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A Bear and His Boy
“A gleefully ludicrous book.”— Child
Make your kids laugh out loud over and over again with this warm, funny story!
When a bear named Mack wakes up with a boy on his back, we know instantly that we’re back in the droll and sweetly wacky world created by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy in their first two highly successful picture books about a bunny-wearing boy and his sister Claire, who wakes up with a gator on her hair.
Like A Boy and His Bunny and A Girl and Her Gator , this new picture book will entertain young children and their parents, and put smiles on the faces of their grandparents too.
Make your kids laugh out loud over and over again with this warm, funny story!
When a bear named Mack wakes up with a boy on his back, we know instantly that we’re back in the droll and sweetly wacky world created by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy in their first two highly successful picture books about a bunny-wearing boy and his sister Claire, who wakes up with a gator on her hair.
Like A Boy and His Bunny and A Girl and Her Gator , this new picture book will entertain young children and their parents, and put smiles on the faces of their grandparents too.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 16, 2021
This was funny and so cute.
March 2, 2018
By now I think we've established that I am quite fond of Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy's unique brand of picture books. And, yes, they are all similar. But I'm still going to review A Bear and His Boy (2007) because I'm thorough that way.
Unlike the first two books in this series, this one is unsurprisingly about a bear who wakes up with a child attached to his head instead of the other way around. Unfortunately for Zach (the Boy), the Bear (Mack) has no time for such frivolity as he immediately tells Zach:
"I've got no time to slack. I'm looking at my schedule, and it is jam-packed."
Being stuck to Mack's back, Zach has little choice but accompanying Mack on his myriad errands as he buys slacks, and accepts a plaque, among other things. The more he sees Mack running around, the more Zach knows he has to speak up. Finally, at the end of the book, Zach reminds the bear that there is more to life than errands and schedules. Sometimes you just need to take a moment to relax. No matter how busy you are. No matter who is attached to whom.
Like the previous installments in this series, the entire novel is written in rhyme which creates a lot of fun combinations throughout the story (flapjacks and slacks are my two favorites). Once again this story is just different enough to keep the premise fresh and unique.
The story again ends with a reference to a new character, this time Mack's friend: A giraffe named Ned with a girl on his head which, I can only hope, means this dynamic duo will have a new installment out soon.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
Unlike the first two books in this series, this one is unsurprisingly about a bear who wakes up with a child attached to his head instead of the other way around. Unfortunately for Zach (the Boy), the Bear (Mack) has no time for such frivolity as he immediately tells Zach:
"I've got no time to slack. I'm looking at my schedule, and it is jam-packed."
Being stuck to Mack's back, Zach has little choice but accompanying Mack on his myriad errands as he buys slacks, and accepts a plaque, among other things. The more he sees Mack running around, the more Zach knows he has to speak up. Finally, at the end of the book, Zach reminds the bear that there is more to life than errands and schedules. Sometimes you just need to take a moment to relax. No matter how busy you are. No matter who is attached to whom.
Like the previous installments in this series, the entire novel is written in rhyme which creates a lot of fun combinations throughout the story (flapjacks and slacks are my two favorites). Once again this story is just different enough to keep the premise fresh and unique.
The story again ends with a reference to a new character, this time Mack's friend: A giraffe named Ned with a girl on his head which, I can only hope, means this dynamic duo will have a new installment out soon.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
November 29, 2017
Ha ha! I had a great laugh with this book--especially at the end. The rhyme scheme kept the book moving. Some little inside jokes that the very young might not get, yet the book is definitely intended for the toddler/PreK audience. Cute read though. With a good moral, too, if you want to see it.
7/28/10 I knew this book looked familiar when I checked it out. After the bunny and the gator, well, I had to check and yes! There was a third in this "series." It's even more hilarious now that I've read the first two. And it's a perfect lead-in for a fourth....
8/3/10 & 8/5/10 This went well. I'm not sure if the kids connected it to the bunny book, since that was a few weeks ago. But they liked it, especially the ending. And now I'm in the local paper with a picture of me reading this book.
