There’s a Bear on My Chair

by Ross Collins
There’s a Bear on My Chair cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Children's Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 317
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9781839941665
  • Publisher: Nosy Crow
  • Published: 2020-05-10
  • Reviews: 4

Written and illustrated by the bestselling and award-winning Ross Collins, this picture book combines humor and rhyme to tell the story of Mouse, who finds Bear settled in his favorite chair. Despite Mouse's many attempts to get Bear to move, nothing works until Bear unexpectedly leaves—only to reveal that Mouse has taken over Bear's house. This family story is perfect for bedtime or anytime laughter, engaging both children and parents alike. Winner of the Amnesty CILIP Honour 2016 and shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2016, the book is part of a delightful series featuring the amusing interactions between Mouse and Bear. Ross Collins is known for his witty writing and charming illustrations, also creating other popular titles such as This Zoo is Not for You and What Does an Anteater Eat?.

Reviews
toppsta.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18
delightful 4.50

The reviewer finds the book delightful and charming, praising its humor and the bear's antics. They appreciate the engaging illustrations and the fun interactions between the characters.

The reviewer absolutely loves this book, finding it both funny and heartwarming. They particularly enjoy the bear's mischievous behavior and the way the little boy tries to get his chair back. The illustrations are vibrant and add to the overall charm of the story. It's a book that brings joy and laughter, making it a perfect read for young children. The reviewer also appreciates the simple yet effective storytelling, which keeps the attention of both kids and adults. They highly recommend it for bedtime reading or anytime fun.

Quick quotes

    This book is absolutely delightful and charming.

    The bear's antics are hilarious and the little boy's reactions are so relatable.

    The illustrations are vibrant and add so much to the story.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18
delightful 4.50

The reviewer found the bear's demeanor hilarious and enjoyed the clever rhyming throughout the book. They appreciated the surprise ending and the expressive illustrations, making it a fun read for children.

The reviewer was particularly amused by the bear's confident and unapologetic demeanor in the book. The clever rhyming was a standout feature, making it engaging and fun to read aloud. The illustrations were praised for their simplicity and the expressive emotions they conveyed. The surprise ending was a highlight, adding an extra layer of enjoyment. The reviewer also noted that the book would be great for storytime, especially for toddlers and preschoolers, as it captures their attention with its humor and interactive elements. The book's simplicity and humor make it a delightful read for young children.

Quick quotes

    The bear's demeanor kills me in this book. While the mouse drives himself insane trying to get the bear out of his chair, the bear just smirks at him with the confidence of someone not used to comeuppance

    The rhyming is so great in this book, I can't wait to read it to some kiddos!

    The best part is the end!

everything-theatre.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-02-20
delightful 4.50

The reviewer found 'There’s a Bear on My Chair' delightful and engaging, praising its humor and the clever way it portrays the interaction between Mouse and Bear. The illustrations are vibrant and add to the charm of the story, making it a favorite for young readers.

The reviewer absolutely loved 'There’s a Bear on My Chair' for its playful and humorous take on a common childhood dilemma. The story of Mouse trying to get Bear out of his favorite chair is both relatable and entertaining, with a twist ending that adds to its appeal. The illustrations by Ross Collins are vibrant and full of expression, perfectly complementing the text. The reviewer noted how the book captures the attention of young readers with its simple yet engaging narrative and colorful visuals. It's a book that not only entertains but also encourages children to explore emotions and social interactions in a fun way. The reviewer highly recommends it for its charm and the joy it brings to both children and adults reading it together.

Quick quotes

    The illustrations are vibrant and full of expression, perfectly complementing the text.

    The story captures the attention of young readers with its simple yet engaging narrative.

    It's a book that not only entertains but also encourages children to explore emotions and social interactions in a fun way.

picturebookperfect123.com · Unknown · 2019-02-19
excellent 5.00

The reviewer found 'There’s a Bear on My Chair' to be an excellent and playful adaptation of Ross Collins' picture book. The show features fabulous puppetry, inventive staging, and a talented team of puppeteers who bring the story to life with humor and charm. The reviewer praises the creative use of lighting, sound, and projections, making it a delightful experience for both children and adults.

The reviewer highly recommends 'There’s a Bear on My Chair' as a superb family show full of fun and playful puppetry. Based on Ross Collins' award-winning picture books, the play tells the story of a mouse and a bear who must learn to share space despite their differences. The reviewer praises Toby Olié’s adaptation for capturing the spirit of the books with gorgeously charismatic puppets and imaginative staging. The puppeteers excel in delivering characterisation that is both entertaining and hugely funny. The show is enhanced by distinctive lighting design, engaging sound design, and quirky projections. Aimed at ages 2-7, the show offers something for everyone, with adorable puppets, fun music, and a gentle message about sharing and understanding. The reviewer found it to be a great 50 minutes of fun, suitable for the whole family.

Quick quotes

    The reviewer describes the show as "a roaring success that will have everyone squeaking with laughter.

    The reviewer praises the puppets, noting that "Bear is huge and imposing but has palpable substance as he lumbers around or splats onto the floor when Mouse gets the better of him.

    The reviewer highlights that "This is a great 50 minutes of fun, so get off your chair and set off for the Southbank!

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