is no easy task. A twisted tangled pumpkin patch, murky bubbling swamp, and foggy crumbling graveyard are just a few of the obstacles these kids will have to go through, skulking monsters included. And when the Goon finally makes an appearance—under the covers they go! Except one brave child who finds monsters more fun than scary.

The beloved classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt gets an eerie twist in this goon-infused parody that perfectly plays with the rhythm and sound effects of the original. Mike Rex's creepy settings and hilarious text will have kids demanding to giggle and shiver through the story again and again, and now this board book edition is perfect for toddler bedtimes and read alouds.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Holiday, Childrens, Storytime, Monsters, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly as the title indicates, a "petrifying parody" of the original book Going on a Bear Hunt where the characters travel to find a sneaky goon (which you can see peaking out at them every other page), but once they find it they end up running back to their home (passing every spot discussed in the book, previously). It would be a cute addition to Halloween reading and well worth doing a comparison to the well-known book it was based on.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Andréa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Jj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummm... just wondering: what happened to the kid in the unicorn costume in the last few pages? I AM BAFFLED.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spooky parody filled with monsters, ghouls, ghosts, swamps, graveyards, that require the hunters to go through them all as they hunt for a goon. The outcome is a thriller!

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book features a variety of monsters depicted in cartoon-horror ways, so as not to scare young readers. Only the youngest family member sees the actual monster trailing the group on each spread, and she is playful with them rather than scared; the endpapers conclude in a monster dance party including the youngster as the only human participant. As with the original, the rhythm of the text will keep readers engaged, as will the pencil-drawn, colorful cartoon illustrations that successfully set the mood. Although best shared at Halloween, this picture book will be great fun for children ages 4-8 at any time of year.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Retelling of We're Going on a Bear Hunt with a Halloween twist, traveling through a creepy tunnel, swamp, graveyard, and more.

This is a cute Halloween story, but falls short of being memorable. The sound effects/motions throughout are not nearly as inviting as the original song (gurgle hiss, flutter skulk, etc.). Also, I get the added humor of having the youngest child not be afraid, both throughout the story and at the very end, but in the process of the family being spooked, they very much leave their toddler behind with the goons and never appear to notice or return for her?

[Jessica DeWitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book rides the coattails of the original, which is a bit of a masterpiece. I would normally shudder at this adaptation, but as is the case with many things when one is a parent, my daughter's delight in the book softened my cynicism and general Halloween-bah-humbuggery. She loves searching for the goon on each page, and I must admit a strong affinity for the wee one who is not scared, but rather thrilled to meet the various monsters along the way. If one must dabble in Halloween children's lit, this one's decent.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dare you to read this without singing along to the melody of "We're Going On A Bear Hunt"! What a fun new interpretation of this classic story/song! Follow this family as they try to catch a green one! Have to go through the pumpkin patch, bubbling swamp, dingy dusty tunnel, a shadowy knotted forest, foggy crumbling graveyard, and creaky crooked haunted house to find the goon! Go on the hunt on each page for the green eyed goon!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that the original, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, is considered such a classic that it's ready to be parodied. This is pretty faithful, and lots of fun (pay attention to the youngest child), until the end. I don't get it. Rounding down from 3.5.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

A parody of the classic children's book, "We're Going on a Bear Hunt."

I'm sure children who love Halloween will find this fun, but after loving the classic story as a child, I just couldn't help but see this book as a cheap imitation.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another parody of going on a bear hunt but this time Halloween themed. It was fun but I thought the illustrations of the monsters in the book were a little frightening for the preschool/kindergarten age group it is intended for. I wouldn't use this in a story time for young children.

[Phoebe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know this is supposed to be a parody of something else, but if you haven't read the book it's parodying (I haven't) it just reads as a really racist book (a bunch of white people go hunting a person because their skin is a specific color). Also, they lost the baby at the end.

[Naomi Gruer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this fun, read-aloud book to my friend's 4 yo son. The family loves Halloween so this will be a wonderful birthday present. I have a feeling his older sisters will love reading it to him. They'll all enjoy the progression of the fear factor and the engaging illustrations.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one my students loved! I picked it since we were on letter G and it’s October so it’s spooky time! I got them to interact with the book saying along with me “we can’t go over it….” We me and doing some little hand movements. I’ll make sure to read this every year with the students!

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Perfect Halloween book!

[Amber Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and perfect book for celebrating all things fall and halloween!

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might work for preschool or older children for Halloween. Illustrations were a little scary for younger crowds. A hilarious parody of "We're Going on a Bear Hunt."

[Su]

Fun children's book

[jstrable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute take on Going on a Bear Hunt for Halloween story time

[Big · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story definitely for older children.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of monsters and creepy creatures in this Halloween read-aloud. Plenty of sounds and actions for audience participation!

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun Halloween play off the classic Bear Hunt story. Great rhythm.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esme approved.

[Syntha Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute monsterous version of I'm going on a bear hunt

[Cathy Stefanec Ogren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids will enjoy this delightfully scary parody of WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun!

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

More interesting than the typical bear hunt story, but some of the pictures are a little scary.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goons Beware!

[ms. hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and the kiddos could read along too

[Jenna Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever parody with Halloween twist and my son enjoyed it