When we were at the
library this week my little sister, Margo, couldn’t wait to pick out some new
books. We’ve read and enjoyed Mother
Bruce by Ryan.T. Higgins, so I knew as soon as we saw Hotel Bruce it would be our pick.
I had no idea that
Bruce was the star of a picture book series. In his first book, Bruce, a grumpy
bear, accidentally becomes the mother of baby chicks. That’s what happens when a
bear loves eggs and those eggs actually hatch before he can cook them. Let’s
just say that Bruce tried everything he could NOT be the mother of the
chicks. But—nothing he did worked, and he tried some funny things. He was a
reluctant mom for sure.
Hotel Bruce continues right where the first book left off. Bruce and his goslings arrive back to his den
after their beach vacation. Unfortunately, they are not alone. It seems that
while Bruce was away relaxing from the demands of motherhood (or parenthood)
some mice had set up home in his den. The mice were out to make a buck or two
and had rented space to many other animals as well. Bruce may have had a chance
at getting rid of these unwanted guests, but the crafty mice put the goslings
to work as bellhops! Will Bruce lose his temper? Is there a way to get the
hotel guests to leave? Will he really be happy if they do leave? Read this
funny story to find out!
Margo and I especially
love the expressions on the faces of Bruce, the goslings, and other animals.
Since Margo is little, I think some of the humor went over her head. And based
on the way my father was laughing when we read it- I’m guessing some of it even
went over my head. We’re so excited that there are more books with Bruce. His
grumpy ways do get us laughing and we look forward to finding out what else he's up to and how he will try to solve his problems. I think this would be great
for parents and kids to read together. Fun for the whole family!
Has anyone else ever read Mother Bruce or Hotel Bruce? Or have you read another book by Ryan T. Higgins? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~F
Kind of like Shrek finding everyone staying in his home.
ReplyDeleteThink his chicks aren't chicks anymore...
Alex- You are right! :) ~F
DeleteWhat a fun story! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValerie- They are both really cute! :) ~F
DeleteI have read this. I reviewed Ryan T. Higgins new book, We Don't Eat Our Classmates (HYSTERICAL!!!), and went and got all his other books to read. I love them all.
ReplyDeleteRosi- I have to check out We Don't Eat Our Classmates- the title alone is funny. Thanks for sharing! :) ~F
DeleteHi DMS - nope I've never heard of Bruce ... but he seems one amazing little bear - love him and his 'friends' .. what fun - and as you say amazing illustrations - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary- Both of these were highly entertaining. Can't wait to read more of his books! :) ~F
DeleteMy first ever boyfriend was called Bruce. This Bruce sounds like a MUCH more endearing character. Grumpy or not.
ReplyDeleteEC- You have me laughing over here. :) ~F
DeleteMy kids are too old for picture books now, so sad, but back in the day, they really loved grumpy old Bruce. Such a cute series.
ReplyDeleteHeidi- I love that they enjoyed Bruce back in the day. :) ~F
DeleteOnes that give each generation something to laugh at sure is a win indeed.
ReplyDeletePat- True! :) ~F
DeleteThis looks so adorable!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- It really is! :) ~F
DeleteThat cover is too cute.
ReplyDeleteMary- Love it! :) ~F
DeleteCute.
ReplyDeleteThe Armchair Squid- Definitely! :) ~F
DeleteThis looks and sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- It is sure to be a hit with kids. :) ~F
DeleteSounds great and so interesting too!
ReplyDeleteNas- Lots of fun! :) ~F
DeleteWhat a fun story. I've not read any of these books, but they sound adorable. Even the cover made me smile.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- The covers make me smile too. Hope you get a chance to read them. You will get a chuckle. :) ~F
DeleteOh man, I love the idea of the bear whose eggs hatch and then ends up becoming a reluctant parent to some chicks. I love begrudgingly friendly grumpy characters ^.^ Sounds like this was a hit like the previous book ^.^
ReplyDeleteOlivia- This is such a fun series of picture books. His grumpiness makes everything even cuter and you will crack up. :) ~F
DeleteEee, this book looks SO CUTE :D Ahh! I want these illustrations, haha. Might have to get these books one day :) Lovely review love. <3 So glad you enjoyed reading about Bruce the bear :D
ReplyDeleteCarina- It really is super cute. Aren't the illustrations fabulous. :) I hope you enjoy the books if you ever get them.
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