7/15/15 Used in Bears theme. They enjoyed the concept to this one, but I think some of the vocab kept them off. I explained what it was as we went. They understood my explanations, but I guess it disrupted the flow. Still enjoyable.
11/29/17 Used in Friends theme. Smiles from the adults. Explanations went well and didn't disrupt flow too much.
7/28/10 I knew this book looked familiar when I checked it out. After the bunny and the gator, well, I had to check and yes! There was a third in this "series." It's even more hilarious now that I've read the first two. And it's a perfect lead-in for a fourth....
8/3/10 & 8/5/10 This went well. I'm not sure if the kids connected it to the bunny book, since that was a few weeks ago. But they liked it, especially the ending. And now I'm in the local paper with a picture of me reading this book.
7/15/15 Used in Bears theme. They enjoyed the concept to this one, but I think some of the vocab kept them off. I explained what it was as we went. They understood my explanations, but I guess it disrupted the flow. Still enjoyable.
11/29/17 Used in Friends theme. Smiles from the adults. Explanations went well and didn't disrupt flow too much.
January 17, 2018
If you think this book about Mack on a bear's back does lack something, you're probably whack.
July 18, 2013
Third in a trilogy? Anyways it sort of is the reverse of A Boy and His Bunny where there's a boy on top of a bear. Basically this bear has a lot of things on his to do list (it's left uncomplicated for kids - most of it isn't work, but books and recreation). Anyways at one point the boy shouts something like "hold on a minute! Let's smell some lilacs" (which ARE relaxing). Obviously the purpose is to let kids know that it's okay to take a break from a busy schedule and relax (hmm... even if they have to finish their tasks in one day? I didn't like that the book ended where the Bear is like "Oh! This is relaxing" because that's totally incomplete! I'm exaggerating, but it could give off the message that it's okay to leave a job incomplete. No it isn't!).
October 22, 2022
Loved it!
May 23, 2017
This is a goofy rhyming book in the same vein as A BOY AND HIS BUNNY. A bear awakens to find a boy is sitting on top of his head, making the bear's everyday tasks more difficult.
Veg*n parents note: Among various other outings, the bear (and boy) attend a horse race at the racetrack.
Veg*n parents note: Among various other outings, the bear (and boy) attend a horse race at the racetrack.
November 25, 2018
Murphy's simplistic and lovely illustrations are about the only thing this book has going for it. The forced rhymes and lack of plot are a definite let down.
March 5, 2022
A fun, cute little story that we borrowed from the library. I liked the fun rhyming that was kept up through almost the entire book. Simple, but sweet illustrations.
September 10, 2014
This has to be one of my new favorite picture books. The book starts off with a bear, named Mack, who wakes up with a boy named Zach on his back. They start off on going on all of these adventures throughout the day. There is a very cute ending, but you'll have to find out for yourself what it is. One of the many reasons I like this book is the names of the characters. I can associate with them because my boyfriends name is Mack, and my nephews name is Zach. While this is not an extremely important part of the book, I can relate to it and it makes me happy that I can be reminded of people I know while I am reading it. I loved the cartoon illustrations that go along with the story and I think they really enhance the story and make added details fun to go along with the rest of the story. The bright colors make the story enticing and makes kids want to get involved and read the story.
May 21, 2015
The drawings, text and rhyming is so simple that I almost thought it didn't have a point. But, like many other picture books, I can find where this could really benefit an adult, as well as be a cute story for kids to enjoy.
The self-help aspect: This hit home with me as I was just looking over my crazy to-do list and wondering how I'm going to get everything done. I like how the boy helps the bear out with this problem. I'm the reverse with a bear in my ear (via telephone) telling me to slow down. I don't listen to him all the time, though. To much to do!
Also, would be a cute story to include with a animal-human interaction theme. Maybe pair it with Monsters Eat Whiny Children, Me Want Pet, Children Make Terrible Pets or This Moose Belongs To Me.
The self-help aspect: This hit home with me as I was just looking over my crazy to-do list and wondering how I'm going to get everything done. I like how the boy helps the bear out with this problem. I'm the reverse with a bear in my ear (via telephone) telling me to slow down. I don't listen to him all the time, though. To much to do!
