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Brother Hugo and the Bear
Brother Hugo can't return his library book - the letters of St. Augustine - because, it turns out, the precious book has been devoured by a bear! Instructed by the abbot to borrow another monastery's copy and create a replacement, the hapless monk painstakingly crafts a new book, copying it letter by letter and line by line. But when he sets off to return the borrowed copy, he finds himself trailed by his hungry new friend. Once a bear has a taste of letters, it appears, he's rarely satisfied! Includes page turn track: 12 minutes.
Audio CD
First published April 4, 2014
4 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Katy Beebe
4 books7 followersI love books -- reading them, holding them, even smelling them! Growing up in the Midwest, my family would spend summers at our local public library. Later, I was lucky enough to study at the medieval University of Oxford, where there are so many books that you can catch their scent rising up from vents in the sidewalks.
I now teach medieval history at the University of Texas at Arlington, and I incorporate the history of books and "book making" into my classes whenever I can. As you might be able to tell from my books (there are more to come after Brother Hugo and the Bear!), I also love to share this history with younger readers, as well.
I now teach medieval history at the University of Texas at Arlington, and I incorporate the history of books and "book making" into my classes whenever I can. As you might be able to tell from my books (there are more to come after Brother Hugo and the Bear!), I also love to share this history with younger readers, as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
June 14, 2015
Children may try to use the excuse that a dog ate their homework but how often do you hear of a bear eating a monk’s library book? That is indeed the creative storyline in the children’s picture book (targeting ages 5-9), “Brother Hugo and the Bear” by Katy Beebe and illustrated by S.D Schindler.
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” is based on a real ‘Hugo’ and an actual medieval note depicting an abbot whose monks have lost a book to a bear’s gullet. Beebe translates this into her own text while Schindler wows with pages that look like a medieval illuminated manuscript.
Beebe’s work is both entertaining and educational as children are drawn to the unique and humorous story while also being exposed to the medieval production of books. The text is not dummied down for the youth and retains some of the historical accuracy in the speech. Meanwhile, there are ample opportunities for children to ask parents about monks, abbots, illuminations, etc. The light pace/storyline is maintained for pleasure but parents will be pleased with the history lesson.
Parents need not worry that “Brother Hugo and the Bear” is religious in tone. Yes, the characters are monks but the main point is about penning books which was one of the services of monks during this time period. There is no push regarding Christianity or talk of a God.
Also notable is the attraction of “Brother Hugo and the Bear” for children who enjoy medieval themes but are tired of the overdone strand of kings/queens, princes/princesses, and castles. Beebe chooses a different route which makes “Brother Hugo and the Bear” a strong, stark contrast.
Schindler’s illustrations are also strong, capturing the beauty of illuminations in a kid-friendly version but without turning it into fluff. There are wondrous small details for both children and parents to marvel at.
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” concludes with a historical note explaining the accuracy of the tale plus a glossary of key terms. Both the author and illustrator notes are also worth reading, as these all come together to strengthen the history lesson.
Let’s be frank: parents oftentimes read a book to children while thinking, “This is so dumb” in their heads. That is not the case with “Brother Hugo and the Bear”, as it is a delight for adults, as well (especially those interested in the medieval period).
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” is a lovely tale with beautiful images which will satisfy adults and children. It is definitely one to pick up for the kiddos!
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” is based on a real ‘Hugo’ and an actual medieval note depicting an abbot whose monks have lost a book to a bear’s gullet. Beebe translates this into her own text while Schindler wows with pages that look like a medieval illuminated manuscript.
Beebe’s work is both entertaining and educational as children are drawn to the unique and humorous story while also being exposed to the medieval production of books. The text is not dummied down for the youth and retains some of the historical accuracy in the speech. Meanwhile, there are ample opportunities for children to ask parents about monks, abbots, illuminations, etc. The light pace/storyline is maintained for pleasure but parents will be pleased with the history lesson.
Parents need not worry that “Brother Hugo and the Bear” is religious in tone. Yes, the characters are monks but the main point is about penning books which was one of the services of monks during this time period. There is no push regarding Christianity or talk of a God.
Also notable is the attraction of “Brother Hugo and the Bear” for children who enjoy medieval themes but are tired of the overdone strand of kings/queens, princes/princesses, and castles. Beebe chooses a different route which makes “Brother Hugo and the Bear” a strong, stark contrast.
