In the Jingle, jangle jungle, four friends encounter a very cranky bear. Moose, Lion and Zebra all think they know how to cheer him up, but it's plain, boring Sheep who has the answer. This is a hilarious picture book, with the over-riding message being: Don't underestimate the quiet ones! Sometime a little thought is all you need to solve a problem instead of rushing to immediate action.
About the Author
Nick Bland's first picture book was published in 2001 and he is one of the key sellers on Scholastic's picture book list. He lives in Darwin and works full time as an author/illustrator. At weekends he works as a guardian for 120 aboriginal boys from around Northern Australia.
Reviews
Just 24 (full-sized) pages long but with big, bold illustrations, this book has an arresting cover image of the bear staring grumpily straight into the viewer's eyes. Bland, illustrator of Aussie Jingle Bells, patterns this story like a folk tale, with a cast of four friends who are playing in a cave on a rainy day. Each of the four assorted animals has some interesting characteristic, except for Sheep who is 'plain'. So it can be predicted that Sheep will save the day. The animals are presented in an art style reminiscent of cheerful wooden-and-plastic toys. This style, and the fact that their play is with a deck of cards, will appeal to some adult buyers. The doggerel verse romps along to a pleasant conclusion. The bear emerges frighteningly from the cave (shades of Rosen/ Oxenbury's We're Going on a Bear Hunt) and is not placated with the gifts of antlers, stripes and mane, but really appreciates what Sheep offers to help him get to sleep. Not a subtle book, but the energy and scale will entertain some three to six-year-olds, and the price point is certainly attractive. Robin Morrow was a specialist bookseller and now teaches and reviews children's literature
A wonderfully silly book. Recommended. -- Bookbag 20091001 A lovely rhyming book that's fun to read aloud. -- Bournemouth Daily Echo 20091211 Uproarious illustrations and hilarious rhyming text. -- Child Education 20100101
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Reviews
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This is my two year old son's favourite book at the moment and so we have to read it over and over. The first time that I read the book, I burst out laughing when I saw what the animals had done to the bear. It is an enjoyable read and has a lovely message too.
My sons loved and still love this book and one of them is 10 years old. It is a fun, lyrical story which the children know off by heart now, and still get great pleasure in 'roar'ing with the grumpy bear.
This is a cute little story about a bear who cannot sleep and is therefore cranky at the other animals. The other animals try some funny remedies to cheer the bear up. The humour is suited to 4 or 5 year olds and it has a sweet warm ending.
I couldn't agree more with the people who have already reviewed this book. Nick Bland has many awesome books out there and I recommend all of them - 'A Monster Wrote me a Letter' is another favourite of ours, my boys have loved them from 2 yo to 12 yo. Highly Recommend Nick Bland - I find his books make awesome gifts.
Fabulous book. My 2 yo and 3 yo love this book and it's a truly enjoyable read. Lovely rythme and a beautiful story about the "plain" sheep who has a heart of gold. I now have all 3 "bear" books by Nick Bland but this one is still my favourite.
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