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Deep in the Woods
Deep in the woods is a little wooden house, with nine neat windows and a red front door. When a little mouse decides it will make the perfect home, so do the other animals in the wood - including a great big bear!
But will the bear be able to put everything right when their home comes tumbling down? Find out in this beautifully illustrated retelling of a classic Russian folk tale.
But will the bear be able to put everything right when their home comes tumbling down? Find out in this beautifully illustrated retelling of a classic Russian folk tale.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2017
2 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 30, 2018
Slight, brightly-colored "folk tale" (no notes provided) that is not about being deep in the woods but about animals happily sharing a small but crowded house. Yay cooperation!
I did not care for either the writing or the illustration, although I appreciate the positive message.
Aside: I learned of artist Christopher Corr from his cover illustration for
so it was a little odd to search online and find that everything else he's done is peppy and brightly colored and upbeat.
BE GLUMMER, MAN!
I did not care for either the writing or the illustration, although I appreciate the positive message.
Aside: I learned of artist Christopher Corr from his cover illustration for
so it was a little odd to search online and find that everything else he's done is peppy and brightly colored and upbeat.
BE GLUMMER, MAN!
August 17, 2019
Some animals come upon a little house in the woods, and decide to make it home. Their spirit of togetherness, and cooperation is put to the test when a big, ole bear shows up. This is another one where I liked the artwork more than the story. You'd tend to think that a "deep in the woods' story based on a Russian folktale would have a darker, more Jan Brettish feel, but Corr's illustrations are bright, and lively, and reminded me so much of Mexcan folk art.
An odd choice, I know, but I think it works.
An odd choice, I know, but I think it works.
March 13, 2018
So fun with great illustrations.
April 27, 2017
Whimsical, bright illustrations with a nice message about finding room for everyone.
February 16, 2019
Those illustrations! So vibrant. ❤️
November 27, 2024
I wouldn’t normally write a review of a children’s book, but I just wanted to share an anecdote. My kids like this one, they keep requesting it. But they continue to be frustrated that the number of windows in the house and the number of animals living there do not match up. 🤣
August 2, 2021
My fondness for neon inks biases me in this book's favor: I absolutely loved the illustrations and colors. I also enjoyed the contrast between the colors you'd expect to see used in the story (which involves lots of woodland creatures and is set . . . deep in the woods) and the colors Corr used. The story was fine, the kind of folktale that's enjoyable to read aloud to small children who enjoy repetition and simple language, but the artwork is the real draw here.
May 18, 2017
While this is a good story about friendship and working together to find happiness for everyone, I wasn't tremendously thrilled with the presentation or the text itself. The colors are bright neon and can be hard on the eyes. The presentation of the cover makes it feel like a traditional folk tale, however, which I did like.
May 25, 2017
A folktale in which an inviting little wooden house in the woods becomes home to a mouse, a frog, a rabbit, a beaver, a fox, a rooster, a deer, a red squirrel, an owl, 2 magpies, and a woodpecker. They all live there happily until a big brown bear wants to move in. Try as the bear might though, he just doesn't fit, and when he tries to live on the roof, the little house collapses.
In the end, the only thing left to do is to rebuild, but this time Bear constructs a house that is able to fit all the animals, himself included.
I'm not familiar with this folktale, though there's not much action here, so I'm not sure if that's all there is to this tale or if it's just the retelling that is so straightforward. The big draw for me was the artwork with all of the woodland details and the vibrant pops of color.
PreK-2.
In the end, the only thing left to do is to rebuild, but this time Bear constructs a house that is able to fit all the animals, himself included.
I'm not familiar with this folktale, though there's not much action here, so I'm not sure if that's all there is to this tale or if it's just the retelling that is so straightforward. The big draw for me was the artwork with all of the woodland details and the vibrant pops of color.
PreK-2.
December 8, 2020
The illustrations are delightful. They remind me of Oaxacan painted wood figures. And the vibrant colors are just my cup of tea. Love it!
Read
September 19, 2020Incredibly striking and unique illustrations, honestly had a hard time reading because I couldn’t focus on the words over the beautiful color palettes of the pictures
March 23, 2018
Children in grades K-2 will love Deep in the Woods. As the folk tale opens, a cute, inviting little house sits empty and sad, deep in the woods. However, the house won’t be alone for long! A mouse stumbles upon the house, cleans it until it is squeaky clean, and moves in. But even the mouse won’t be alone for long! Page by page, other animals come knocking on the door, asking to live in the house. There is room for all of them, and the animals sing and dance and play into the night. However, when big brown bear comes knocking on the door, the animals tell him the house is too full. Big brown bear’s determination to get inside wreaks havoc on the little house, leaving the animals with a big problem to solve.
A modern version of a Russian folktale, Deep in the Woods is a wonderful story about friendship, sharing, problem-solving, and cooperation. Additionally, the book’s colorful and vibrant folk art brings the characters to life and adds a distinct richness to the tale. With its melodic writing, positive themes, and incredible pictures, Deep in the Woods is one of my new favorite folk tales.
Additionally, there are many ways K-2 teachers could use Deep in the Woods in the classroom:
• To teach students about folk tales: Teachers could provide a mini-lesson on folk tales, explaining that they are stories passed down through many generations to entertain, teach a lesson or teach people about their history. After reading the book aloud, the teacher could have the students discuss why the author wrote this story. What was his purpose? What was he trying to teach us?
• As part of a mini-lesson on problem-solving and cooperation: After reading the folk tale aloud, the teacher could engage the students in a discussion about problem-solving and cooperation, asking questions such as “What is the problem in this story?”, “How did the animals solve the problem?”, and “How could the animals have solved the problem earlier?”
• As part of a mini-lesson on using selective repetition in fiction writing: When each animal sees the house, it notices the house’s “nine neat windows and red front door”, says the house looks like the “perfect home”, and asks the other animals “have you got room?”. Before reading the story aloud, the teacher could ask the students to pay attention to the authors’ words, listening to see if he uses the same words or sentences throughout the book. After reading the tale aloud, the teacher could have the students discuss what they heard. They could also discuss what they think about this type of writing. Does it help the reader? Does it make the story more interesting or easier to follow? Why or why not?
A modern version of a Russian folktale, Deep in the Woods is a wonderful story about friendship, sharing, problem-solving, and cooperation. Additionally, the book’s colorful and vibrant folk art brings the characters to life and adds a distinct richness to the tale. With its melodic writing, positive themes, and incredible pictures, Deep in the Woods is one of my new favorite folk tales.
Additionally, there are many ways K-2 teachers could use Deep in the Woods in the classroom:
• To teach students about folk tales: Teachers could provide a mini-lesson on folk tales, explaining that they are stories passed down through many generations to entertain, teach a lesson or teach people about their history. After reading the book aloud, the teacher could have the students discuss why the author wrote this story. What was his purpose? What was he trying to teach us?
• As part of a mini-lesson on problem-solving and cooperation: After reading the folk tale aloud, the teacher could engage the students in a discussion about problem-solving and cooperation, asking questions such as “What is the problem in this story?”, “How did the animals solve the problem?”, and “How could the animals have solved the problem earlier?”
• As part of a mini-lesson on using selective repetition in fiction writing: When each animal sees the house, it notices the house’s “nine neat windows and red front door”, says the house looks like the “perfect home”, and asks the other animals “have you got room?”. Before reading the story aloud, the teacher could ask the students to pay attention to the authors’ words, listening to see if he uses the same words or sentences throughout the book. After reading the tale aloud, the teacher could have the students discuss what they heard. They could also discuss what they think about this type of writing. Does it help the reader? Does it make the story more interesting or easier to follow? Why or why not?
June 7, 2017
This picture book is a retelling of a classic Russian folktale. In the woods, there stands a little wooden house with nine windows and a red front door. When a little mouse discovers that it would make a perfect home, he is soon joined by several other animals until all of the windows and rooms are filled with happy animals living together. When a bear discovers the house though, he is far too large to even get in the red door. He keeps trying to enter the house and climbs onto the roof which collapses the house and smashes it. What can be done to fix everything?
Corr keeps the text nice and simple throughout the story, creating almost a cumulative tale as one animal after the other joins in the group living in the house. For each animal, there are repeated phrases used and they approach, ask to live there and are accepted one after the other. This repetition is nicely done, not overworked and will make the story work well for very small children. The bear’s approach cleverly breaks the pattern established and signals how different he is from the others immediately. The writing is smart and effective.
The cover of the book does not fully show the brightness of the illustrations inside. They are neon bright and almost light the page with their neon pinks, oranges and reds. The red door of the house is wildly bright as are the animals themselves. The illustrations have stylized elements like the sun in the sky and the different trees in the woods. Toadstools and mushrooms carpet the ground that can be yellow, green, purple or blue.
Wild colors add a modern touch to this traditional tale. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Corr keeps the text nice and simple throughout the story, creating almost a cumulative tale as one animal after the other joins in the group living in the house. For each animal, there are repeated phrases used and they approach, ask to live there and are accepted one after the other. This repetition is nicely done, not overworked and will make the story work well for very small children. The bear’s approach cleverly breaks the pattern established and signals how different he is from the others immediately. The writing is smart and effective.
The cover of the book does not fully show the brightness of the illustrations inside. They are neon bright and almost light the page with their neon pinks, oranges and reds. The red door of the house is wildly bright as are the animals themselves. The illustrations have stylized elements like the sun in the sky and the different trees in the woods. Toadstools and mushrooms carpet the ground that can be yellow, green, purple or blue.
Wild colors add a modern touch to this traditional tale. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
August 8, 2019
My oldest choose this book to read this summer. She did a literary walk (is where you look at all the pictures of the book to get an idea on what the book is about) to see if this book was something that she wanted to check out from the library.
"Deep in the Woods" by Christopher Corr was published in 2015. This is a retelling of the classic Russian folk tale Teremok. A house in the woods is a perfect place for a mouse to live when one day a knock on the door. A rabbit came to visit and the next day another animal. Little by little more animals arrive until the little house crashes to the ground.
The illustrations in this book are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. They are so colorful and whimsical that my kids loved looking at the illustrations over and over. I really wish the story line did not drag on as it was hard to keep all four of my children's attention. I did though like that it was from a different culture folk tale that I can teach my children about. All in all we liked reading it but it is not a book that we will keep in our own bookshelf.
"Deep in the Woods" by Christopher Corr was published in 2015. This is a retelling of the classic Russian folk tale Teremok. A house in the woods is a perfect place for a mouse to live when one day a knock on the door. A rabbit came to visit and the next day another animal. Little by little more animals arrive until the little house crashes to the ground.
The illustrations in this book are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. They are so colorful and whimsical that my kids loved looking at the illustrations over and over. I really wish the story line did not drag on as it was hard to keep all four of my children's attention. I did though like that it was from a different culture folk tale that I can teach my children about. All in all we liked reading it but it is not a book that we will keep in our own bookshelf.
October 17, 2017
Awards: n/a
Appropriate grade level(s): kindergarten-2nd grade
Summary: This book tells the story of a bunch of forest animals that live together in a little wooden house they found in the woods. When a bear tries to move in, he accidentally crushes the house. With everybody's help, they build a new house that they can all live in together.
Review: This was an adorable book about friendship and community. This book is full of very colorful illustrations that not only help keep the reader engaged, but make it easy for a child who may have trouble reading understand the story line. This book also has a lot of repetition which I think is helpful for emerging readers.
In-class uses:
-What types of animals live in the woods?
-Can be used to teach young writers how to summarize a story.
-The characteristics of a literary book.
Appropriate grade level(s): kindergarten-2nd grade
Summary: This book tells the story of a bunch of forest animals that live together in a little wooden house they found in the woods. When a bear tries to move in, he accidentally crushes the house. With everybody's help, they build a new house that they can all live in together.
Review: This was an adorable book about friendship and community. This book is full of very colorful illustrations that not only help keep the reader engaged, but make it easy for a child who may have trouble reading understand the story line. This book also has a lot of repetition which I think is helpful for emerging readers.
In-class uses:
-What types of animals live in the woods?
-Can be used to teach young writers how to summarize a story.
-The characteristics of a literary book.
May 5, 2023
I really like the illustrations in this book, I also love how descriptive it is I feel this is great to expose children to. I also feel that this story has a great message for children. The mouse is very helpful in the story which is a great message to the children. The animals are also very welcoming which is another aspect of the book that is great for children. However I was not the biggest fan of the repetition. I know some children like the tongue twisters but I feel like it discourages some children when they are reading because it can be tiring and difficult.
March 27, 2025
Deeps in the Woods by Christopher Corr is a vibrant, beautifully illustrated exploration of nature. As a future teacher, I appreciate how it engages young readers with its rich colors and rhythmic storytelling. The book’s ability to draw children into the wonders of the forest is exceptional, offering a sensory experience that both educates and entertains. However, the narrative feels a bit simplistic at times, leaving me wishing for a bit more depth. Still, it’s a fantastic choice for introducing children to the beauty of the natural world!
July 13, 2017
From the gorgeous colorful endpapers to the bright and dazzling illustrations, this is a beautifully designed book. A gentle tale about a variety of animals who despite being very unlike each other discover they can not only live together but can overcome a disaster by once again working together in order to not leave anyone out (especially a large bear who caused the house to fall down when he couldn’t fit inside.) Colors are like a brand new box of pastels of many shades.
November 3, 2021
Genre: Traditional Literature
Grade Level: K-2
The illustrations of this folktale were amazing. I loved the bright, neon colors and the folk art feel to each picture. I also loved how you can see some of the other animals in the pictures before they knock on the door. I know this would be fun to try to spot when reading this in a class. The story itself was simple and cute. Overall, I thought everything fit together well and I found this story enjoyable.
Grade Level: K-2
The illustrations of this folktale were amazing. I loved the bright, neon colors and the folk art feel to each picture. I also loved how you can see some of the other animals in the pictures before they knock on the door. I know this would be fun to try to spot when reading this in a class. The story itself was simple and cute. Overall, I thought everything fit together well and I found this story enjoyable.
April 30, 2023
One of the best parts about this book is the colorful illustrations. It makes the book feel fun and lively. The story is also really great, all of the animals came together happily to live in a house. They hit a bump in the road when the bear causes trouble, but eventually the bear apologizes by building all of the animals an even better house. Seeing and feeling a sense of community, alongside the beautiful illustrations, makes this a great story.
April 30, 2023
This books pictures were super colorful, which would draw attention to any young reader. I also think the message is portrayed well throughout the book. To me, I interpreted the message as something related to diversity, accepting all and working together in order to make something better. This book does a good job since all the varying types of animals come together and make a house that can fit them all!
November 21, 2024
In the book, Deep In The Woods, the pictures are very bright and appealing. This book is very lighthearted and magical. The animals are living in house together. The author describes the animals and the house with great details. This book teaches children about how to share like when all the animals had shared the space to live. This book also teaches children that when people come together they can have a good time and appreciate each other and to a make room for people.
May 16, 2017
A charming retelling of a cumulative Russian folktale about animals in the forest looking to inhabit a peaceful home together. Kids and adults alike will love the vintage-inspired illustrations with appealing lustrous hues. A fun pick for a bedtime story. Recommended for preschool thru 2nd grade. Reviewed by: Miss Alyson, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
September 14, 2017
neon bright, somewhat indian stylistically, detailed in places. ! animal friends one by one begin to live in a house with merriment. a bear wants to join but is too big. he climbs on top of the house, it falls, and all the animals are sad. He begins to build a new house and the animals join him. This one also fits him! Everyone celebrates!
November 16, 2017
I was captivated by this story and its pastel illustrations and the continuing addition of an animal to the house. No place in the book indicates that this is based on a Russian folktale, but the retelling definitely gives one that feeling. And who won't love those very tall pastel colored trees of this forest.
December 23, 2017
Russian folk tale of a bunch of animals joining one another to live in a deserted house. However, the bear doesn't fit and while he is trying to get in the house collapses. What will they all do now?
While the folk tale has a nice message the bright illustrations actually hurt my eyes and the retelling didn't draw me in.
While the folk tale has a nice message the bright illustrations actually hurt my eyes and the retelling didn't draw me in.
January 15, 2020
A folktale that is similar to Jan Brett's story of The Mitten. The animals find a lovely home in the woods and all move in. Then a bear arrives and crushes the house and all the animals cry as their beautiful house is destroyed. The bear feels horrible so he helps rebuild a home big enough for everyone and the animals help him build together.
September 27, 2023
The title of this Folk Tale is slightly misleading. I thought it would be scarier but was pleasantly surprised. I like the themes of working together and owning up to your mistakes and the anthropomorphized animals help tell it. The art work is absolutely stunning and the bright colors are attractive for young eyes. There is also great use of literary devices in the book which I appreciate.
December 3, 2024
This story is a very colorful book that takes readers on a journey through the forest seeing a bunch of different animals and where they live. This book encourages children to explore the sights and sounds of nature. It features so many bright and vibrant colors which really make the story entertaining.
April 20, 2025
Very easy book to read and follow along. It has great illustrations and characters elementary students can quickly recognize. I think this book is perfect and ideal for preschoolers and can be used when trying to teach preschool students about animals that live in the woods perhaps. Overall, I really liked this cute and lovable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews