What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Are there bears on Hemlock Mountain? One boy is about to find out in this classic tale.People have always told Jonathan that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, no bears at all. So he isn’t afraid to set out alone over the mountain. But as Jonathan discovers one cold winter night, people aren’t always right…There are bears on Hemlock Mountain!
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1952
64 people are currently reading
2386 people want to read
About the author
Alice Dalgliesh
69 books48 followersFamily: Born in Trinidad, British West Indies; naturalized U.S. citizen; died in Woodbury, CT; daughter of John and Alice (Haynes) Dalgliesh.
Educator, editor, book reviewer, and author, Dalgliesh was an elementary school teacher for nearly seventeen years, and later taught a course in children's literature at Columbia University. From 1934 to 1960 she served as children's book editor for Charles Scribner's Sons. In addition to her book reviews for such magazines as Saturday Review of Literature and Parents' Magazine, Dalgliesh wrote more than forty books for children (most illustrated by Katherine Milhous) and about children's literature.
She received a BA from Columbia University and taught at elementary schools for a while before writing her first book, A Happy School Year, in 1924. Among her books are Newbery Honor books The Silver Pencil (1944), The Bears on Hemlock Mountain (1952), and The Courage of Sarah Noble (1954). The writer Robert Heinlein and Dalgliesh, Heinlein's editor at Scribner's, had conflict in the 1950s. This was revealed in letters published in "Grumbles from the Grave" by Virginia Heinlein.
Educator, editor, book reviewer, and author, Dalgliesh was an elementary school teacher for nearly seventeen years, and later taught a course in children's literature at Columbia University. From 1934 to 1960 she served as children's book editor for Charles Scribner's Sons. In addition to her book reviews for such magazines as Saturday Review of Literature and Parents' Magazine, Dalgliesh wrote more than forty books for children (most illustrated by Katherine Milhous) and about children's literature.
She received a BA from Columbia University and taught at elementary schools for a while before writing her first book, A Happy School Year, in 1924. Among her books are Newbery Honor books The Silver Pencil (1944), The Bears on Hemlock Mountain (1952), and The Courage of Sarah Noble (1954). The writer Robert Heinlein and Dalgliesh, Heinlein's editor at Scribner's, had conflict in the 1950s. This was revealed in letters published in "Grumbles from the Grave" by Virginia Heinlein.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
March 11, 2018
Now while I certainly have very much enjoyed Alice Dalgliesh' 1953 Newbery Honour winning The Bears on Hemlock Mountain theme and content wise and do greatly appreciate the slice of pioneer American life presented and depicted, I am nevertheless and sadly left rather majorly cold and unsatisfied with and by the author' writng style, by her ways and means of describing young Jonathan's experiences encountering bona fide bears on Hemlock Mountain (which I think are supposed to feel and read as an adventursome story of sorts, but never really do manage to manifest themselves as all that exciting and overly interesting).
For although I usually tend to much enjoy stories of the past, of what life used to be like in the USA or for that matter in Canada, with The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, I just wanted and even needed a bit more information and details. And thus, I have been only mildly amused by The Bears on Hemlock Mountaib at best, mostly because I simply have found Alice Dalgliesh's textual expression and description not all that personally engaging enough (and definitely seriously lacking in for me required details), as well as the ending feeling a bit rushed and annoyingly incomplete. And while I do appreciate that the intended audience, that younger children just learning to read (or having the book read to or with them) might indeed, might well find The Bears on Hemlock Mountain engaging and entertaining enough, for me as an older adult reader (and also as someone who never was exposed to The Bears on Hemlock Mountain as a child), there is just not enough so-called narrational meat presented for me to rank Alice Dalgliesh's The Bears on Hemlock Mountain with more than a high two stars maximum.
