We're Going on a Present Hunt

A trio--depicted with varied skin tones and clad in cheery winter hats--head out on a "present hunt" in the creators' Christmastime rendition of "We're Going on a Bear Hunt." Opening with the titular declaration, Hawk writes, "We're going to find a good one./ What a beautiful night!/ We're not scared." Obstacles begin presenting themselves immediately, and in each instance, the group find their efforts to go over, under, or around consistently thwarted, leaving them to travel "through" Christmas trees ("Rustle rustle!"), reindeer ("Gobble- munch!"), and carolers ("Fa-la-la!"). Arrival at a toy store brings the jolly search to its completion, and the lighthearted return journey concludes with a fitting show of generosity. Chunky snow falls throughout Rozelaar's unlined, festive artwork, which has a contemporary, pop-style feel. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

K-Gr 2--In this reimagining of the folk song "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," three young friends decide to go on a present hunt to find a good Christmas gift for someone very special to them. They are all bundled up and set out on a beautiful night to hunt for this gift. As they hunt, they see spiky Christmas trees. They can't go over them. They can't go under them. They can't go around them. They've got to go through them. The three friends get through the trees but face additional encounters during their hunt. Can they find the present that they are hunting for and give it to that special someone by Christmas? Hawk uses repetitive rhyme, a proven technique to build reading skills for emerging readers, in this delightful and wonderfully illustrated book. Readers can listen to an audio recording of the book by scanning a QR code. The audio reading uses children's voices, complete with sound effects and original music. VERDICT Highly recommended. Young children will enjoy reading and listening to this book.--Laura Ellis