Also, would be a cute story to include with a animal-human interaction theme. Maybe pair it with Monsters Eat Whiny Children, Me Want Pet, Children Make Terrible Pets or This Moose Belongs To Me.
February 9, 2017
Love the rhyming in this action-packed thriller. who knew bears did so much?
December 20, 2013
This story is very similar to both A Boy and His Bunny and A Girl and Her Gator, except that instead of rhyming with the word 'head,' or 'hair,' the sentences rhyme with the word 'back.' It's a short, rhyming story that is fun to read aloud. Our girls thought it was very funny and we enjoyed reading the book together. We are all hoping that a story featuring a giraffe and her girl will be published next.
August 11, 2014
Mack the bear wakes up one morning to find a boy on his back! Our grandchildren giggled at the silliness of the situation. This is a cautionary tale for all families with overloaded schedules. As Mack rushes through a busy, busy day he is reminded by the boy that everyone needs to rest and take time to just enjoy life. The rhyming cadence is pleasant for read-out-loud time. A story to enjoy by both grandparents and grandchildren.
April 14, 2015
I requested this after readying the story of the girl with the alligator on her head. This bear is uptight and has a huge list of things he has to do today. But when he wakes up he discovers he has a boy on his back which changes everything. A lovely read. And a reminder that sometimes if you are too busy being busy you miss out on having fun along the way. And sometimes you just need to pause and sniff the flowers.
April 22, 2009
Cute, but it's not as good as A Girl and Her Gator, let alone the splendid A Boy and His Bunny.
November 30, 2013
This book is not quite as good as A Boy and His Bunny that we checked out from the library at the same time. Actual rating would be 4.5 stars, but I round up.
We read this book before A Boy and His Bunny, and we didn't act this one out. Even so, the text had my very tired little boy laughing, out loud, and often.
Again, the illustrations are a perfect match for the text.
We read this book before A Boy and His Bunny, and we didn't act this one out. Even so, the text had my very tired little boy laughing, out loud, and often.
Again, the illustrations are a perfect match for the text.
July 25, 2014
I have loved all the books in this series that Sean Bryan have done and this is no exception. He is a true wizard of words. I did think the illustrations looked a little lazy and rushed but I guess the other books had the same illustrator, it just detracted a little from the story.
I would use this for story times about bears or rhyming.
I would use this for story times about bears or rhyming.
April 22, 2010
Another brilliant collaboration between Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy, this time telling about an overstressed bear with a boy on his head, which leads into another book about a giraffe with a child on his head.
June 16, 2012
This book is so precious. I love the concept and a bear and his boy, and how busy this bear is! The rhymes make the story fun and it's easy to fly through it. A great book for story time...especially about pets or animals or bears....possibly schedules/routine.
January 21, 2016
A short, but sweet, story of a bear who wakes up with a little boy on his back. The bear is one busy bear and the little boy helps him take time to smell the flowers.
Cute, simple illustrations.
Cute, simple illustrations.
August 9, 2016
Mack the Bear has plenty to do, when he wakes up with a boy named Zach on his back.
Why I started this book: Just arrived at my library and I was eager for more silliness.
Why I finished it: Delightful, with plenty of rhymes for the kids and sly winks for the parents.
Why I started this book: Just arrived at my library and I was eager for more silliness.
Why I finished it: Delightful, with plenty of rhymes for the kids and sly winks for the parents.
May 30, 2007
Just as good as "A Boy and His Bunny"
November 29, 2007
another hit with my nursery school group today. silly but not raucous; just nonsensical enough to get the kids giggling.
July 13, 2008
Funny, rhyming text about a bear named Mack who wakes up to find Zach on his back. Would be a good Read Aloud.
October 23, 2008
Too much rhyming to no end. Love the art, though.
Read
April 9, 2009Book Buddy:
Fiction:
Nonfiction:
Scary Creatures: Bears
Activity/Movement/Song:
Craft:
Fiction:
Nonfiction:
Scary Creatures: Bears
Activity/Movement/Song:
Craft:
May 17, 2009
A great book for teaching rhyme and it's funny.
June 14, 2009
Love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews