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FunJungle #7
Bear Bottom
Teddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle’s resident sleuth to solve the disappearances of endangered bison and an irreplaceable necklace.
Teddy Fitzroy, his family, and some other FunJungle employees have been invited to visit a bison ranch just outside Yellowstone National Park that FunJungle’s owner, J.J. McCracken, is considering purchasing. But as usual, trouble isn’t far behind.
The ranch’s endangered bison have been mysteriously disappearing. Then a massive local grizzly bear named Sasquatch breaks into the house, causing chaos. In the aftermath, Kandace McCracken discovers that her exceptionally expensive sapphire necklace has vanished.
Was it stolen? Or did Sasquatch eat it? (And if so, can it be recovered?) And what’s been happening to the bison?
With over a dozen suspects, it’s up to Teddy to detangle this hairy situation, before his family or friends—or any more expensive objects—become dinner.
Teddy Fitzroy, his family, and some other FunJungle employees have been invited to visit a bison ranch just outside Yellowstone National Park that FunJungle’s owner, J.J. McCracken, is considering purchasing. But as usual, trouble isn’t far behind.
The ranch’s endangered bison have been mysteriously disappearing. Then a massive local grizzly bear named Sasquatch breaks into the house, causing chaos. In the aftermath, Kandace McCracken discovers that her exceptionally expensive sapphire necklace has vanished.
Was it stolen? Or did Sasquatch eat it? (And if so, can it be recovered?) And what’s been happening to the bison?
With over a dozen suspects, it’s up to Teddy to detangle this hairy situation, before his family or friends—or any more expensive objects—become dinner.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published May 11, 2021
612 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
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May 20, 2021
March 2, 2023
This book was a delight to read and given that Mr. Gibbs said he needed to scramble for the topic the book was fantastic.
Teddy Fitzroy is on vacation in Yellowstone with his parents, his girlfriend Summer and her parents. They are staying at the Oy Vey Corral (I love this name), and JJ, Summer's ultrarich father, is considering buying the ranch. However, when a bear breaks into the home where they are staying and a very expensive necklace goes missing, Teddy is tasked to solve the case. Oh by the way, the ranch they are staying on is losing buffalo and Teddy also tries to solve that mystery.
I love these FunJungle books, even if this one takes place away from FunJungle. I always learn something about wildlife and endangered species and Teddy is such a clever and enjoyable protagonist. If you have never read one of these, you can start with this book and not be missing out but you will likely want to go purchase all the others in the series after you read it.
I look forward to more books in the FunJungle series. So much fun to get lost in.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon Schuster for an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Teddy Fitzroy is on vacation in Yellowstone with his parents, his girlfriend Summer and her parents. They are staying at the Oy Vey Corral (I love this name), and JJ, Summer's ultrarich father, is considering buying the ranch. However, when a bear breaks into the home where they are staying and a very expensive necklace goes missing, Teddy is tasked to solve the case. Oh by the way, the ranch they are staying on is losing buffalo and Teddy also tries to solve that mystery.
I love these FunJungle books, even if this one takes place away from FunJungle. I always learn something about wildlife and endangered species and Teddy is such a clever and enjoyable protagonist. If you have never read one of these, you can start with this book and not be missing out but you will likely want to go purchase all the others in the series after you read it.
I look forward to more books in the FunJungle series. So much fun to get lost in.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon Schuster for an ARC of this book for an honest review.
March 14, 2021
Link to my book talk: https://youtu.be/Pabsno6sOBQ
I was very excited to learn about the newest book in the FunJungle series. It's one of my and my friends' favorite middle-grade book series. I was not disappointed and I think FunJungle fans would be very satisfied. I feel like I have known Teddy for a long time now and I really enjoyed solving the mysteries through the eyes of Teddy.
I was very excited to learn about the newest book in the FunJungle series. It's one of my and my friends' favorite middle-grade book series. I was not disappointed and I think FunJungle fans would be very satisfied. I feel like I have known Teddy for a long time now and I really enjoyed solving the mysteries through the eyes of Teddy.
September 28, 2023
I absolutely love Stuart Gibbs but, unfortunately, I still do not understand why a lot of middle school book authors are carefully adding their one-line sentence LGBTQ. I just think it is unnecessary and should be disclosed, to us, Librarians, so we can make a fair decision whether or not to add to our school library. Be aware, same-sex couple on pages 25 and 26.
April 12, 2021
Stuart Gibbs has been one of my absolute favorite middle grade authors since I was first introduced to him with Belly Up, the first book in the FunJungle series. With this seventh edition, Bear Bottom, I've been incredibly impressed with Gibbs's facts, history, diversity, and location that he brings to the page. It's been lovely seeing Teddy Fitzroy in a new environment for this next installation to his series. It gave such depth and food for thought.
Teddy is one of my favorite characters. I appreciate his awkward and sensitive approach to solving mysteries, his intelligence at connecting the dots, and his kind heart. His approach to this case starts with trying to find out what's happened to some disappearing buffalos. The family he and his parents, Summer and her parents are all staying with want Teddy's help to find out how these several ton animals are vanishing without a trace. Before his investigation gets underway, another strange occurance spices up his working holiday.
Summer's father and the owner of FunJungle, J.J. McCracken, has another mystery for Teddy to solve. On their first night, Sasquatch enters through the front door and causes havoc. Sasquatch being a large grizzly bear who's native to the Yellowstone National Park which is the location where the families are. Not only does he scare everyone and come trudging in looking for food, but he appears to have made off with an expensive and rare necklace that Mrs. Kandace McCracken was wearing when she arrived.
Now, with the necklace missing, Teddy has to figure out if it really did end up digested by Sasquatch, or if there's a thief on the loose.
There was so much going on within this novel. Some of my favorite parts of this book were the facts mixed within the fiction. I loved hearing about the history of the bison and the importance of bringing them back from the brink of extinction. I loved the integration of the Native Americans heritage and life and characters who represented them in Yellowstone.
The information shared with readers about Yellowstone and how to act when you visit was important as well. I loved the action and adventure as well as Teddy's role in helping to save others from a cave landslide. Another favorite part was when Teddy figured out what happened to the necklace and the missing bison at about the same time.
Overall, this was an exciting story. It was a great change from the FunJungle location and helped share a new setting with historical and natural importance. I continue to love the mix of fact and fiction. It was such an amazing story, and I think fans of Stuart Gibbs will love this newest Teddy adventure. As always, I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment of the FunJungle series, but also, the newest stories for Spy School and pretty much any other book Author Stuart Gibbs writes.
So, for these reasons and many more, I give Bear Bottom a 5/5 rating. Enjoy! ;)
Thanks to the author and Simon & Schuster Publishing for an ARC copy of this book to read and review.
Teddy is one of my favorite characters. I appreciate his awkward and sensitive approach to solving mysteries, his intelligence at connecting the dots, and his kind heart. His approach to this case starts with trying to find out what's happened to some disappearing buffalos. The family he and his parents, Summer and her parents are all staying with want Teddy's help to find out how these several ton animals are vanishing without a trace. Before his investigation gets underway, another strange occurance spices up his working holiday.
Summer's father and the owner of FunJungle, J.J. McCracken, has another mystery for Teddy to solve. On their first night, Sasquatch enters through the front door and causes havoc. Sasquatch being a large grizzly bear who's native to the Yellowstone National Park which is the location where the families are. Not only does he scare everyone and come trudging in looking for food, but he appears to have made off with an expensive and rare necklace that Mrs. Kandace McCracken was wearing when she arrived.
Now, with the necklace missing, Teddy has to figure out if it really did end up digested by Sasquatch, or if there's a thief on the loose.
There was so much going on within this novel. Some of my favorite parts of this book were the facts mixed within the fiction. I loved hearing about the history of the bison and the importance of bringing them back from the brink of extinction. I loved the integration of the Native Americans heritage and life and characters who represented them in Yellowstone.
The information shared with readers about Yellowstone and how to act when you visit was important as well. I loved the action and adventure as well as Teddy's role in helping to save others from a cave landslide. Another favorite part was when Teddy figured out what happened to the necklace and the missing bison at about the same time.
Overall, this was an exciting story. It was a great change from the FunJungle location and helped share a new setting with historical and natural importance. I continue to love the mix of fact and fiction. It was such an amazing story, and I think fans of Stuart Gibbs will love this newest Teddy adventure. As always, I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment of the FunJungle series, but also, the newest stories for Spy School and pretty much any other book Author Stuart Gibbs writes.
So, for these reasons and many more, I give Bear Bottom a 5/5 rating. Enjoy! ;)
Thanks to the author and Simon & Schuster Publishing for an ARC copy of this book to read and review.
April 24, 2021
Teddy and Summer are back in another wild animal adventure in Stuart Gibbs' FunJungle series. This time, they are visiting a ranch that Summer's father, J.J. McCracken is considering purchasing to expand his FunJungle franchise. While at the ranch, a massive brown bear nicknamed Sasquatch breaks into the ranch house as a priceless necklace is stolen from Summer's mother Teddy and Summer pursue the missing necklace and try to figure out why a brown bear, who to this point, has always avoided people and the ranch would enter a home.
I love the FunJungle series and this one is just as good as the others. Gibbs explains in an author's note that there was concern regarding moving Teddy and Summer's adventures from the FunJungle premises, but as he explains, if disasters don't stop happening at the actual FunJungle it will have to close down! I quite agree, and the reasons I love this series are not lost with a change in setting. This is a great middle grade adventure/mystery story, and I feel Gibbs is careful enough with technology "props" and descriptions that this title will not become aged anytime soon. With the right promotion and RA recommendations, it should circulate in a library for many years.
Good series to recommend for kids who like Carl Hiaasen's kid's books ("Squirm," "Hoot," "Scat," etc.).
I love the FunJungle series and this one is just as good as the others. Gibbs explains in an author's note that there was concern regarding moving Teddy and Summer's adventures from the FunJungle premises, but as he explains, if disasters don't stop happening at the actual FunJungle it will have to close down! I quite agree, and the reasons I love this series are not lost with a change in setting. This is a great middle grade adventure/mystery story, and I feel Gibbs is careful enough with technology "props" and descriptions that this title will not become aged anytime soon. With the right promotion and RA recommendations, it should circulate in a library for many years.
Good series to recommend for kids who like Carl Hiaasen's kid's books ("Squirm," "Hoot," "Scat," etc.).
December 24, 2021
I loved this so much! This is for those who want an easy read with a light mystery. The book informs you of animals that need saving while making the read funny and engaging. The reason I love this series so much is that Gibbs spreads awareness of all these animals that are endangered and need our support-- and does this by creating a nice setting and light mystery.
I also loved the representation I got to see in this book! Gibbs also spread awareness on how Native Americans were and are being mistreated. I am glad he shed light on this issue, it's something that needs to be fixed. I myself know close to nothing about this and want to be more informed.
Also, I smiled at the Indian character and LGBTQ+ characters. :D'
Definitely worth it! A go-to series when I need something light.
I also loved the representation I got to see in this book! Gibbs also spread awareness on how Native Americans were and are being mistreated. I am glad he shed light on this issue, it's something that needs to be fixed. I myself know close to nothing about this and want to be more informed.
Also, I smiled at the Indian character and LGBTQ+ characters. :D'
Definitely worth it! A go-to series when I need something light.
November 7, 2020
I think this might be the best book in the FunJungle series so far. Ironically, it doesn't even take place at FunJungle! (Truthfully, I was glad to have a break from the bumbling security staff.) JJ McKraken has brought Summer and Teddy and Teddy's parents with him to an old friend's bison ranch in West Yellowstone, adjacent to the National Park. JJ is considering buying the property. Of course Teddy is called upon to solve not one but two separate mysteries. There is a lot of great information here about bison, their historical importance and decimation, endangered animal species, and the treatment of Native Americans in the past and the present. All of these are woven into the storyline really well, in a way that will resonate with readers. Highly recommended for grades 3 & up. I strongly suggest reading the series in order.
eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
July 1, 2021
Such a great series. Devoured this book in a single afternoon/evening and am only sad that there aren't more to read next.
June 29, 2021
Recently faced with a seven-and-a-half-hour road trip, I knew I'd found the perfect opportunity to jump into the newest release by one of my favorite authors. If we happened to miss an exit I was (perhaps) meant to watch for, who could blame me? Certainly no fan of Stuart Gibbs! And if that extra few minutes of detoured travel allowed me to complete the story while on the road, could it be regarded as anything but serendipity? I think not.
Bear Bottom is a book that wasn't even on the 2020 radar screen for Gibbs, but due to the additional time gained through quarantine and shutdowns, he produced an extra book - and the middle-grade world breathed a sigh of relief.
Why? Because it is just the kind of book many kids will embrace as a healthy way to escape the stress and anxiety COVID-19 brought into the world. With a well-loved cast of familiar characters, the trademark Gibbs humor, and a promise of not one but two mysteries on the horizon, fans of this author will not be disappointed.
In Bear Bottom, Teddy Fitzroy visits a bison ranch that J.J. McCracken considers purchasing as an expansion to his FunJungle empire. Set just outside Yellowstone National Park, the story includes series favorites - a cast of characters all uniquely positioned to advise J.J. on the feasibility of his plan.
In addition, a few new characters are introduced, and a handful of animals earn star billing, including bison and a giant grizzly. As the latter breaks into the ranch house and the former are discovered missing from the ranch and the nearby iconic park - the loss of a multi-million dollar necklace belonging to J.J.'s wife is discovered, and Teddy finds himself on the trail of multiple mysteries, exponentially increasing the danger he faces.
Along the way, readers will receive brief glimpses of the history of the land and the challenges faced by the original inhabitants and their future generations, many of whom experience life on a reservation. Gibbs also exposes the ridiculous (and damaging) predicaments selfie-obsessed tourists get into as they interact with nature.
Fans of Carl Hiaasen will enjoy the environmental advocacy found in the FunJungle series. Bear Bottom does not have a guided reading level designated at this time, but the majority of the FunJungle series is written at guided reading level W. Bear Bottom
Bear Bottom is a book that wasn't even on the 2020 radar screen for Gibbs, but due to the additional time gained through quarantine and shutdowns, he produced an extra book - and the middle-grade world breathed a sigh of relief.
Why? Because it is just the kind of book many kids will embrace as a healthy way to escape the stress and anxiety COVID-19 brought into the world. With a well-loved cast of familiar characters, the trademark Gibbs humor, and a promise of not one but two mysteries on the horizon, fans of this author will not be disappointed.
In Bear Bottom, Teddy Fitzroy visits a bison ranch that J.J. McCracken considers purchasing as an expansion to his FunJungle empire. Set just outside Yellowstone National Park, the story includes series favorites - a cast of characters all uniquely positioned to advise J.J. on the feasibility of his plan.
In addition, a few new characters are introduced, and a handful of animals earn star billing, including bison and a giant grizzly. As the latter breaks into the ranch house and the former are discovered missing from the ranch and the nearby iconic park - the loss of a multi-million dollar necklace belonging to J.J.'s wife is discovered, and Teddy finds himself on the trail of multiple mysteries, exponentially increasing the danger he faces.
Along the way, readers will receive brief glimpses of the history of the land and the challenges faced by the original inhabitants and their future generations, many of whom experience life on a reservation. Gibbs also exposes the ridiculous (and damaging) predicaments selfie-obsessed tourists get into as they interact with nature.
Fans of Carl Hiaasen will enjoy the environmental advocacy found in the FunJungle series. Bear Bottom does not have a guided reading level designated at this time, but the majority of the FunJungle series is written at guided reading level W. Bear Bottom
June 30, 2021
As a person who considers Yellowstone home, this book was everything that I didn’t know I needed. Thank you.
June 9, 2021
Once you start this book, you can't stop! Bear Bottom is action packed with dangerous adventures providing a page-turning read. Not all books can pull off such a well thought out mystery with post twists and incredible cliff hangers. I appreciate the effort to move the Fitzroys and the McCrackens out of Funjungle but still remain with the same energy and excitement as their is in their home land. With so many things happening at once, you can clearly picture the detailed events as if you were truly there. Bear Bottom has an AMAZING plot so you want to read the entire book. If I could rate it more than 5 Stars, I would. This is an excellent addition to the beloved Funjungle series, and I can't wait to see what happens next! Happy Reading!
June 13, 2021
I dont even think ive read a series better than the funjungle books. This is on of my favorites and the book was detailed funny and kept me on my toes. I definitely give this book a five star review.
June 8, 2021
Soooo good
As excellent as all the other books in the series. Thanks for the great book! CN wait for the next!
As excellent as all the other books in the series. Thanks for the great book! CN wait for the next!
May 28, 2021
Teddy goes to Montana and then has a necklace to find and some bison to find.
I would recommend this to anyone because it is fun and exciting to read. I think when people read this, they get a new view of life
I would recommend this to anyone because it is fun and exciting to read. I think when people read this, they get a new view of life
May 17, 2021
This is proof that danger follows Teddy around! I loved how the book took a place outside of FunJungle. It was a change. A change for the better in my opinion. Can't wait for the next FunJungle book even though there are 2 years till that. *sigh*
May 27, 2021
Amazing book love it
I am ten years old and I love this book. Well, all of your books you have written are awesome. Whenever I read your books I feel like I'm watching my favorite movie of all time. You are the only author that makes me want to continue reading and enjoy reading. So, please never stop writing your amazing books. Xoxo, Kiana your 1# fan!!
I am ten years old and I love this book. Well, all of your books you have written are awesome. Whenever I read your books I feel like I'm watching my favorite movie of all time. You are the only author that makes me want to continue reading and enjoy reading. So, please never stop writing your amazing books. Xoxo, Kiana your 1# fan!!
July 20, 2021
I was a little disappointed in this one, but I'm glad I read this fun series.
May 25, 2021
Teddy Fitzroy is in Yellowstone with his parents and the McCrackens to evaluate a ranch that J.J. McCracken is thinking about buying. The ranch is just outside of the national park, and the Fitzroys are also using the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The ranch raises bison, and they’ve had a couple go missing, so Teddy is asked to try to figure out what has happened to them. Before he can even start on that, the house where everyone is staying is broken into by a Grizzley bear. In the aftermath, Mrs. McCracken’s expensive necklace disappears. Can Teddy solve both mysteries?
Part of the fun of the FunJungle series is the setting and the recurring characters. I’ll admit I missed them. However, this book does have a core cast of regulars, and I enjoyed spending time with them. Both mysteries are intriguing and kept the pace steady. Watching Teddy work is always fascinating, and we got some wonderful action scenes along the way. While the series always tackles some environmental issues, I felt like this book lectured a bit more than the series usually does. It doesn’t help that one thing intended to be funny didn’t come across that way to me; instead, if felt like more lectures. I still did enjoy this book overall. It’s just not quite up to Stuart Gibbs’s usual high standards.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Part of the fun of the FunJungle series is the setting and the recurring characters. I’ll admit I missed them. However, this book does have a core cast of regulars, and I enjoyed spending time with them. Both mysteries are intriguing and kept the pace steady. Watching Teddy work is always fascinating, and we got some wonderful action scenes along the way. While the series always tackles some environmental issues, I felt like this book lectured a bit more than the series usually does. It doesn’t help that one thing intended to be funny didn’t come across that way to me; instead, if felt like more lectures. I still did enjoy this book overall. It’s just not quite up to Stuart Gibbs’s usual high standards.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 28, 2021
Teddy Fitzroy has left his home at the zoo/theme park FunJungle with his parents and the McCrackens to visit Yellowstone. JJ. McCracken, owner of FunJungle and father of Teddy’s girlfriend Summer, is considering buying a ranch and creating a FunJungle-themed bison safari park. The ranch in question is owned by long-time friends of the McCrackens and JJ is hoping Teddy can figure out who is stealing bison from the ranch. A second mystery develops when Candace’ McCracken’s multi-million dollar necklace is stolen. Mystery just seems to follow Teddy! Readers will enjoy the change of venue and if you’re like me, you’ll be planning a trip to Yellowstone by the time you finish the book.
April 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It is action-packed, humorous, and just so slightly romantic. Stuart Gibbs, like always, does a great a job at describing every part of the story. Bear Bottom is a fast-paced mystery novel with both Teddy and Summer on the case. I was so excited for this book as Stuart Gibbs is one of my favorite authors. I am so happy about how this book turned out and definitely recommend anything by Stuart!
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an eARC of this book! All opinions are my own and I was not influenced to give this a good review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an eARC of this book! All opinions are my own and I was not influenced to give this a good review.
July 2, 2021
Who doesn't love a good mystery...or two or three? Stu Gibbs does a wonderful job of writing mystery and intrigue for young readers. The continuing story of Teddy and his mystery solving mind was wonderful. One of the great things about the Fun Jungle series is that they can be read in order, or just one off.
Teddy and team are headed out west and discover all kinds of unique challenges while there; bison stealing, missing necklaces, tourons and more. Moral of the story, don't be a Touron!
Teddy and team are headed out west and discover all kinds of unique challenges while there; bison stealing, missing necklaces, tourons and more. Moral of the story, don't be a Touron!
March 6, 2025
I like that there was so much to learn as the mysteries were solved.
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July 27, 2021Love this series! Keeps me laughing and wanting to stay up and read more and more.
July 3, 2021
I laughed out loud several times while reading book 7 of the FunJungle series. I loved reading about Yellowstone, bison, and grizzlies. Teddy’s mystery-solving skills did not disappoint, and I enjoyed getting to know Summer’s parents a little better through this novel, too. Well done!
August 28, 2021
I loved this book! Two mysteries in one!!! A great bargain for wild animal lovers and for those who have been to Yellowstone National Park!! Five stars to this one. 😍💜
June 12, 2021
Loved it! Another cute book in this series ! A bison mystery unfolds in Yellowstone & another mystery involving a necklace unfolds! Highly recommended! One of my favorite authors !
June 17, 2021
I actually enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. Stuart Gibbs did a great job setting up a story outside of FunJungle, and the change of setting was very well done. The book also did a great job incorporating facts about conservation, wildlife, and national parks while still keeping the story flowing. I really appreciated how Gibbs talked about Native American culture and highlighted their history. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book- I learned a lot and it was quite a fun read.
May 31, 2021
Loved this!!! I think it’s ok to go outside of Fun Jungle. Makes it .....FUN!!!! Characters still great...love how it’s educational also. Maybe they will go to Africa or China for the tigers!!! Great job Stuart Gibbs!!! Happy Reading:)
October 1, 2025
Okay I don’t remember a lot since it’s been a while since I read it, but by far this one is my favorite. I like mystery books and I thought this one is actually pretty good, BUT it’s just not what I was looking for. I’m more of a dangerous, action, romantic plot twist that leave you gasping, kind of girl. This book is more like, sit back in your cozy cabin with the fire burning bright, kind of book. Honestly, kind of boring.
Finally I wanna say that if you enjoy this series, don’t come after me, this just isn’t my kind of book.
Finally I wanna say that if you enjoy this series, don’t come after me, this just isn’t my kind of book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews