Where were you when you read the book?
In his bedroom. We’d been playing with some toys near his little chair and I asked if he wanted to hear a story about a chair… with a furry creature in it!
What did you / your child enjoy about the book?
It reminds me a bit of Green Eggs and Ham – where the ridiculousness builds and builds. The artwork is wonderful and you can sense the frustration of the main character as his annoyance at his situation grows.
Dylan likes the rhyming and evocative images. He wanted it again and the second time through Dylan kept laughing and pointing at the Bear saying ‘naughty bear, there’s no room!’.
He was much more involved once knew what was happening and we started playing a guessing game as to what was on the next page. We focused on the highlighted words in a sort of Beastie Boys-esque rap-battle: ‘There’s a bear SITTING ON MY CHAIR’
Cue fits of giggles.
It ended up becoming a much more active reading session than I anticipated as he sat on his chair and I read to him as if I were the mouse which he absolutely adored.
Any Surprises / Feedback?
It was good fun guessing what the next rhymes were going to be – and the ending was a nice plot twist. Dylan’s favourite character was the bear, rather than the mouse. I think he enjoyed the cheekiness and nonchalance of him as the mouse becomes more exasperated. Probably reminded him of me and his Mum when he’s being cheeky!
I think I’m becoming a better story-teller with the level of interactivity that books like this can bring.
On a rating out of 5, how likely would you recommend it to other parents?
4. Good fun, more aimed towards the 2 turning 3 crowd I’d say.