Benji Davies is the illustrator of the Bizzy Bear books, Bizzy Bear: Let’s Go and Play and Bizzy Bear: Fun on the Farm. As a child, Benji knew that when he grew up he either wanted to make films or draw pictures in books. He is still working out which he likes best, and currently divides his time between illustrating children’s books and directing animation.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
This interactive Halloween board book is the latest of over fourteen Bizzy Bear adventures. Short rhyming phrases describe the wizard-garbed bear on his trek through the not-very-scary haunted house, “Bizzy Bear, Bizzy Bear, creaky stair. Bizzy Bear, Bizzy Bear, what’s that there?” There are five interactive tabs, one for each two page spread. Each operates differently. The tab on the cover slides open the door and at the same time reveals a friend peeping out of the window; another requires the reader to turn a circular inset to reveal witchy animals flying by on broomsticks. Made of heavy cardboard, the manipulatives seem sturdy enough to stand up to repeated use. Anything you didn’t like about it? There is no explanation for why the bear is named “Bizzy” Bear. It seems a shame to get kids used to seeing the word ‘busy’ misspelled unless there is a reason for it.
Bizzy Bear is on his way to a haunted house on Halloween. Creaky stairs and spooky sounds, ghostly figures all await to be discovered. Bizzy Bear is so dang cute! Even when he is trying to be spooky. The artist adds clever unexpected illustrations to the interactive parts, keeping the interest going.
Halloween time board book with push and pull tabs and sliders. More sturdy than a pop up story book. Delightful adventure. Cute and colorful illustrations.
I didn’t realize this was one of many Bizzy Bear books, I need to get more! My kids love this Halloween book, it’s sturdy and interactive! One of their Halloween favorites. Best for ages 1-5