For although I usually tend to much enjoy stories of the past, of what life used to be like in the USA or for that matter in Canada, with The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, I just wanted and even needed a bit more information and details. And thus, I have been only mildly amused by The Bears on Hemlock Mountaib at best, mostly because I simply have found Alice Dalgliesh's textual expression and description not all that personally engaging enough (and definitely seriously lacking in for me required details), as well as the ending feeling a bit rushed and annoyingly incomplete. And while I do appreciate that the intended audience, that younger children just learning to read (or having the book read to or with them) might indeed, might well find The Bears on Hemlock Mountain engaging and entertaining enough, for me as an older adult reader (and also as someone who never was exposed to The Bears on Hemlock Mountain as a child), there is just not enough so-called narrational meat presented for me to rank Alice Dalgliesh's The Bears on Hemlock Mountain with more than a high two stars maximum.
June 4, 2012
I'm trying to figure out why this won a 1953 Newbery Honor. At first I thought that 1952 must have been a very unexceptional year for children's literature. Then I looked at the winners. Charlotte's Web was also an Honor that year (along with three others), losing out to Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark. WHAT THE HECK? Bears on Hemlock Mountain received the same award as Charlotte & Wilbur? Unthinkable. What was this Newbery Committee thinking? How could any other children's book of that year have been better than Charlotte's Web?? It couldn't. The End.
So, back to the book: Jonathan lives on Hemlock Mountain. His entire life he has been assured--by a little chant--that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain. One day he is sent over the mountain by his mother to borrow a big iron pot from his aunt. Jonathan bravely makes the trip, muttering to himself the chant about no bears, just for reassurance. Turns out the little chant is wrong. There are bears on Hemlock Mountain.
While weeding our library I came across this little chapter book. It was very short, had lots of blocky black and blue illustrations, and the silver Newbery medal on the front. It had not been checked out once in the last five years. Clearly, my kids weren't interested. So I weeded it, but kept it to read myself. There's not much to it. It's based on a Pennsylvania tall tale, and Dalgliesh fleshed it out to make it longer. I enjoyed the illusrations, and the historical aspects are undoubtedly correct, but for me, this is nowhere near a Newbery Honor.
On a quirky note, the chant bothered me because I could not discern a steady rhythm:
Looks simple, yes? Every time I thought I had the rhythm down, though, the wording changed. Kinda drove me just a little nuts.
So, back to the book: Jonathan lives on Hemlock Mountain. His entire life he has been assured--by a little chant--that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain. One day he is sent over the mountain by his mother to borrow a big iron pot from his aunt. Jonathan bravely makes the trip, muttering to himself the chant about no bears, just for reassurance. Turns out the little chant is wrong. There are bears on Hemlock Mountain.
While weeding our library I came across this little chapter book. It was very short, had lots of blocky black and blue illustrations, and the silver Newbery medal on the front. It had not been checked out once in the last five years. Clearly, my kids weren't interested. So I weeded it, but kept it to read myself. There's not much to it. It's based on a Pennsylvania tall tale, and Dalgliesh fleshed it out to make it longer. I enjoyed the illusrations, and the historical aspects are undoubtedly correct, but for me, this is nowhere near a Newbery Honor.
On a quirky note, the chant bothered me because I could not discern a steady rhythm:
THERE ARE NO BEARS
ON HEMLOCK MOUNTAIN,
NO BEARS AT ALL.
OF COURSE THERE ARE NO BEARS
ON HEMLOCK MOUNTAIN,
NO BEARS, NO BEARS, NO BEARS,
NO BEARS AT ALL.
Looks simple, yes? Every time I thought I had the rhythm down, though, the wording changed. Kinda drove me just a little nuts.
October 17, 2016
Oops, read another upcoming Newbery before its time. Oh well; this is not much longer than a picture-book, profusely illustrated, and ever so charming. Even the design is important - I hope the editions with the modern cover at least have the same interior setup. This could even, imo, have qualified for a Caldecott. I look forward to rereading it with the group.
September 28, 2018
Cute book! My kids still start chanting, “There are no bears on hemlock mountain, no bears no bears at all...”
It was a quick, fun read a loud to start out homeschool year.
It was a quick, fun read a loud to start out homeschool year.
December 31, 2011
I loved the woodcut illustrations in this book. I can see how it would be perfect for kids that are just starting to read longer books. It's a Newberry Honor book! Other reviewers seem to think this story is shallow and lame. I think that the story The Bears on Hemlock Mountain reads like an oral tradition or folk tale. There is repetition, which I can see children delighting in memorizing and repeating with their parents or teacher during a read aloud.
This book was written in 1952, but harks back to an even earlier part of America's history. It has a very rural feel to it. I like that Jonathan has a large family and is kind to animals. I don't think the ending is that rough, but maybe since I'm from Alaska. One reviewer implied that they thought Jonathan's family was going to hunt/kill the bears, but I didn't get that impression.
I LOVE the woodcuts in this book. The newish cover does nothing for the great illustrations in this little book.
This book was written in 1952, but harks back to an even earlier part of America's history. It has a very rural feel to it. I like that Jonathan has a large family and is kind to animals. I don't think the ending is that rough, but maybe since I'm from Alaska. One reviewer implied that they thought Jonathan's family was going to hunt/kill the bears, but I didn't get that impression.
I LOVE the woodcuts in this book. The newish cover does nothing for the great illustrations in this little book.
July 1, 2021
The song sparrow says:
Put on the kettle, kettle, kettle ... over, and over again.
That's one of the things I like about a well-written books for kids -- I always learn something.
Unlike many Newbery titles, especially the newer ones, this is a story for young children. I like the 8-year-old boy's interest in wildlife, and I suppose that but I would have preferred a different ending.
Put on the kettle, kettle, kettle ... over, and over again.
That's one of the things I like about a well-written books for kids -- I always learn something.
Unlike many Newbery titles, especially the newer ones, this is a story for young children. I like the 8-year-old boy's interest in wildlife, and I suppose that but I would have preferred a different ending.
June 14, 2016
This doesn't have great reviews, but I thought it was great and Asher really enjoyed it too. I admit I have a penchant for old-fashioned kids' books that I'm attempting to pass down to my kids. Maybe that's why we liked it, but it was also a simple, sweet story with just the right amount of scary for early readers (or listeners, in our case).
July 29, 2024
It was fun to share one of my favorites from childhood with the kids. They really enjoyed it and so did I.
July 7, 2019
I would probably give this book one and a half stars. It has a nice regional Pennsylvania feel to it, something I appreciate because of my family's connections to the northeast part of the state.
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain isn't the typical Newbery Honor recipient, but it's a warm, welcoming story with a happy ending, and Helen Sewell's illustrations add quality. The book isn't Alice Dalgliesh's best, but I like it.
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain isn't the typical Newbery Honor recipient, but it's a warm, welcoming story with a happy ending, and Helen Sewell's illustrations add quality. The book isn't Alice Dalgliesh's best, but I like it.
November 8, 2015
This is what those mid to late-range phonics books should be like. A great story that is repetitive in its language and rhythm and rhyme and feels more like a traditonal tale than one that has been cobbled together to hit high frequency words. This is an American tale which has been built on an old Pennsylvainian folk tale. It tells the story of a young boy who is sent over a hill (Hemlock Mountain) to fetch a great iron cooking pot from his aunt. He is worried throughout that the bears of the mountain will wake from their slumber and get him but because of his kind nature with the animals on the hill, his fate turns out far better than it could have.
This is an excellent read-aloud story with plenty of repetition that children would enjoy joining in with. I also think the story lends itself incredibly well to drama and I like that, throughout the text, there are stylistic choices which would be exciting and new to a newly confident reader.
This is an excellent read-aloud story with plenty of repetition that children would enjoy joining in with. I also think the story lends itself incredibly well to drama and I like that, throughout the text, there are stylistic choices which would be exciting and new to a newly confident reader.
January 15, 2023
This was such a sweet little story and perfect as a bedtime read. The writing is simple and very easy to understand and certainly easy enough for second language learners.
Jonathan is tasked with fetching a huge iron pot from his aunt who lives on Hemlock Mountain. He is afraid of bears but his mother assures him him that there ARE no bears there. You can probably guess how the story goes but it's still a fun little read.
Jonathan is tasked with fetching a huge iron pot from his aunt who lives on Hemlock Mountain. He is afraid of bears but his mother assures him him that there ARE no bears there. You can probably guess how the story goes but it's still a fun little read.
March 1, 2024
This book is a treasure, and I will always treasure the memory of reading it—the first book my emerging reader and I read together!
And it was just perfect for this purpose. A short well-crafted story that nevertheless feels like a legitimate chapter book, repetitive and poetic language, a slightly suspenseful plot that wraps up beautifully, striking illustrations. Just an all-around excellent book, impressive in its economy and loveliness.
It also happened to be right up Anselm's alley. He was intrigued by the different reports (are there bears on Hemlock Mountain? Some say yes, and some say no) that frame the central action, the dialog ("stuff and nonsense!" was his favorite phrase), the cookie making and cookie eating. He enjoyed analyzing the pictures and seemed to find them captivating. And Anselm readily agreed to put it upstairs on his bookshelf when we'd finished—somewhat to my surprise, because he hasn't shown much proprietorship over books so far. Perhaps he is learning to think in a new way about books.
We both adored our time reading this book together. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be our most successful buddy read, but I am prepared to cherish the memory of it as something sacred even if our subsequent experiences aren't so wonderful. (And I am definitely going to look for more of Alice Dalgliesh's books.)
And it was just perfect for this purpose. A short well-crafted story that nevertheless feels like a legitimate chapter book, repetitive and poetic language, a slightly suspenseful plot that wraps up beautifully, striking illustrations. Just an all-around excellent book, impressive in its economy and loveliness.
It also happened to be right up Anselm's alley. He was intrigued by the different reports (are there bears on Hemlock Mountain? Some say yes, and some say no) that frame the central action, the dialog ("stuff and nonsense!" was his favorite phrase), the cookie making and cookie eating. He enjoyed analyzing the pictures and seemed to find them captivating. And Anselm readily agreed to put it upstairs on his bookshelf when we'd finished—somewhat to my surprise, because he hasn't shown much proprietorship over books so far. Perhaps he is learning to think in a new way about books.
We both adored our time reading this book together. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be our most successful buddy read, but I am prepared to cherish the memory of it as something sacred even if our subsequent experiences aren't so wonderful. (And I am definitely going to look for more of Alice Dalgliesh's books.)
February 14, 2020
Cleanliness
Children's Bad Words
Religious Profanities - 3 Incidents: mercy's sakes
Religious & Supernatural - 1 Incident: Mentions a young cousin being christened.
Romance Related - None
Attitudes/Disobedience - None
Conversation Topics - None
Parent Takeaway
A fun, clean story. Also, the book's description makes it sound as if an aspect of the story pertains to parents/adults being wrong sometimes. This is not the case; it does not diminish a child's respect for his parents.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
Children's Bad Words
Religious Profanities - 3 Incidents: mercy's sakes
Religious & Supernatural - 1 Incident: Mentions a young cousin being christened.
Romance Related - None
Attitudes/Disobedience - None
Conversation Topics - None
Parent Takeaway
A fun, clean story. Also, the book's description makes it sound as if an aspect of the story pertains to parents/adults being wrong sometimes. This is not the case; it does not diminish a child's respect for his parents.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
November 22, 2011
How I wish I had the time and energy to devote to an intensive study of the changes and developments of the early Newbery books compared to those of the last ten years. It is amazing when I read some of the wonderful Newbery books written in the last few years, especially those written by Christopher Paul Curtis, Gary Schmidt, Jacqueline Woodson and Patricia Reilly Giff to name a few, and compare them to much earlier works.
Case in point is The Bears On Hemlock Mountain written by Alice Dalgliesh in 1952 wherein the tale is trite, cute and childish. Jonathan goes over the mountain to visit his Aunt and borrow a large kettle for his mother. Listening to tales that there were NO bears on the mountain, Jonathan is skeptical.
