Searching for Stuffies Activity and “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” Book Review

by Ashley Beecher

I received We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen, at my baby shower before my oldest child was born. It’s based on a folk song and tells the story of a family that goes on an adventure through various terrains and weathers to find a bear. Then they find it and run home. There’s so much to love in this book, from the charming illustrations by Helen Oxbury to the intensity of the chase at the end.

My kids love this book as much as I do. The illustrations switch from color to black and white with each page and the onomatopoeia (words that sound like what you say, for example: boom, thump) always makes them laugh. Older kids can practice their reading skills by reading this book to younger siblings or new parents can enjoy reading this book to their smallest babies.

As a mother, I appreciate how the book incorporates repetition (which is good for new readers) without becoming incredibly boring. I also love how easy it is to get into: my kids and I laugh at the funny sounds, we make eye contact at the tense part for anticipation, and sometimes they even chant along with the words.

To buy this book on Amazon, click here.

Go on your own adventure to find your favorite stuffed bears. Color each one on a scavenger hunt checklist and then go searching for them all. Talk about what kind of terrains you encounter: hard floors or soft floors? Beds or couches or desks? Or use your imagination to pretend you’re in a forest, climbing a mountain, or swimming in the ocean. Talk about whatever you might see in such a place. What sounds do you hear as you explore?

Supplies:

Searching for Stuffies Printout (see button below), crayons or other coloring utensils, six stuffed bears (or as many as you own), For Older Children: six stuffed animals of any kind

Directions:

1. Color the bears on the printout to match the stuffed bears that you have.
2. Have an adult or older sibling hide your bears around your house.
3. Adventure around your house and find all your bears, checking off each one on the printout.

Different Variations:

• For Older Children: Use the blank version of the printout to pick your own stuffed animals and draw each one. You can use all one kind of a different animal or many different animals. Then write each stuffie’s name on the blank above the picture.