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Mother Bruce #2
Hotel Bruce
When Bruce gets home from a southern migration trip with his goslings, he is tired. He is grumpy. And he is definitely not in the mood to share his home with the trio of mice who have turned his den into a hotel.
There's a possum pillow fight wreaking havoc in one room, a fox luring guests into a stew in the kitchen, and a snuggly crew of critters hogging the bed. Bruce growls and grumbles and tries to throw them all out, but the entrepreneurial mice just can't take a hint. Bruce is in a little over his head, especially once the goslings join the staff. Will this grumpy bear ever get his quiet, peaceful den back to himself?
There's a possum pillow fight wreaking havoc in one room, a fox luring guests into a stew in the kitchen, and a snuggly crew of critters hogging the bed. Bruce growls and grumbles and tries to throw them all out, but the entrepreneurial mice just can't take a hint. Bruce is in a little over his head, especially once the goslings join the staff. Will this grumpy bear ever get his quiet, peaceful den back to himself?
38 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2016
11 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
November 25, 2020
I am a Grumpy Bear Bruce fan, but it seems I'm reading these backwards. I have requested Mother Bruce, the first book from the library.
We have our same zany characters here in funny situations. The artwork is an inviting cartoon you want to see each week.
Bruce is the mother of 4 geese, so he buses south for the winter with them and that makes Bruce grumpy. He comes home and the mice are running a hotel out of his house, which also makes Bruce grumpy. I love the mice with Bruce. He might be mother to the geese, but the real gold is between Bruce and the mice. They have the best chemistry.
A fox is trying to cook up some turtles in a turtle stew by telling them its a spa treatment to clean their shells. That got me.
There is a new Bruce book coming out next year it looks like and I'm already on the wait list. This is a great series.
We have our same zany characters here in funny situations. The artwork is an inviting cartoon you want to see each week.
Bruce is the mother of 4 geese, so he buses south for the winter with them and that makes Bruce grumpy. He comes home and the mice are running a hotel out of his house, which also makes Bruce grumpy. I love the mice with Bruce. He might be mother to the geese, but the real gold is between Bruce and the mice. They have the best chemistry.
A fox is trying to cook up some turtles in a turtle stew by telling them its a spa treatment to clean their shells. That got me.
There is a new Bruce book coming out next year it looks like and I'm already on the wait list. This is a great series.
May 13, 2019
In case you missed the first book, Bruce the bear has grudgingly become mom to four geese. Each winter he travels south with them (even though he'd rather be hibernating). In Hotel Bruce, Bruce and his geese children have returned home in the spring only to discover that some mice have turned his house into a hotel.
Now it's entirely possible that some recent personal experiences have prejudiced me against the idea that mice taking over one's home is a cute idea (it's so totally not!). It's also possible that I'm just not a fan of willful misunderstandings to further plots. Whatever the case may be, I did not enjoy this story as much as the first.
There are still enough amusing bits to make me not hate this story, but love it I did not.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Now it's entirely possible that some recent personal experiences have prejudiced me against the idea that mice taking over one's home is a cute idea (it's so totally not!). It's also possible that I'm just not a fan of willful misunderstandings to further plots. Whatever the case may be, I did not enjoy this story as much as the first.
There are still enough amusing bits to make me not hate this story, but love it I did not.
3.5 stars rounded up.
November 30, 2017
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Every year Bruce travels south with his goslings on their migration to Miami. It is a tiring trip making him grumpy and longing for the peace and quiet of home. Instead he finds his den turned into a forest hotel run by a trio of mice. He suffers possum pillow fights, a fox trying to eat their guests and a moose hogging his bed until a bus full of new guests are too much!
I really enjoyed Mother Bruce and the cute concept. The art was just as good this time as well... in fact there were several spreads that were favorites of my nephew and I. We loved the fox and his meal attacking him and any of the spreads with the goslings, the mice and Bruce! We just love the rich illustrations and the funny things that happen around Bruce!
The words were difficult. My nephew has an easier time of reading longer books (or more words on each page) but these passages still had difficult to read and understand words. I had to stop and explain one word per page and not sure how much he will remember. An adult definitely has to read it with the child.
This time there also wasn't really a message either. It was more just a fun expansion on being grumpy except this time Bruce had really valid reasons to be grumpy. The goslings did get him to have compassion on the mice but there was no perceptible reason why or connection to the fact they turned his home into a hotel. Bruce is just a sucker like that... (As adults any old animal a child brings home is not allowed to stay so the story is laying the foundation of thinking that will potentially confuse a child.)
As a sequel I wish it stood as strong as the original but I think if your family enjoyed Mother Bruce then they will enjoy Hotel Bruce too!
BOTTOM LINE: A fun sequel to Mother Bruce!
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You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
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October 19, 2016Bruce the Bear is back from his southern migration with his geese friends and ready to relax – but while he was away, three mice have turned his den into a hotel! What will Bruce do???? This is another delightfully charming installment in the Bruce series, and like the first book, full of great stuff for kids and grownups.
Backlist bump: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Tune in to our weekly podcast dedicated to all things new books, All The Books: http://bookriot.com/listen/shows/allt...
Backlist bump: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Tune in to our weekly podcast dedicated to all things new books, All The Books: http://bookriot.com/listen/shows/allt...
July 25, 2017
I LOVED the first book Mother Bruce and hoped for such awesomeness with the second. It was cute but not as cute as the first. It just lacked....something! Still look forward to more!
June 22, 2016
Okay, I read this at work a month or so ago, but since I just ordered it today, I'm finally coming forward to say: if you love Mother Bruce you'll love this. Maybe not with the same intensity, but it's still wonderful. One of the great joys of these books is that they are will tickle both kids and parents, who will be able to tolerate reading these again and again.
August 30, 2017
Poor Bruce! As if the grumpy bear wasn't burdened enough by having his goslings to raise, now his home has become a hotel!
I love how this book has jokes for kids and adults, but not naughty ones. Just a sort of wry, dry humor that appeals to older readers, while the kids are entertained by the basics of the story and the wonderful pictures. Really, the illustrations are like nothing else around right now, with rich colors and a sort of rough yet detailed look.
I love how this book has jokes for kids and adults, but not naughty ones. Just a sort of wry, dry humor that appeals to older readers, while the kids are entertained by the basics of the story and the wonderful pictures. Really, the illustrations are like nothing else around right now, with rich colors and a sort of rough yet detailed look.
October 29, 2016
Team Bruce all the way.
July 20, 2020
The art is great, full of character and hilarious. The story is funny and relatable. I laughed out loud multiple times.
November 28, 2018
The ursine hero of
Mother Bruce
returns in this second humorous picture-book from Ryan T. Higgins, coming home from his winter in Florida with the goslings to discover that some enterprising mice have moved into his home in the meantime, and turned it into a hotel. After a night and day of ceaseless annoyance - a variety of noisy creatures sharing his bed, a fox and turtles disrupting his kitchen - Bruce finally reaches the end of his patience, kicking everyone but the goslings out. But will he stick to his guns in the face of three despairing mice...?
Like its predecessor, Hotel Bruce relies on the long-suffering trials and tribulations of its titular hero to create a sense of fun, delivering a happy ending through Bruce's reluctant acceptance of the smaller creatures who have decided to make a life with him. The artwork here is every bit as charming as in the first book, but although the story was fairly engaging, somehow I didn't find this one as funny as Mother Bruce . So much of the humor here relies on a parallel with the first book, moreover, that it doesn't stand as well on its own as it perhaps should. Still, it is a book with appeal, particularly for children (and their adults) who like a little prickly humor in their stories. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed Higgins' first tale of this grouchy bear...
Like its predecessor, Hotel Bruce relies on the long-suffering trials and tribulations of its titular hero to create a sense of fun, delivering a happy ending through Bruce's reluctant acceptance of the smaller creatures who have decided to make a life with him. The artwork here is every bit as charming as in the first book, but although the story was fairly engaging, somehow I didn't find this one as funny as Mother Bruce . So much of the humor here relies on a parallel with the first book, moreover, that it doesn't stand as well on its own as it perhaps should. Still, it is a book with appeal, particularly for children (and their adults) who like a little prickly humor in their stories. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed Higgins' first tale of this grouchy bear...
April 29, 2019
Our library only had books #1 and #3 in e-book format, and I already read those, so I'm going back and trying to read the ones I missed in hardcover.
This is the second book in Bruce's series. It doesn't really stand on its own. I mean, I guess it can, but it's a lot more fun when you've read the first book and you understand the relationship between Bruce and his goslings. In this installment, he's just come back from taking the kids south (on a bus!) and returns to find that three enterprising mice have turned his house into a hotel. The intruders have even put up new wallpaper!
There are plenty of clever little things to look at in the pictures, and I loved the fox chef trying to coax the turtles into the "bath". Bruce's reaction is predictable, both for a bear and for someone who's had his space violated.
The only thing I'm not really sure about is the ending. It's kind of abrupt, and it almost seems like there's something missing. Having read the next book in the series--which is about the mice--I'm even more confused. I guess I'll have to read the fourth book to see what happens to Bruce and his family.
