Dropbear

by Philip Bunting

Up there! Gray hair! Grim stare! Beware . . . Dropbear!

A humorous and heartfelt picture book perfect for 2 to 5 year olds, this rhyming romp through the outback teaches preschoolers and their grown-ups that things aren't always as they seem, and that all creatures deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Hold your breath and count to three as woodland creatures share spooky stories about Dropbear, the rumored meanie who lives way up in an old gum tree. But when one little birdie decides to investigate the truth, it turns out that maybe Dropbear just wants . . . something special.

Perfect for repeat read-alouds, this playful rhyming story will have readers dropping in for more Dropbear.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Storytime, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Philip Bunting's work deliberately encourages playful interaction between the reader and child, allowing his books to create a platform for genuine intergenerational engagement, and fun.
Philip's books have been translated into multiple languages, and published in over 25 countries around the world. Since his first title was published in 2017, Philip has received multiple accolades, including Honours from the Children's Book Council of Australia, and making the list for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2018. His titles include Mopoke and How Did I Get Here?

Reviews

[Sharni · Rating 5 out of 5]

My lovely American friend sent me the NetGalley link for this captioned "i found the perfect book for you" - and she was right. I am absolutely the kind of Australian who has told tourists about dropbears in a serious tone... (also the hoop snake)

I'm a big fan of Philip Bunting's picture books anyway but this one is particularly good - not only is it an introduction to the dreaded (and fictional) dropbear - but it's also a cautionary tale about listening to rumors instead of finding out the truth for yourself...

I certainly have fond memories of my first time getting to hug a dropbear (ok fine, it was a koala), i didn't even have any Vegemite smeared behind my ears.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader's digital copy.

[Carol Farrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, simple book. The rhymes are used to highlight the importance of learning the truth and not just listening to hearsay and gossip.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Aussie, I wholeheartedly endorse this book! This is so cute! I love the dropbears little fangs. Phil Bunting always does a great book!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

What's a dropbear? Clearly, a shady character with pointy fangs that will eat you if you aren't careful! Looking a bit like a koala from the wrong side of the Outback, a dropbear is rumored to be mean, rude, and even smelly! When a little bird hears all of these rumors, she decides to investigate for herself. She waits under the dropbear's tree, expecting the worst... but is surprised that when the dropbear appears, he just wants a hug!

This rhyming tale is a bit silly, but shows the ways that individuals might believe what is said and not always check it out. There's not must reason to doubt the information about the dropbear; after all, he lives in a creepy tree, and the pictures are all rather dark and ominous. There are so many stories about the interactions that other animals have with the dropbear. Luckily, the bird is brave enough to find out the real story.

At its heart, Dropbear carries an important lesson about not believing what one hears, but investigating situations and evaluating them critically. This lesson is probably a bit more easily understood in Australia, where the legends of "dropbears" are more prevalent, but this is also a good introduction to some Australian wildlife, and can be appreciated along with books about interesting Australia fauna like Bunting's Koala's Eat Gum Leaves, Morecroft and Bancroft's Malu Kangaroo, French and Watley's Diary of a Wombat, Milroy's Backyard Birds, and Wilkinson and Mutton's Clancy the Quoka.

[Bookmeaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dropbear by Philip Bunting. 3,5/5 - lecture en anglais.
Based on a (mostly) true story.

You enjoy telling scary stories around a fire with your friends and family and get spooked ? This is the book for you. It's also a great read for the upcoming month of october, and Halloween. (If you're a mood reader and like to read by seasons).

Dropbear teaches you about seeking the thruth, beware of the rumors. You also learn about the legend of the dropbear from Australia, and get spooked through an efficient short story. But then there's a reminder of always verify your sources. Rumors could hurt a very friendly person or animal in the end.

Some interesting quotes:

"Because what They fear is what They don't know, They dream wild rumors to help the day go."

"Now brush off the rumors. Forget what you heard. Seek truth for yourself like that little bird."

#Dropbear #NetGalley

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an adorable way to share important messages with our little ones. We meet Dropbear who everyone has rumored to be mean and spooky. When the little bird wants to know more before she makes a judgement. What she discovers is that the other animals seems to have missed the truths by listening to the rumors. Now that they know the truth things are totally different. Dropbear just wanted a hug.
A delightful way to show little ones the importance of not listening to rumor or making judgments without knowing the truth about others. The bold and vibrant illustrations were great for this story. My little ones loved this story and I loved seeing how they connected the message of the story. A great story to share at home and in a classroom. A lesson for all ages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting our family enjoy this ebook.
A sky full of stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Dropbear! This book is funny, clever, and surprisingly sweet. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud, and little ones will enjoy the spooky-silly mood that slowly turns into something much more tender.
Philip Bunting’s signature humor shines through, and the illustrations are full of personality and charm. I especially appreciated the message: things aren’t always what they seem, and sometimes, the scariest creatures are just misunderstood (and maybe even a little lonely).
A great pick for storytime, bedtime, or any time a young reader needs a giggle and a reminder to be kind.
Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This picture book is about the mythical Australian creature the dropbear, which is an imaginary type of carnivorous koala used to pull the legs of tourists.

I read this book cold to my children. From the cover, it looked like a story about a koala that jumped on other animals out of trees. The text seemed to be about the other animals gossiping about the koala and spreading rumors about it being mean-spirited and dangerous. It wasn't until the author's explanatory note about "dropbears" at the back of the book that we understood what was happening.

The illustrations were done in gouache and digital.

[Precious Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The cover is really what caught my attention but what’s inside is even better! I really enjoyed reading this book, the illustration was fun and so was the outcome. This book showed Dropbear constantly being misjudged. All it really takes is one person to just try to get to know you. Find things out on your own, don’t misjudge people based off of other’s assumptions. This lesson would be great to teach to our children.

Thank you NetGalley & Philip for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible Arc!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the digital arc.
This picture book integrates the illustrations and the rhyming text perfectly. Loved the little bird not succumbing to peer pressure and approaching the dropbear on his own to see if he was scary and fearsome. Nope. All he needed was a hug. Had never heard of the dropbear but if I make it to Australia, I'll be on the lookout!
#Dropbear

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, silly picture book that highlights the importance of knowing the truth for yourself, instead of believing rumors. The dynamic illustrations help create suspense, and even though I didn't find this particularly compelling just as a story, it's a good way to teach kids the life lesson.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for NetGalley ARC:
I was drawn to the book because of the cover and knew it was going to be good. It was exactly the kind of book I'd seek out to read to my preschool class. I admit I had to Google what a "dropbear" was, but nevertheless I think it was lighthearted, humorous, and something any lover of quirky children's books would enjoy.

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fantastic book by Philip Bunting! He is so funny and is really able to capture and keep my 5 year olds attention like no other author we have found. I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this one to add to our collection.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Apparently the Dropbear is a cryptid similar Mothman in the US. In this story Dropbear is just a koala in need of a hug. This story has excellent pictures. A wonderful cadence and a great flow that mostly rhymes but when it doesn’t, you don’t care. This book is fantastic. Beginning to end, kids of all ages from all places are sure to enjoy this.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things aren't always what they seem, and rumors are often unfounded. Do a little fact-checking on your own. These lessons are all humorously imparted for the preschool set.

Thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the ARC.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have a new picture book that I can use to teach and discuss gossip, checking your sources, and not believing everything you hear. This could align with a library lesson in our research unit.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Cute short about how rumors are no help and to always fact check. Also nice parallel about how unasked for hugs can be considered assault. Kids may find funny for storytime, but not sure I'll use it.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

[Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC - A fun if a little spooky picture book with tense short phrases that build the drama until... DROP! and I won't spoil what happens after that :)

[Taleah Ushendibaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very cute! I love that it is a little spooky for kids until the end. I also love that it rhymes. I will add this on a want to buy list for my little one.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A silly bear just looking for some love.
Cute illustrations that lead to a surprise ending.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Australian myth with a cute twist at the end. We love Phillip Bunting’s illustrations and funny storytelling.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book teaching kids about getting to know people before you judge them.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny, rhyming book. I had no idea about dropbears.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a really fun read-a-loud book. I love the use of a wide variety of Australian animals, and the little blurb in the back about the story of the dropbear.

[Rikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part humor, part informational.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A silly picture book ode to an urban legend.

[Mariann · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! I love that a tourist-fooling legend was told in child-friendly near-horror style prose!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only makes sense, at least to me, after reading the notes in the back. Might be better as a reread, because knowing the spoiler doesn't spoil the thrills in the middle.