Schindler’s illustrations are also strong, capturing the beauty of illuminations in a kid-friendly version but without turning it into fluff. There are wondrous small details for both children and parents to marvel at.
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” concludes with a historical note explaining the accuracy of the tale plus a glossary of key terms. Both the author and illustrator notes are also worth reading, as these all come together to strengthen the history lesson.
Let’s be frank: parents oftentimes read a book to children while thinking, “This is so dumb” in their heads. That is not the case with “Brother Hugo and the Bear”, as it is a delight for adults, as well (especially those interested in the medieval period).
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” is a lovely tale with beautiful images which will satisfy adults and children. It is definitely one to pick up for the kiddos!
January 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The story is based on a true story so it presents a real problem, and interesting solution. The story is lighthearted and engaging. The notes at the end serve to bring the book alive. What I really enjoyed in addition to the story were the illustrations. I found this book while studying illuminated lettering. I found this book to be a good example of what illuminated lettering looks like in the 21st-century. Not too complex, but still detailed and attractive and, most of all, pertinent to the text. They make a really good examples, especially if kids are going to try and come up with their own illuminated lettering.
The one concern I did have about the book that ordinarily would totally put me off is that the English grammar is so bad. It seems the book attempted to create some pseudo-medieval language patterns. She is inconsistent from page to page, and the attempts at medieval language are not true to the actual patterns of that language in history. So I would classify this as a failed attempt to imitate medieval English. However, the story, illustrations, and back material are worth putting up with that.
UPDATE: I went back several weeks later and re-read this book. The attempt to use Merryville English did not strike me so badly this time around. Perhaps I just wasn’t expecting it when I first read the book.
The one concern I did have about the book that ordinarily would totally put me off is that the English grammar is so bad. It seems the book attempted to create some pseudo-medieval language patterns. She is inconsistent from page to page, and the attempts at medieval language are not true to the actual patterns of that language in history. So I would classify this as a failed attempt to imitate medieval English. However, the story, illustrations, and back material are worth putting up with that.
UPDATE: I went back several weeks later and re-read this book. The attempt to use Merryville English did not strike me so badly this time around. Perhaps I just wasn’t expecting it when I first read the book.
January 12, 2022
A bear ate a copy of St. Augustine's Letters, which a monk had borrowed from his monastery. Thus we are motivated into the educational side of this story, as the monk is ordered by his abbot to replace it by borrowing another copy and going through the many steps required in medieval times to make a book. But in the distance, we hear the snuffling of the bear, now having acquired a taste for literature...
This is similar to Marguerite Makes a Book, though with less detail on the actual book-making part. I expect them to pair well together.
I would've preferred more details in the book-making process, but the story does flow well and I freely admit that, as an oldie, I am not exactly the audience for whom Brother Hugo and the Bear was written. Looking forward to trying this out on the kids.
UPDATE: I did try it out on the DD1(8),DS2(6),DD2(4), who all enjoyed it. I will definitely look for more by Beebe.
This is similar to Marguerite Makes a Book, though with less detail on the actual book-making part. I expect them to pair well together.
I would've preferred more details in the book-making process, but the story does flow well and I freely admit that, as an oldie, I am not exactly the audience for whom Brother Hugo and the Bear was written. Looking forward to trying this out on the kids.
UPDATE: I did try it out on the DD1(8),DS2(6),DD2(4), who all enjoyed it. I will definitely look for more by Beebe.
January 4, 2022
Love everything about this one. A great picture book to introduce kids to the process of creating illuminated manuscripts. Would go excellently with Marguerite Makes a Book.
September 16, 2015
The best part about this book is that it's based on a true story!
At first the tale seems farfetched. A manuscript eaten by a bear and needing to be replaced. Then we find out all the stages in creating a book during this time period (so much work!). Of course returning the library book becomes the problem - made more difficult by a bear who has gotten a taste for words.
I thought the story fun and interesting initially. But reading the notes at the end brought the whole thing alive and left me wondering about Brother Hugo and his problem with the bear. I wish I could read the letter that this was based on.
The illustrations and format are perfect for the story. I admire the work it tok to create this piece with such accuracy - without losing whimsy or fun. Excellent all around, and a new one for the favorites shelf!
At first the tale seems farfetched. A manuscript eaten by a bear and needing to be replaced. Then we find out all the stages in creating a book during this time period (so much work!). Of course returning the library book becomes the problem - made more difficult by a bear who has gotten a taste for words.
I thought the story fun and interesting initially. But reading the notes at the end brought the whole thing alive and left me wondering about Brother Hugo and his problem with the bear. I wish I could read the letter that this was based on.
The illustrations and format are perfect for the story. I admire the work it tok to create this piece with such accuracy - without losing whimsy or fun. Excellent all around, and a new one for the favorites shelf!
April 15, 2014
i had the opportunity to read this book thanks to the goodreads giveaway, and i love it.
i recommend this children's book for anyone who likes this imaginative tales and illustration. in fact, just right after i read, i lent it to my friend who's working on some book too, and she also loved it!
it's a funny book with amazing traditional illustrations and a interesting vocabulary.
congratulations on this book!
would love to see more like this.
i recommend this children's book for anyone who likes this imaginative tales and illustration. in fact, just right after i read, i lent it to my friend who's working on some book too, and she also loved it!
it's a funny book with amazing traditional illustrations and a interesting vocabulary.
congratulations on this book!
would love to see more like this.
May 29, 2014
Love the illustrations but really am not sure who the audience is for this book.
May 2, 2018
OH NOOO BROTHER HUGO OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
(Hugo is fine. BUT ALL THOSE BOOKS.)
This is an excellent kids books which is hilarious to all ages, and probably will be way more distressing to history-majoring-adults than it will be to smalls.
(Hugo is fine. BUT ALL THOSE BOOKS.)
This is an excellent kids books which is hilarious to all ages, and probably will be way more distressing to history-majoring-adults than it will be to smalls.
July 23, 2014
This beautifully illustrated book about monks in the Twelfth Century echoes the look of manuscripts they produced.
According to a Historical Note at the end of the book, this story was inspired by correspondence between Peter the Venerable of the Benedictine monastery of Cluny, and Prior Guigo of the Cistercian priory of La Grande Chartreuse. Peter wanted a loan to replace a book:
"… send to us, if it pleases you, the great volume of letters by the holy father Augustine, which contains his letters to Saint Jerome, and Saint Jerome's to him. For it happens that the greater part of our volume was eaten by a bear.”
In this adaptation, Brother Hugo confesses to the Abbot that he cannot return the letters of St. Augustine to the library:
"‘Father Abbot,’ said Brother Hugo, ‘truly, the words of St. Augustine are as sweet as honeycomb to me. But I am afraid they were much the sweeter to the bear.”
Brother Hugo is sent to fetch another copy of St. Augustine from the brothers at the Grande Chartreuse, and assigned with copying the hand-written, illuminated, and bound volume. When he is done, he must return the one he borrowed. The story recounts his painstaking work, simultaneously teaching readers how these books were made.
The story continues with Brother Hugo setting out for the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse to return the original. But the bear, finding the words of St. Augustine irresistible, is following him also, adding both drama and humor to the story.
The only part that gave me pause was a picture of sheep next to Brother Caedmon providing a “fluffy sheepskin” to Brother Hugo. One would think this might bother some of the aged 5-9 recommended audience who might ask about or figure out the fate of those sweet-looking fluffy sheep.
The illustrations by S.D. Schindler are delightful, and quite apt. The capital letters of each paragraph, for example, are illuminated in gold-colored ink and wash and adorned with embellishments in the style reminiscent of actual medieval illuminators. The capital letters as well as the bright white background set off the muted tones of the pictures.
In addition to the Historical Note at the book’s end, there is also a glossary, an Author’s Note, and an Illustrator’s Note.
Evaluation: Overall a fun story and great way for children to learn about some aspects of medieval life.
Rating: 3.5/5
According to a Historical Note at the end of the book, this story was inspired by correspondence between Peter the Venerable of the Benedictine monastery of Cluny, and Prior Guigo of the Cistercian priory of La Grande Chartreuse. Peter wanted a loan to replace a book:
"… send to us, if it pleases you, the great volume of letters by the holy father Augustine, which contains his letters to Saint Jerome, and Saint Jerome's to him. For it happens that the greater part of our volume was eaten by a bear.”
In this adaptation, Brother Hugo confesses to the Abbot that he cannot return the letters of St. Augustine to the library:
"‘Father Abbot,’ said Brother Hugo, ‘truly, the words of St. Augustine are as sweet as honeycomb to me. But I am afraid they were much the sweeter to the bear.”
Brother Hugo is sent to fetch another copy of St. Augustine from the brothers at the Grande Chartreuse, and assigned with copying the hand-written, illuminated, and bound volume. When he is done, he must return the one he borrowed. The story recounts his painstaking work, simultaneously teaching readers how these books were made.
The story continues with Brother Hugo setting out for the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse to return the original. But the bear, finding the words of St. Augustine irresistible, is following him also, adding both drama and humor to the story.
The only part that gave me pause was a picture of sheep next to Brother Caedmon providing a “fluffy sheepskin” to Brother Hugo. One would think this might bother some of the aged 5-9 recommended audience who might ask about or figure out the fate of those sweet-looking fluffy sheep.
The illustrations by S.D. Schindler are delightful, and quite apt. The capital letters of each paragraph, for example, are illuminated in gold-colored ink and wash and adorned with embellishments in the style reminiscent of actual medieval illuminators. The capital letters as well as the bright white background set off the muted tones of the pictures.
In addition to the Historical Note at the book’s end, there is also a glossary, an Author’s Note, and an Illustrator’s Note.
Evaluation: Overall a fun story and great way for children to learn about some aspects of medieval life.
Rating: 3.5/5
May 28, 2014
Brother Hugo’s library book is due, but he can’t return it because it was eaten by a bear! So Brother Hugo is instructed that he must create a new copy of the book. First, Brother Hugo has to go to the monastery of the Grand Chartreuse where they have a copy of the book. On the way, he can hear the bear snuffling behind him, but manages to reach the monastery and safety in time. On his return to his own monastery, he can hear the bear snoring in his sleep, so he hurries back. Then the real work begins, but he has the help of his fellow monks. They must get a sheepskin, stretch it and scrape it, get parchment paper, and get them ready to write upon. Then comes making the pens and inks that will be required. Finally, Brother Hugo must sit and copy the book word for word. Finally, the book has to be bound. As he worked, Brother Hugo could hear the bear and the snuffling. When the book was completed, the monks offered Brother Hugo a clever way to get to Grand Chartreuse safely despite the word-hungry bear, but even with their help Hugo finds himself face-to-face again with the great beast looking for books.
In this book, Beebe has created a fascinating look at the treasure and value of books and the efforts that it once took to create them by hand. By inserting the question of the bear into the book, the story moves ahead very effectively, offering a nice plot point in what could have been a much quieter tale of book making. The bear also offers a touch of humor into the story, for even those of us who agree that books and words are as sweet as honey will be amazed at this bear’s appetite for books.
Schindler’s art incorporates word art that hearkens back to illuminated texts such as the one that Brother Hugo recreates in the book. Done in fine lines and with precision, the art is detailed and adds much to the story. I particularly enjoy the scenes of Brother Hugo crossing the countryside, because they clearly evoke a different time and place.
This historical fiction nicely incorporates how books were once made into a tale filled with gentle humor and one hungry bear. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
In this book, Beebe has created a fascinating look at the treasure and value of books and the efforts that it once took to create them by hand. By inserting the question of the bear into the book, the story moves ahead very effectively, offering a nice plot point in what could have been a much quieter tale of book making. The bear also offers a touch of humor into the story, for even those of us who agree that books and words are as sweet as honey will be amazed at this bear’s appetite for books.
Schindler’s art incorporates word art that hearkens back to illuminated texts such as the one that Brother Hugo recreates in the book. Done in fine lines and with precision, the art is detailed and adds much to the story. I particularly enjoy the scenes of Brother Hugo crossing the countryside, because they clearly evoke a different time and place.
This historical fiction nicely incorporates how books were once made into a tale filled with gentle humor and one hungry bear. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
June 1, 2014
This is not your typical children's book. According to the publisher, Eerdman, this book is appropriate for ages 5 to 9. At first blush, I didn't really see where it would be a book a 5 year old would love. However, since there is a bear to find in every illustration, I've changed my mind.
I do like that as you read this book to a child, they are going to learn a lot. Behind the story of the bear eating books, you learn about monks, about how books were made in historical times and about how friends help friends when they have a large task to do. The prose is also written in a humorous fashion, which gives charm to the tale.
I like the language in Brother Hugo. It's old fashioned, set in the historical time frame of the story itself. (I am always a sucker for "old-fashioned" language anyway. I think it's quaint, and I guess people were just way smarter than us way back when, since they seem to have a better command of the English language than we do today.)
An added plus for me is the Author's Note and Illustrator's Note at the end. The notes are clearly written for young readers and stays with the theme of the book.
I thank Goodreads and Eerdman's for my free copy. It's always great fun to be a Goodreads winner! I will be keeping this book to enjoy with my granddaughter in future years.
I do like that as you read this book to a child, they are going to learn a lot. Behind the story of the bear eating books, you learn about monks, about how books were made in historical times and about how friends help friends when they have a large task to do. The prose is also written in a humorous fashion, which gives charm to the tale.
I like the language in Brother Hugo. It's old fashioned, set in the historical time frame of the story itself. (I am always a sucker for "old-fashioned" language anyway. I think it's quaint, and I guess people were just way smarter than us way back when, since they seem to have a better command of the English language than we do today.)
An added plus for me is the Author's Note and Illustrator's Note at the end. The notes are clearly written for young readers and stays with the theme of the book.
I thank Goodreads and Eerdman's for my free copy. It's always great fun to be a Goodreads winner! I will be keeping this book to enjoy with my granddaughter in future years.
September 9, 2015
Brother Hugo and the Bear is a charming hardcover book that tells the fictional tale of a monk named Hugo and the bear he encountered one day. Lent was just beginning, and brother Hugo had a book due at the monastery library. However, he could not return it, because a bear had eaten it. It sounds a lot like "The dog ate my homework" excuse. The abbot in charge of the monastery gave him the task/penance of going to another monastery to borrow a copy of the missing book and transcribing a replacement copy. This is a tough task to do, let alone in 40 days, so his brother monks help him. It is in this book that we learn the many steps that went into making a book in that day and age. There was sheepskin to be turned into pages, feathers to be turned into quills, and ink to be made. Brother Hugo learned a lesson about brotherhood and that many hands make light work. Once he finishes the book, he must return the original back to the other monastery, but the bear begins to follow him again. If you want to find out if he made it, you'll have to buy the book. This was a beautiful book that is equally entertaining and educational. I especially enjoyed the illustrations, as it felt like reading an older book with gilded and embellished letters. At the end of the book, you will find a historical note as well as glossary to further your child's knowledge on the subject of making books/manuscripts in the 12th century. Five stars!
April 28, 2014
This is hilarious!!!
This is a must-read book. The story is engaging! Love the glossary at the end of the book, and love the colofrul illustration. It's a perfect book to read to your little one at night or any time of day. What's nicer is that it has a historical dicussion about monks and manuscripts. Really very informative. My son's eyes bulged when I explained to him how paper was made, and how people from the ancient times wrote, since it was mentioned in the book. It's also a perfect gift for kids and kids-at-heart who have a great sense of humor.
When I reached the end, I was like, "What just happened?" Then I closed the book. Then I opened it again and re-read the ending. That's when I laughed out loud.
I'm just reminded of the similarity of the bear with people who have a love for books. I know the feeling. If a book is good, it's like we're devouring the contents of the book. I totally get where you're coming from, Mr. Bear.
Thank you to Goodreads who picked me as one of the winners for a free copy of this book and thanks so much to Katy Beebe for such a wonderful book.
This is a must-read book. The story is engaging! Love the glossary at the end of the book, and love the colofrul illustration. It's a perfect book to read to your little one at night or any time of day. What's nicer is that it has a historical dicussion about monks and manuscripts. Really very informative. My son's eyes bulged when I explained to him how paper was made, and how people from the ancient times wrote, since it was mentioned in the book. It's also a perfect gift for kids and kids-at-heart who have a great sense of humor.
When I reached the end, I was like, "What just happened?" Then I closed the book. Then I opened it again and re-read the ending. That's when I laughed out loud.
I'm just reminded of the similarity of the bear with people who have a love for books. I know the feeling. If a book is good, it's like we're devouring the contents of the book. I totally get where you're coming from, Mr. Bear.
Thank you to Goodreads who picked me as one of the winners for a free copy of this book and thanks so much to Katy Beebe for such a wonderful book.
January 29, 2015
3.4 stars
It’s tough to be a monk in the Middle Ages and have a bear eat the book by St. Augustine that you were supposed to return to the religious library. So the monk, as a penance, has to borrow a copy of the same book from a different monastery and copy the book by hand which, of course, is how books were duplicated then. The weary monk is Brother Hugo and his fellow monks are very kind to him and offer him as much assistance as they can.
At last he is finished, and he leaves to return the book to the other monastery. Again, the bear ambushes him and eats the book---the very one that he borrowed. The monks from the neighboring monastery remind him that his borrowed book is due---and the cycle begins again.
It has a kind of library humor because of the books bring "due". The illustrations are drawn somewhat in the style of illuminated manuscripts.
Even though it is a picture book, younger children would need some background information in order to enjoy the book. It would work well with older students as part of a medieval social studies unit.
It’s tough to be a monk in the Middle Ages and have a bear eat the book by St. Augustine that you were supposed to return to the religious library. So the monk, as a penance, has to borrow a copy of the same book from a different monastery and copy the book by hand which, of course, is how books were duplicated then. The weary monk is Brother Hugo and his fellow monks are very kind to him and offer him as much assistance as they can.
At last he is finished, and he leaves to return the book to the other monastery. Again, the bear ambushes him and eats the book---the very one that he borrowed. The monks from the neighboring monastery remind him that his borrowed book is due---and the cycle begins again.
It has a kind of library humor because of the books bring "due". The illustrations are drawn somewhat in the style of illuminated manuscripts.
Even though it is a picture book, younger children would need some background information in order to enjoy the book. It would work well with older students as part of a medieval social studies unit.
July 6, 2015
Wherein in a bear who is hungry for tasty books causes Brother Hugo to have to recopy an entire book by hand. This book has the feel of a charming folktale by Tomie DePaola. The simple story builds tension as key phrases are repeated when the bear pursues ever more tasty pieces of parchment from the monastery.
Along the way, the illustrations and text show how books were once made--the painstaking efforts that went into the process shows readers why it is so upsetting when a bear eats a book. Helpful historical notes, glossary, author's note, and illustrator's note appear at the end of the book and offer even more interesting insights into the process of medieval bookmaking and how it compares to modern day publishing.
As a librarian, I also appreciated the references to returning borrowed books on time!
Along the way, the illustrations and text show how books were once made--the painstaking efforts that went into the process shows readers why it is so upsetting when a bear eats a book. Helpful historical notes, glossary, author's note, and illustrator's note appear at the end of the book and offer even more interesting insights into the process of medieval bookmaking and how it compares to modern day publishing.
As a librarian, I also appreciated the references to returning borrowed books on time!
February 5, 2015
One of my favorite picture books of 2014.
August 22, 2014
Beautifully illustrated. Fascinating back story. I'm not sure how it will play with kids, though.
March 10, 2023
A blurb about this book on the internet caught my eye, so I decided to get it from interlibrary loan. Boy oh boy am I glad I did! It is a beautifully illustrated children's book based on a true account by Peter the Venerable, abbot of Cluny, a Benedictine monastery. It seems an illuminated manuscript about St. Augustine's life was somehow eaten by a bear. In a letter to another monastery Peter asks for the loan of another copy of the manuscript so it can be copied. "Brother Hugo and the Bear" is Beebe's way of filling in the backstory on this small piece of history that would have been unknown without her intervention and her telling is simply wonderful. Her book is informational, but it is also a lot of fun and the illustrations by S.D. Schindler are exquisite. What a gem!
February 18, 2023
I gave this book four stars because when I was reading it, I did have a little bit of a hard time trying to understand the English Language (how it was written). I do believe that if I read it more than once, I will be able to understand what is going on. A book that Hugo was using has been devoured by a bear so, it is Hugo's job to replace it before anyone noticed. But I do find it interesting that this book is based on a note found on a twelfth century manuscript. But overall, this was my first time reading this book and I am so glad I did. I recommend this book to anyone who has not read it before. It is definitely worth a read.
June 10, 2025
This book was available on a Hoopla BingePass via my library. It’s a narrated video that uses the illustrations and “animates” them.
My 2-year-old son picked this book based on the cover. I guess it was the bear? This is not something I would have ever expected him to enjoy, but he was drawn to it! We watched it twice in a row!
It’s a silly story that uses flowery, advanced vocabulary in its humor. One of my favorite lines of the book is this: The bear smiled, “as bears are wont to do.” I liked that it introduces kids to a way of using formal language to convey humor.
This was a really wildcard book for me, but my 2-year-old loved it, and you can’t argue with that!
My 2-year-old son picked this book based on the cover. I guess it was the bear? This is not something I would have ever expected him to enjoy, but he was drawn to it! We watched it twice in a row!
It’s a silly story that uses flowery, advanced vocabulary in its humor. One of my favorite lines of the book is this: The bear smiled, “as bears are wont to do.” I liked that it introduces kids to a way of using formal language to convey humor.
This was a really wildcard book for me, but my 2-year-old loved it, and you can’t argue with that!
May 26, 2019
I heckin loved this book. The charming story is perfectly complimented by detailed "illumination-style" illustrations. The faux-Middle English prose was a fun nod to classic medieval romances, and the end made me laugh out loud in the library. If you're reading with younger children, have them help you find the bear in every picture!
As an adult, I don't know that I'm exactly the target age here, but I don't think younger me would have appreciated as much what a love letter this story is. Hope to read it to my own kids/nieces/nephews/clone children/whatever someday
As an adult, I don't know that I'm exactly the target age here, but I don't think younger me would have appreciated as much what a love letter this story is. Hope to read it to my own kids/nieces/nephews/clone children/whatever someday
October 26, 2023
Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe is recommended for ages five through nine years old, but I do not agree with that book. This children's book has too much advanced language and historical terms in it to read it to little kids. You would spend so much time teaching the language used in it, they would forget what the book is even about. I think this book could maybe be used for middle school grade levels, because they might be advanced enough to understand the terminology. Otherwise, the illustrations definitely added a needed factor to the story and made it more interesting.
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December 11, 2023This book is quite odd, though it is truly intriguing to read. It is based off of what seems to be a real story of how an historical record was eaten by a bear, and Katy Beebe did a wonderful job making this what would seem, horrific, story into a funny and entertaining story for young readers. The book also offers historical notes, a glossary and notes from the author and illustrator, which allows readers and teachers to dig deeper into the original story and other history. Overall, this is a great read and it is a very clever book for readers who need a story that is true but seems bizare.
November 27, 2020
This was a delightfully funny book! A poor monk is in trouble because a bear has eaten his library book and he must borrow another copy from a neighboring monastery and replicate it--word for word before the end of Lent. But, it appear that once a bear has a taste for parchment and ink, it's hard to break him of the habit (no pun intended!) so poor Brother Hugo must figure out how to escape the hungry attentions of a rather literary bear!
November 27, 2021
3.5 stars because I think I enjoyed this more than my kids would. I really enjoy the middle ages, calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, etc so this book was a great fit for that. I like the story about how the author came to write this as well as the historical note and glossary pages. It's a cute story but I think a lot of it would be lost on my kids unless we were studying that time period in history.
December 11, 2023
“Brother Hugo and the Bear” by Katy Beebe is an intriguing children’s book that involves much humor and adventure. The story is about a medieval monk named, Brother Hugo who must find a book that was borrowed from a neighboring monastery. However, Brother Hugo runs into trouble when a bear devours the precious book. Overall, the book engages young readers with its humorous story and dashing illustrations.
February 19, 2024
I'm not sure what a bear was doing eating books, but my husband assures me after 3 years of attempting to garden in bear country that they are cheeky bastards that will seemingly demolish anything precious to you, so I suppose it could happen. I loved the illuminated manuscript tidbits and the helpfulness of Brother Hugo's friends. This story has a lot of heart and, though predictable, hit all the right notes.
April 26, 2024
Enjoyable reading for readers of all ages, this endearing story skillfully blends humor, adventure, and history. The vivid and engrossing illustrations are the ideal match for the captivating narrative. Overall, it's a fun book that will make you smile, even though some of the parts felt a bit predictable. Anyone searching for a touching tale with a medieval twist should definitely check this one out.
April 28, 2024
"Brother Hugo and The Bear" by Katy Beebe is a fun filled story through medieval times that kids will love. When a bear ruins Brother Hugo's book, he's on a quest to replace it before anyone notices. Along the way, he meets some quirky characters and gets into some sticky situations. The illustrations are cute and colorful, adding to the charm of the story. It's a silly and sweet adventure that's perfect for young readers.
April 3, 2025
Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe is a clever and humorous tale that introduces young readers to medieval manuscript-making. As a future teacher, I appreciate how it blends history, literacy, and storytelling in an engaging way. The detailed illustrations and witty narrative make it a great resource for teaching about bookmaking and perseverance. While the pacing may be slow for some readers, it’s a unique and educational read-aloud.
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