The Bear Out There

by Jess Hannigan, Jess Hannigan (Illustrator)

Overview

DON’T SCREAM! There’s something scary out in the forest, but you’re in good hands in this story by Jess Hannigan, author of the wryly silly Spider in the Well. Just make sure you keep a cool head, and watch out for any intruders…

The signs are clear—there’s a BEAR OUT THERE!

You’re lucky to be safe in this cabin in the woods, with a host who is levelheaded, trustworthy, and smart about bear safety.

There’s certainly no need to worry about any dark shadows or sneaky schemes in this book…RIGHT?

Jess Hannigan is back with another bold and brazen tale that’s not too silly, not too scary, but just right.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063289482
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/29/2025
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jess Hannigan is an illustrator and author living in Hamilton, Ontario. Her debut picture book was Spider in the Well, and The Bear Out There is her second. She has also illustrated for the New York Times, Readers Digest Canada, the Washington Post, and more. She is a lover of bold graphic art and silly, pointless nonsense.

Jess Hannigan is an illustrator and author living in Hamilton, Ontario. Her debut picture book was Spider in the Well, and The Bear Out There is her second. She has also illustrated for the New York Times, Readers Digest Canada, the Washington Post, and more. She is a lover of bold graphic art and silly, pointless nonsense.

Editorial Reviews

“An enjoyable surprise of an antihero tale that delivers snark, readerly snorts, and the delicious reassurance of that something that initially seems frightening turns out not to be scary at all.”  - Publishers Weekly
"Part “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” part The Monster at the End of This Book. Feisty fractured fairy tale fun." - Kirkus Reviews
"Kids will be drawn in by the friendly, colorful imagery and hooked by the cleverly played rising tension and the sly progression of the unreliable narrator and her tale. Hannigan proves again to be a delightful new voice in the picture-book space with this must of a storytime selection." - Booklist (starred review)
"A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"The fast-moving narrative is quirky and unpredictable, bouncing between topics and emotions with the speed of an active youngster. Vibrant and punchy, the candy-colored illustrations are visually interesting and playful. A funny, well-crafted, and self-aware commentary on traditional fairy-tale tropes." - Horn Book Magazine

From the Publisher