Something's Wrong!: A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear

by Jory John, Erin Kraan (Illustrator)

A picture book about a bear whose friends help him make it through a bad day!

Jeff the bear has definitely forgotten something. He ate his breakfast, he watered his plant, he combed his fur...what could it be? Why does he feel so oddly off? So he asks his friend Anders the rabbit what could possibly be wrong. It couldn't have anything to do with the fact that he's wearing underwear...over his fur...could it?

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Friendship, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Jory John is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor recipient.

Jory's work includes the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, The Good Egg, and the #2 New York Times bestselling picture book, The Bad Seed, both illustrated by Pete Oswald. He is also the author of the popular picture books, Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems, both illustrated by Lane Smith, the award-winning Goodnight Already! series, illustrated by Benji Davies, the New York Times bestselling Terrible Two series, the recent picture books Quit Calling Me a Monster! (with Bob Shea), Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? (with Liz Climo), and the international bestseller, All my friends are dead, among many other books for both children and adults.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I judged this book by its cover HARD. I was not excited about reading it and it looked silly. I am trying to catch up on Jory John's books, so I read it last. It was funny and cute and much better than the cover. I went in thinking this will be a 2 star book at most. But Jory John is amazing and schooled me.

This book is all about embarrassing situations and underwear. If my nephew were still young, he would have loved this book and my bet is he would have wanted to read it again. Well, both niblings love this sort of humor.

I think this is the type of books kids will love.

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute! Definitely relatable! One time I went shopping and wore a dress inside out and nobody said a word to me! I only noticed it when I got home. How humiliating! I always tell people that they have food or lipstick stuck to their teeth. They felt embarrassed and thanked me. So this book, the bear was sweating trying to remember something that he forgot. I loved the part where his trusted friend came to the rescue and made other animals feel like they were the weird ones. The ending was awesome! The back of this book was just too cute not to smile!


Something's Wrong! followed a bear named Jeff. He woke up and went through his morning routine. As he left the house, he felt uneasy, like something's wrong but he couldn't remember what. He stopped to say hi to all the forest animals he passed by even though he was sweating on the inside, he tried to pretend nothing's amiss. Nobody commented anything to his face but he felt their stares. He decided to find his trusted friend Anders because he believed Anders will tell him if something's wrong. When he found Anders, Anders stuttered at the sight of Jeff!


Something's Wrong! was a great book! The illustrations were excellent. I loved all of the staring big eyes of the forest animals! I'm glad my son decided to read this book because it taught him how to be a trusted friend and to see how helpful having a trusted friend can be. I got to participate in the week long activities to promote the launch of this book with the publisher and my son enjoyed decorating the underwear, completing the maze, and spotting the difference between two pictures. I'm so glad to be a part of the book's excitement to its entrance into the world. (I'm most active on Instagram @howusefulitis so all of my extracurricular activities are on there). I highly recommend everyone to read this book!

xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details

Many thanks to MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

[Abby Johnson]

I mean, not my favorite of Jory John's? But animals + underpants = a sure bet with families who like funny picture books.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd enclose this is spoilers, but I bet you've already read reviews that give it away.

Love the lesson that we need to tell our friends and colleagues when they've made a mistake like this, or lipstick on teeth, or fly unzipped, or whatever. But that does not mean that the mistake should be seen as the start of a trend! I sure do hope kids can see that the end is a satire about conformity!

I'm going to round my 3.5 rating up to 4, assuming that they are that smart. Assuming that when they discover they've been doing something embarrassing, they have the wherewithal to murmur or shrug "oops" and then to carry on. Like a gymnast or an actor in a play, for examples, would.

If you do share this with children, I look forward to learning their thoughts! And I sure do hope kids can indeed see that the end is satire about conformity!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud to me by my daughter, this one had me cracking up. Disclaimer: My daughter used a hilarious voice so that may have swayed me. But since picture books are meant to be read aloud, please use a fun voice when reading the bear and the hare's lines.
That is all.

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Good Friends are like good underwear, Jeff. They are reliable and they're supportive."

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: SOMETHING’S WRONG! by Jory John and Erin Kraan, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, March 2021, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-374-31388-1

“Well I see you got your
Brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat
Yes I see you got your
Brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat
Well, you must tell me baby how your
Head feels under somethin’ like that
Under your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat”
-- Bob Dylan (1967)

Are you old enough to remember Nehru jackets? How about:

Miniskirts. Bell bottoms. Crop tops.
Fringe. Bullet bras. Braless. Babydoll dresses.
Pillbox hats. Long hair. Big hair. Multi-colored hair.
Shoulder pads. Oversized sunglasses. Leather jackets.
Ripped jeans. Chuck Taylors. Platform shoes.
Velour tracksuits. Plaid. Undersized sunglasses,
Lots of tattoos everywhere.
Leggings.

These are just a few of the fashion trends I’ve experienced over my lifetime. They’ve added flavor and memories to various eras. But how do these trends come to be? And why do so many people conform to them?

These questions came to my mind after I read SOMETHING’S WRONG!, a story about a bear who absentmindedly leaves home wearing a pair of tighty whities that his grandmother had sent him as a gift. He’s unaware that all the woodland animals are asking each other, “”WHY IS THAT BEAR WEARING UNDERWEAR?’”

Unable to figure out why he feels that something’s wrong, he seeks out his best friend, Anders, who turns out to be a very good friend and a very clever rabbit.

When Anders first emerges, at the beckoning of the bear, he is startled to see his buddy wearing underwear.

“‘Oh, hey, Jeff, how’s your…uh...day...um...how’s your...how’s...uh’
‘Are you okay, Anders?’
‘Oh boy. Should I tell him? Yes? You really think he can handle it? Why am I even asking you? Who are you? All right. Welp. Here we go…’
*Deep breath*”

Being a good friend, Anders does what all the others wouldn't: He tells the bear what the problem is. And being an utterly clever friend, he turns his friend’s embarrassing error into a hot fashion trend. Turns out that Anders is quite the marketer! Soon all the woodland animals are horsing around in underwear. (The moose in bloomers takes the cake.)

Which brings us to the beautiful and comical illustrations of first-time illustrator, woodcutter and printmaker Erin Kraan. The characters are adorable. I love the rich shades she chooses for the critters and the woodlands. Details such as the intricate ground cover patterning, and the botanical endpapers show off her impressive abilities as a fine artist.

SOMETHING’S WRONG! is a beary entertaining tale, one that you should not miss.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightfully funny and clever book that simply begs to be read out loud! When you present the cover, the most obvious questions is - What do you think is wrong? Jeff the bear has a checklist of things to be done and - he thinks he has done everything but... something just doesn't seem to be quite right. What could it be? He meanders and strolls through the woods, interacting with a variety of animals trying to figure out what it is that is wrong - and there must be SOMETHING wrong based on the response he is receiving from the other animals. What to do? Go ask a friend. So Jeff sets off to find Anders the hare. Anders does realize something is amiss and even breaks the fourth wall to consult with the reader about telling Jeff what the problem is. Being a true friend - he does just that. And then goes on to prove what true friendship is really all about. Be sure to wear your fanciest underwear for this one. And pair it with Creepy Pair of Underwear by Reynolds and/or What Color is Your Underwear? by Sam Lloyd.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. “Good friends are like good underwear. They’re reliable and they’re supportive.” So true!

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very silly! We were laughing as we read it. It also teaches a wonderful story of friendship.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved it so much we bought our own copy! Hilarious, and very relatable to my anxious, awkward talking self.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Good friends are like good underwear, Jeff. They’re reliable and they’re supportive.”

The was adorable and the illustrations are 5 stars on their own. Really fun to read aloud too.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Good friends are like good underwear, Jeff. They're reliable and they're supportive."

What kid doesn't like a book about underwear! Especially a bear who doesn't realize he is walking through the forest with underwear on. Yes, there is too much text (similar to Jory John's other books, namely Giraffe Problems and Penguin Problems) but I think some of it is skimmable. I want to see kiddos howl in laughter about UNDERWEAR

[Chadi Raheb · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Good friends are like good underwear.
They're reliable and they're supportive."

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something’s Wrong! introduces readers to Jeff the bear, who is a bit absent minded. He heads out to his community to greet his friends but has the feeling that something is not quite right. You see, he’s wearing a gift from his granny, a pair of white underwear. Jeff's friends repeatedly ask each other why Jeff is wearing underwear, while Jeff himself nervously tries to figure out why everyone is staring at him.

Jeff the bear meets up with his good friend Anders who happens to be very kind. Anders nicely tells Jeff that he’s wearing underwear and figures out a way to humorously start a new trends and not embarrass his friend!

Something’s Wrong! strengths lay in its kindness matters message and the illustrations that are so expressive and colorful. I liked that the characters don’t tell Jeff about the underwear because they don’t want to embarrass him but they also don’t gossip about the situation. Anders the Hare is a good example of a friend who chooses honesty and works with Jeff to start a new fashion trend. Something’s Wrong! is a sweet story about friendship and an example of how to flip an embarrassing situation on its head.
https://thisblisslife.com/kids-book-r...

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Good friends are like good underwear, Jeff. They’re reliable and they’re supportive.”

Jeff feels that something is wrong when he leaves his house, but he just can’t figure it out. But he’s so uncomfortable, that when he meets anyone else in the woods he prattles without giving them a chance to ask why he’s wearing underwear (which is, of course, what’s wrong.) Finally, he goes to his best friend, Anders, who deliberates on whether he should point out that Jeff is wearing underwear. But in the end, he tells Jeff because that’s what friends do.

The best friends are the ones who can draw your attention to something that’s wrong about you. Someone who is not afraid to tell you the truth. But they also have your back and come to your aid in your most embarrassing moments. A fun story.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! I usually enjoy Jory John's books and this is no exception. It's a cute story of friendship. Plus it's just so silly! Kids will absolutely love the whole underwear thing as, in my experience with young kids, nothing is as funny as underwear.
The only thing I didn't like was how text heavy it is due to Jeff (the bear) rambling every time he sees a new animal. It could make for a lonnnnnng read aloud.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silliness, but what a great friend bear has in hare. What would you be willing to do to help your friend out of an embarrassing situation? Most of us, most of the time, would just shrink down in our seats and pretend we don’t you. Not hare. He is there for bear, even when bear accidentally steps out in a pair of underwear. The bear’s monologue, trying to make small talk w the other animals even when he is feeling a sense of unease or that something’s wrong, is quite humorous and endearing.

[Megsbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can see, I’m starting to get the baby’s library ready! What is a book you recommend I need to have for our little boy? Something’s Wrong was just the cutest little book and shows us just how important a loyal friend can really be! The pictures are hilarious, and I laughed out loud! Highly recommend this one for your little ones!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

May require some reading stamina for younger kids, but older children will get a big kick out of this one. A great tale to talk about anxiety, friendship, making a mistake, and going along with the crowd PLUS it's funny-funny! Younger kids will pick up on the emotional illustrations while you read the longer text.

This is a winner!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is that bear wearing underwear?
Your real friends will tell you what's up when you feel like something just isn't right but you can't put your finger on what it is.
Another excellent story by Jory John. Hilarious with a nice lesson.

[Renee Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a character is overly talkative to indicate nervous behavior, the text level on the page is heavy for a picture book - and may make the story bog down for young readers. Would require animated reader for storytime use.

[Ava (jeepneylit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read! Can't wait to read it with my niece and nephews.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The picture book you need for 2021, because we all need a really good laugh!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable book about being different and how having/being a supportive friend can make all the difference.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys (ages 8&3) thought this was pretty funny.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOLOLOL THIS WAS HILARIOUS AND I LOVED IT

[Michelle Coursey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and fun. What a great friend! Great book to teach kiddos how to deal with embarrassing moments.

[Lisa D]

Cute book!

[Brandon Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75