Returning home in the dark he discovers his fears were indeed founded. Rescued by his father and a band of men, Jonathan has a tale to tell when he returns home.
There is nothing in depth at all about this book. There is no coming of age story. There is no self discovery of transformative change. Jonathan sees a bear, is not attacked and goes home to eat cookies around the fireside. End of short story.
Case in point is The Bears On Hemlock Mountain written by Alice Dalgliesh in 1952 wherein the tale is trite, cute and childish. Jonathan goes over the mountain to visit his Aunt and borrow a large kettle for his mother. Listening to tales that there were NO bears on the mountain, Jonathan is skeptical.
Returning home in the dark he discovers his fears were indeed founded. Rescued by his father and a band of men, Jonathan has a tale to tell when he returns home.
There is nothing in depth at all about this book. There is no coming of age story. There is no self discovery of transformative change. Jonathan sees a bear, is not attacked and goes home to eat cookies around the fireside. End of short story.
January 31, 2018
A great, early chapter book. It's just slightly more challenging than Frog and Toad Are Friends. The story is about a kid walking over a snowy hill and hoping that he won't see any bears. Adventure ensues.
This book is made to be read aloud. I got a kick out of Helen Selwell's illustrations and Dalgliesh's use of music and rhythm.
I feel like the publishing industry doesn't put the same thought and care into early chapter books that they used to. So instead of treasures like The Light at Tern Rock, we get rubbish like Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus.
This book is made to be read aloud. I got a kick out of Helen Selwell's illustrations and Dalgliesh's use of music and rhythm.
I feel like the publishing industry doesn't put the same thought and care into early chapter books that they used to. So instead of treasures like The Light at Tern Rock, we get rubbish like Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus.
February 23, 2024
Everybody knows that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, no bears at all. There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, no bears, no bears, no bears, no bears at all. Under this well-known belief, Jonathan’s mother sends him across the mountain alone to bring back an iron pot from his Aunt Emma. As Jonathan crunch, crunch, crunches his way across the snowy ground, he hopes upon all hope that there really ARE no bears on Hemlock Mountain because if there are, what would one, lonely eight-year-old boy possibly do?
Recipient of the Newbery Honor Book award in 1953, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain is a quick read full of fun, repetitive phrases such as crunch, crunch, crunch and tick-tock, tick-tock, which makes this an ideal read-aloud book. Helen Sewell’s pen and ink illustrations give the story a genuine folklore feel and wonderfully complements this story based on a Pennsylvanian tall tale. This book is recommended for readers ages 5 to 9 and grade levels 1 to 4.
The story of Jonathan’s journey to his aunt’s home and back teaches the importance having courage, facing your fears, and following through on your commitments. At the end of the book, there is an inference about a bear (or bears) being shot and killed, which is fairly unexpected as Dalgliesh takes great care in establishing Jonathan’s love of animals and the respect he has for them. This last-minute act of violence may be disturbing to sensitive readers.
While I was researching quotes about courage and perseverance to use in this review, I came upon one by Japanese author Haruki Murakami that perfectly encapsulates what happens to our young hero: “When you come out of a storm you won’t be the same person that walked in. That’s what the storm is all about.” Jonathan’s mother would have never let her young son make the trek across Hemlock Mountain if she was certain there were bears (or we would hope so). Jonathan himself was worried about bears, although he’s not fully convinced that there are any either. But when the time comes for Jonathan to face his fears, he’s rational and clever and, as a result, finds that the boy who went up the mountain is very, very different from the young man who returned home.
NEW!! Want to discuss this book with your homeschooler or classroom? There’s a FREE study guide available. Visit www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/The... and download your free copy today!
Recipient of the Newbery Honor Book award in 1953, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain is a quick read full of fun, repetitive phrases such as crunch, crunch, crunch and tick-tock, tick-tock, which makes this an ideal read-aloud book. Helen Sewell’s pen and ink illustrations give the story a genuine folklore feel and wonderfully complements this story based on a Pennsylvanian tall tale. This book is recommended for readers ages 5 to 9 and grade levels 1 to 4.
The story of Jonathan’s journey to his aunt’s home and back teaches the importance having courage, facing your fears, and following through on your commitments. At the end of the book, there is an inference about a bear (or bears) being shot and killed, which is fairly unexpected as Dalgliesh takes great care in establishing Jonathan’s love of animals and the respect he has for them. This last-minute act of violence may be disturbing to sensitive readers.
While I was researching quotes about courage and perseverance to use in this review, I came upon one by Japanese author Haruki Murakami that perfectly encapsulates what happens to our young hero: “When you come out of a storm you won’t be the same person that walked in. That’s what the storm is all about.” Jonathan’s mother would have never let her young son make the trek across Hemlock Mountain if she was certain there were bears (or we would hope so). Jonathan himself was worried about bears, although he’s not fully convinced that there are any either. But when the time comes for Jonathan to face his fears, he’s rational and clever and, as a result, finds that the boy who went up the mountain is very, very different from the young man who returned home.
NEW!! Want to discuss this book with your homeschooler or classroom? There’s a FREE study guide available. Visit www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/The... and download your free copy today!
July 22, 2018
I just loved this story. It follows a little boy named Jonathan that is asked by his Mother to go down Hemlock Mountain to get a large cooking pot from his Aunt. Are there bears on Hemlock Mountain? You must read to find out! I highly recommend this to kids of all ages.
November 22, 2008
(I'm reading all the Newbery Honor books from the year Charlotte's Web got an Honor instead of winning, to see if any of them are any good.)
I could not be more puzzled by this book's Newbery Honor. The Newbery is awarded for the "most distinguished work"; presumably the Honors are given for "distinguished work"; and distinguished is the last word I'd use to describe this ordinary easy-reader. It isn't particularly funny, or poetic, or exciting; it doesn't present a moral in a profound way. They might as well have picked any book from the easy-reader shelf. The author received an Honor for a previous (very different) book, or I might think that's exactly what the committee did, but committees love those previous honorees.
I would seriously love to read a transcript of this particular committee's meetings, because I can't understand what went on. I'm thinking of writing a Da Vinci Code-style novel about it.
I could not be more puzzled by this book's Newbery Honor. The Newbery is awarded for the "most distinguished work"; presumably the Honors are given for "distinguished work"; and distinguished is the last word I'd use to describe this ordinary easy-reader. It isn't particularly funny, or poetic, or exciting; it doesn't present a moral in a profound way. They might as well have picked any book from the easy-reader shelf. The author received an Honor for a previous (very different) book, or I might think that's exactly what the committee did, but committees love those previous honorees.
I would seriously love to read a transcript of this particular committee's meetings, because I can't understand what went on. I'm thinking of writing a Da Vinci Code-style novel about it.
July 25, 2016
As I continue to cross off a variety of lists that have been on my to-read list for a long time. This one is a Newbery Award that I thought I had not yet read. I was wrong, I actually remember reading it as a child and loving it. Being a mountain gal, I laugh at the description of Hemlock "Mountain" but it sets the stage well for a cute story.
August 11, 2021
Meh, 2.5 stars. A quick starter chapter book that I read with my middle two today. It took us about 30 mins, and they did enjoy it, although not as much as other more advanced novels we've read together.
March 11, 2022
This is a great early chapter book for budding readers. The text is interspersed with interesting illustrations. The tale’s structure fits the boy’s task of climbing the mountain. The main character’s problem solving is surprising for the young reader.
April 30, 2021
Short read-aloud. Much enjoyed by the 5 and 3 year old.
October 4, 2021
Solid book that bridges the gap between long picture books and chapter books. Doesn't really have a "higher register" to merit lots of re reading.
April 27, 2018
I liked how descriptive this book was. It was a nice short story.
March 24, 2021
My 8-year-old enjoyed reading this. It's a simple story of a boy who climbs over Hemlock Mountain (more like a large hill) on an errand, the whole time contemplating whether or not there are bears around, as it gets darker and later in the day. While this was fun for me to listen to, I wonder whether it would have scared me as a child. We lived in the woods at one point and I was often a bit skittish of wild animals.