This is the second book in Bruce's series. It doesn't really stand on its own. I mean, I guess it can, but it's a lot more fun when you've read the first book and you understand the relationship between Bruce and his goslings. In this installment, he's just come back from taking the kids south (on a bus!) and returns to find that three enterprising mice have turned his house into a hotel. The intruders have even put up new wallpaper!
There are plenty of clever little things to look at in the pictures, and I loved the fox chef trying to coax the turtles into the "bath". Bruce's reaction is predictable, both for a bear and for someone who's had his space violated.
The only thing I'm not really sure about is the ending. It's kind of abrupt, and it almost seems like there's something missing. Having read the next book in the series--which is about the mice--I'm even more confused. I guess I'll have to read the fourth book to see what happens to Bruce and his family.
November 4, 2016
The story of grumpy Bruce Bear continues. Readers find Bruce bringing the Goslings back to the forest from having a fun-filled summer in Miami. But in their absence, their house has been taken over by mice that have turned it into a hotel! Bruce tries to go to bed only to find a moose, raccoon, porcupine, rabbit and various birds in his bed. In the morning he demands to see hotel management; the mice present themselves in ties. Bruce has had enough and begins to roar. The goslings translate for him and the mice finally understand why he's so upset.
In the meantime, a busload of elephants has shown up. By this time Bruce has begun to kick guests out including the mice/management. He is finally able to enjoy a meal in peace and quiet. That is until the goslings guilt him into allowing the mice back in as they are freezing in the rain outside.
Another great story from Higgins. Again recommended for a slightly older audience as the humor is a bit more advanced.
In the meantime, a busload of elephants has shown up. By this time Bruce has begun to kick guests out including the mice/management. He is finally able to enjoy a meal in peace and quiet. That is until the goslings guilt him into allowing the mice back in as they are freezing in the rain outside.
Another great story from Higgins. Again recommended for a slightly older audience as the humor is a bit more advanced.
July 3, 2017
The story of our favorite grumpy bear named Bruce continues as he returns from his southward migration to discover his home has been turned into a hotel by mice. Poor Bruce! Ryan Higgins is able to follow-up a fantastic story in Mother Bruce with another likeable, humorous journey with Bruce and his goslings. I don't know if I laughed aloud as much in this one, but I was still charmed and picture many kids loving the addition to the series.
June 26, 2018
Grace liked this, her favorite character is the bear (Bruce) because he says “ROOOOOAAAAAARRR!
December 8, 2018
Meh. I just don’t find it funny? I like the artwork, but feel sorry for Bruce.
November 10, 2022
Bruce was rather calm about everything. I would have lost it the moment I walked into the home lol.
September 9, 2017
Is it fashionable to have a grumpy adult in picture-books these days? I seem to have been reading a lot of them lately. But maybe I'm just lucky to find them all, because it is a theme I'm particularly interested in, as I'm getting crotchety myself.
In any case, thank you, Ryan, for writing this sequel to your wonderful Mother Bruce.
I love the details in the illustrations, especially things like how the geese fell asleep on the bus coming home in the spring, though it was the bear that missed his hibernation. And the "No Pets" sign that the mouse put on the wall. I think I'll have to think about the ending a bit.
In any case, thank you, Ryan, for writing this sequel to your wonderful Mother Bruce.
I love the details in the illustrations, especially things like how the geese fell asleep on the bus coming home in the spring, though it was the bear that missed his hibernation. And the "No Pets" sign that the mouse put on the wall. I think I'll have to think about the ending a bit.
December 31, 2019
L'histoire est drôle et j'ai eu bien de la peine pour Michel. On ne peut qu'éprouver un élan de sympathie pour cet ours à la bouille renfrognée qui se voit spolier son bien. « Ses petits » n'en ont strictement rien à faire, ils rejoignent d'ailleurs le personnel de l'hôtel, en toute impunité ^^. Les pauvres péripéties de Michel vont crescendo, l'auteur va de plus en plus dans l'abus, pour le bonheur de son lecteur et pour le malheur de son héros.
Mon avis complet : https://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/201...
Mon avis complet : https://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/201...
June 14, 2020
No help needed: hibernate, motherhood, turned, trouble, chirping, squirrels, chattering, grumbled, silverware, understood, elephant, thought, quiet, peaceful, visitors
Help needed: reluctantly, migrated, preferred, possums, luggage, manager, interrupted, commotion, disaster, accent, hire, translator
Help needed: reluctantly, migrated, preferred, possums, luggage, manager, interrupted, commotion, disaster, accent, hire, translator
November 8, 2018
Bruce the Black Bear with the adopted geese-children goes on vacation, only to return to a hotel run by mice. I love the mice, but Bruce makes me happy. What a grumpy, growling source of wonderfulness.
February 7, 2017
I didn't get nearly the kick out of this that I did from the first "Bruce" book, but the illustrations were charming and I always enjoy a picture book featuring a grumpy protagonist.
February 2, 2020
Hotel Bruce es el segundo ejemplar de una serie de libros ilustrados protagonizados por Bruce, el oso de la portada. En esta ocasión, Bruce se va al sur con cuatro gansos a los que cuida y cuando vuelve a casa descubre para su sorpresa que unos ratoncitos la han ocupado y la han convertido en un hotel para otros animales.
La edad recomendada para estos es libros es para niños de entre 1 y 5 años, y es una lectura muy entretenida para los más pequeños. Como es de esperar, la trama es muy sencillita, pero a pesar de ello es una historia que está muy bien.
La edad recomendada para estos es libros es para niños de entre 1 y 5 años, y es una lectura muy entretenida para los más pequeños. Como es de esperar, la trama es muy sencillita, pero a pesar de ello es una historia que está muy bien.
September 23, 2017
With hilarious expressions and adorable illustrations, this book is sure to entertain parents and children alike. This is the second book in the Bruce series and continues where the first book left off.
I love the images of the bear interacting with the many different kinds of animals and the expressions are just fabulous. The scene showing a fox trying to convince half a dozen turtles to get into the soup pot because "It's a bath! These veggies and spices are good for your shells!" (p. 21) is hilarious.
The hotel's new cadre of bellhops are wonderful - they have the cutest uniforms! And despite the predictable blowup that ultimately occurs at the end of the story, I love how the family has a discussion while sitting around the dinner table that results in the bear relenting somewhat.
Overall, it's a funny and heartwarming story and I really enjoyed reading it (a couple of times). I will certainly keep my eyes open for the release of the third book, which is expected to be published soon.
I love the images of the bear interacting with the many different kinds of animals and the expressions are just fabulous. The scene showing a fox trying to convince half a dozen turtles to get into the soup pot because "It's a bath! These veggies and spices are good for your shells!" (p. 21) is hilarious.
The hotel's new cadre of bellhops are wonderful - they have the cutest uniforms! And despite the predictable blowup that ultimately occurs at the end of the story, I love how the family has a discussion while sitting around the dinner table that results in the bear relenting somewhat.
Overall, it's a funny and heartwarming story and I really enjoyed reading it (a couple of times). I will certainly keep my eyes open for the release of the third book, which is expected to be published soon.
March 5, 2019
Originally reviewed on Lazy Day Literature
The Bruce series is quickly becoming one of our favorites. We keep rereading them over and over. Grumpy Bruce, the goslings, and the array of silly woodland creatures make us laugh as well as groan along with Bruce.
As we learned in Mother Bruce, Bruce must migrate to Miami with his goslings every winter instead of hibernating at home like he wants, so when he returns to his home being overrun by woodland creatures, he is pretty mad about it. It seems that a few mice have taken up residence and turned his cozy home into a bustling bed and breakfast!
There are more creatures in this book than usual but that just leaves us with even more funny situations. Bruce is not happy about sharing his bed with a moose or finding a frog in his toilet. What makes Bruce groan makes us laugh and there are plenty of laughs in the Bruce series for both children and adults!
The Bruce series is quickly becoming one of our favorites. We keep rereading them over and over. Grumpy Bruce, the goslings, and the array of silly woodland creatures make us laugh as well as groan along with Bruce.
As we learned in Mother Bruce, Bruce must migrate to Miami with his goslings every winter instead of hibernating at home like he wants, so when he returns to his home being overrun by woodland creatures, he is pretty mad about it. It seems that a few mice have taken up residence and turned his cozy home into a bustling bed and breakfast!
There are more creatures in this book than usual but that just leaves us with even more funny situations. Bruce is not happy about sharing his bed with a moose or finding a frog in his toilet. What makes Bruce groan makes us laugh and there are plenty of laughs in the Bruce series for both children and adults!
October 22, 2016
Another installment of Bruce the bear and his life with his adopted geese. This time a bunch of pesky mice take over his home turning it into a hotel! Well Bruce is not having any of that and tries to put an end to these shenanigans! A delightful and humorous tale.
January 18, 2018
Nice follow up. Great to see grumpy ol' Bruce again, making it all work for his nontraditional family, and carrying on in the face of life's many, many annoyances. Featuring special guest appearances from the Be Quiet mice.
January 3, 2018
They need to make a ton more of these !!!! Myself and my kids absolutely love Bruce !!!
October 20, 2017
Funny. Great illustrations. Fun to read.
February 18, 2018
Now we know where the mice come from. Makes more sense when these books are read in order of publication.
December 12, 2018
Bruce comes back from Florida only to find that his cave has been turned into a hotel by three mice. His kids betray him and go to work for the mice as bell hops.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews