Big Bear is Coming!
Anuska Allepuz
Walker Books

In the heart of the forest lives a family of four bear cubs and at sunset, their senses alert, they hear ‘shuffle-shuffling, scratch-scratching, stamp-stomping’ and a low sounding “GRRRRRR!” Surely that signifies Big Bear is coming. Down to the river to hide scramble the cubs and jump, jump across the stones, thinking they are safe. Wait though; they smell ‘fishy breath, a very stinky bottom and the strong stench of wet. soggy fur’. That must certainly mean BIG BEAR is coming!

Up the rocks they scamper and then down the hill they roll. Now there’s no sound of Big Bear and no smell of Big Bear but just to be on the safe side, so they can spy Big Bear’s lumbering approach, they climb up to the top of a tree. There they spy a scary creature with large staring eyes, a sharp beak and they hear “TWIT-TWOO!” It must be a monster, but what? Down jump the cubs, down, down to where something big and soft cushions their landing and helps save the day.

Part of the fun for young listeners is that to begin with Big Bear is a shadowy being but little by little as the tale progresses he becomes visible. Perhaps the observant among them will guess the true identity of Big Bear.

Anuska Allepuza’s green, purple and blue hues really bring the forest to life and little humans will love joining in and shouting the repeat refrain. This tale is great fun, full of suspense and contains a gentle life lesson: use all your senses when trying to interpret what is going on around you. I envisage repeat reading being demanded by young audiences.