"We're Going on a Bear Hunt"

"We're Going on a Bear Hunt,

We're Going to Catch a Big One,

What a Beautiful Day...

We're Not Scared..."

"We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen is one of my favouritest favouritest favouritest (yes, yes grammar teachers, I do know there is no such word as favouritest ;-P ) children's storybooks.

Let me list at least 5 reasons why?
1. The illustrations are beautiful
2. The words and rhythm of the story is catchy and easy for kids to grasp, understand
3. You can make a song out of it (who doesn't like a storybook with an accompanying tune to it right)
4. It is easy to dramatise with your kids
5. There are so many post-reading activities that you can cook up to reinforce the story

I was first introduced to this book when my first one was 1 year old (that makes it an 8 year old book in my library).  Since then I have been reading and re-reading this book to all my kids. 

I was so obsessed with reading the book... Hmmmm... let me see... no it wasn't me who was hooked onto the book.  It was my kids (Yes, Nora shift the blame onto the kids...wink* wink*) who were so obsessed with it.  They've had me read and re-read and re-read and re-read and re-read and re-read.... I can go on forever writing re-read, cos that was how frequent I have been re-reading to them. So I finally decided, that I am going to record my voice reading it.  Not with the intention that I would finally get a breather or a break from reading the book, cos I personally love reading it, but because I wanted my children to be able to listen to my voice and feel the comfort of listening to it when I am no longer around.  For them to look back when I have departed, and find a recording of their mummy's voice lovingly reading to them their favourite book.  For them to relive their childhood when they have grown and become parents of their own.

As you can see, I have said very little about the technicalities of this book, about the words used, its age appropriateness etc... Because this book is more than words to me and my kids.  It is an experience for me and my kids.  And that's why even if it were tattered and torn and worn out, I will mend it and ensure that it remains in my library for many more years to come.

So to end this blog... here's a video of the reading of "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-nTnriTP8

Enjoy!