February 3, 2020
We finished the second half of reading this aloud tonight after reading the first half the other night. It was a simple short read and very interesting for my five-year-old son who had really enjoyed listening to The Sign of the Beaver in the last few weeks. He is near to reading and I'm sure he would pick this up and read it with interest now. We read The Thanksgiving Story first and are planning on reading The Courage of Sarah Noble next. So far, my kiddos are really enjoying Alice Dalgliesh. I wish more of her backlist titles were available to find.
Included below are interesting tidbits. We own a paperback copy of this reader, the blue one with the eyes but no red banner. We also have it as included in the You Read to Me and I'll Read to You treasury that includes fewer images. The Kindle Freetime Unlimited copy has the white copy that is indicative of Helen Sewell's illustrations (which are in each of my copies) we also have in our trial. Our paperback of The Sign of the Beaver shows the brown bear full cover, while the Kindle Freetime Unlimited copy is the yellow cover image. Our hardcover jacketed copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble includes the sepia-toned cover with no medal while on the Kindle Freetime Unlimited copy is pink and green. We also own an Audible copy of Sarah Noble.
---
Included in the You Read to Me & I'll Read to You: Stories to Share from the 20th Century treasury
Included below are interesting tidbits. We own a paperback copy of this reader, the blue one with the eyes but no red banner. We also have it as included in the You Read to Me and I'll Read to You treasury that includes fewer images. The Kindle Freetime Unlimited copy has the white copy that is indicative of Helen Sewell's illustrations (which are in each of my copies) we also have in our trial. Our paperback of The Sign of the Beaver shows the brown bear full cover, while the Kindle Freetime Unlimited copy is the yellow cover image. Our hardcover jacketed copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble includes the sepia-toned cover with no medal while on the Kindle Freetime Unlimited copy is pink and green. We also own an Audible copy of Sarah Noble.
---
Included in the You Read to Me & I'll Read to You: Stories to Share from the 20th Century treasury
July 7, 2025
I like this book because it shows that you can be very brave🫡🫠. And I think that children my age can read it. And I loved reading this book with my mom. And I think that children can read this book without having to worry about anything.😘🥰😌😉😀😄😃😆😁🤣😇🫠
November 9, 2009
Jonathan and his family live at the foot of the big hill that is called Hemlock Mountain. One spring, expecting many relatives for a feast, his mother sends him over Hemlock Mountain to fetch a large iron pot from his aunt. All of the adults (except his Uncle James, who has taught him how to observe wildlife) believe that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, but Jonathan isn't so sure. Still, he makes it across without meeting any. At his aunt's house he eats too many cookies and falls asleep, starting home just as the sun begins to set. There he sees some bears, and hides under the pot. His father and uncles come to rescue him just in time, and he proudly presents the pot to his mother.
This brief book is masterfully crafted, and through Dalgiesh's easy-to-read prose the young reader gets a picture of Jonathan's close-knit, loyal, and sometimes overwhelming colonial family. In one day Jonathan experiences the pleasures of the outdoors, the comforts of the hearth, and the terror of a small child alone at night.
The story is really about dealing with fear, and the characters try to deal with the possibility of bears through denial. Jonathan and others repeat to themselves that "There ARE no bears on Hemlock Mountain." But this attempt at avoiding the truth is ineffective, and it is with relief that Jonathan finally announces that "There ARE bears on Hemlock Mountain!" His pride at carrying the heavy pot pales next to the fact that he has faced the frightening truth everyone else has avoided.
Sensitive children might be troubled by the scene in which Jonathan meets the bears, but his quick rescue provides a comforting end to this suspenseful story. This is a great early chapter book, either for young listeners or young readers.
The newest edition of this book has a cover that seems more scary than the story actually merits, so I recommend an earlier edition.
This brief book is masterfully crafted, and through Dalgiesh's easy-to-read prose the young reader gets a picture of Jonathan's close-knit, loyal, and sometimes overwhelming colonial family. In one day Jonathan experiences the pleasures of the outdoors, the comforts of the hearth, and the terror of a small child alone at night.
The story is really about dealing with fear, and the characters try to deal with the possibility of bears through denial. Jonathan and others repeat to themselves that "There ARE no bears on Hemlock Mountain." But this attempt at avoiding the truth is ineffective, and it is with relief that Jonathan finally announces that "There ARE bears on Hemlock Mountain!" His pride at carrying the heavy pot pales next to the fact that he has faced the frightening truth everyone else has avoided.
Sensitive children might be troubled by the scene in which Jonathan meets the bears, but his quick rescue provides a comforting end to this suspenseful story. This is a great early chapter book, either for young listeners or young readers.
The newest edition of this book has a cover that seems more scary than the story actually merits, so I recommend an earlier edition.
May 27, 2017
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
"There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain." This is the mantra Jonathan uses to comfort himself on the long and lonely journey over the mountain to borrow his aunt's large iron pot. When he stays too long at his aunt's house and ventures home in the dark, however, it becomes clear that there are bears on Hemlock Mountain - and Jonathan must outsmart them if he's to make it home safe and sound!
It is surprising to me how many reviewers on Goodreads are critical of the Newbery committee which awarded this book an Honor in 1953. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the story - which is most appropriate for beginning readers - that turns them off, but as I write this review weeks after finishing the book, I am struck by how many details and images have stuck with me. The writing may be spare and straightforward, but the author has a real talent for bringing scenes to life using very few words.
When I worked in the library, kids would often ask for easy-to-read adventure books and there were really very few that suited their interests. This story, with its strong sense of suspense and surprising climax is exactly the kind of book that would have satisfied those readers. Not only would they relate to Jonathan, who is very much an ordinary kid, they would also enjoy imagining how they would act in his place, and how it might feel to be on an independent journey so late at night.
This book is every bit as wonderful as The Courage of Sarah Noble and it covers the same concept - of bravery - from the male point of view. Both books are great for beginning readers to tackle on their own or for families to read aloud together. Highly recommended.
"There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain." This is the mantra Jonathan uses to comfort himself on the long and lonely journey over the mountain to borrow his aunt's large iron pot. When he stays too long at his aunt's house and ventures home in the dark, however, it becomes clear that there are bears on Hemlock Mountain - and Jonathan must outsmart them if he's to make it home safe and sound!
It is surprising to me how many reviewers on Goodreads are critical of the Newbery committee which awarded this book an Honor in 1953. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the story - which is most appropriate for beginning readers - that turns them off, but as I write this review weeks after finishing the book, I am struck by how many details and images have stuck with me. The writing may be spare and straightforward, but the author has a real talent for bringing scenes to life using very few words.
When I worked in the library, kids would often ask for easy-to-read adventure books and there were really very few that suited their interests. This story, with its strong sense of suspense and surprising climax is exactly the kind of book that would have satisfied those readers. Not only would they relate to Jonathan, who is very much an ordinary kid, they would also enjoy imagining how they would act in his place, and how it might feel to be on an independent journey so late at night.
This book is every bit as wonderful as The Courage of Sarah Noble and it covers the same concept - of bravery - from the male point of view. Both books are great for beginning readers to tackle on their own or for families to read aloud together. Highly recommended.
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars
I really, really liked this short and cute little chapter book right up until the very end.
The end felt so out of character with the rest of the book. Most of the book is spent with Jonathan, the 8 year old boy who makes his first trip over the mountain. He brings snacks for different kinds of wildlife he might meet and on the way back...
I still think the book was a good book, it just seemed like that didn't add anything to the story and was an awkward ending.
I really, really liked this short and cute little chapter book right up until the very end.
The end felt so out of character with the rest of the book. Most of the book is spent with Jonathan, the 8 year old boy who makes his first trip over the mountain. He brings snacks for different kinds of wildlife he might meet and on the way back...
I still think the book was a good book, it just seemed like that didn't add anything to the story and was an awkward ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews