Spring Stinks: A Little Bruce Book

Mother Bruce Series #6

by Ryan T. Higgins

Ruth the bunny is excited to share the smelly springtime smells of spring with Bruce!

But what will Bruce think of all that stink?

Little Bruce Book

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

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2021

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute and funny beginning story for young kids about all the smells of spring. I'm feeling like Bruce right now and very grumpy. The little white rabbit, Ruth, was on my nerves and it lets me know that I'm out of sorts and need to help myself.

I think kids will love this, but it is young and very simple. I know it's fall and not spring right now, but I got this from the library and its due back soon and so I need to read it and send it back. It's out of season. I'm into fall and love fall, so right now, I agree with the title, Spring Stinks - lets enjoy Autumn.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this isn't quite at the same level as the Mother Bruce books, it's still an entertaining little book about an exuberant bunny named Ruth who tries to engage Bruce the bear with all the scents of spring.

There's not much of a story like there is in the other books. This would probably be more suited to very young readers. The illustrations are great, though, with funny facial expressions and cute critters romping through the pages. I can't really find much to fault there.

While I was hoping for another story about the curmudgeonly bear and his geese kids, I'm not too disappointed by this little diversion. Fans of Bruce will surely eat it up.

Quotable moment:

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Figuring out a rating for this book is confusing. I really do not understand this book or the point of this book. However, my son (3 years old) loved this book. The text is a little ridiculous in a roll-your-eyes kind of way. I don't like Ruth. It doesn't really describe much about spring or the scents of spring. But again, I can't give too bad a rating to a book my crazy, energetic toddler will sit and listen to (multiple times). And the illustrations are very good.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come on Bruce! Stop being such a grumpy bear! Spring is here! Nice story with great art. Children will enjoy this story about a bear who lets his preconceived ideas of the different seasons interfere with his ability just to be in the here and now. A very important lesson that we all should take to heart - even as we get older.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the fun you would expect to see in a Bruce story, just in a more compact size and length. But don't worry, it's all the humor still!

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might still be winter, but SPRING is in the air! Our favorite bear has a new story out!

SPRING STINKS by @ryan_t._higgins is the newest addition to the Bruce The Bear series. This book has all the hilarious mishaps fans of Bruce’s have come to except. For Bruce, spring literally does stink... like a wet moose, flowers, mud, and a skunk.

Whether you’re new to Bruce’s stories or a long time fan, readers will enjoy a spring day with Bruce and all of his Soggy Hollow friends.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring is in the air in Soggy Hollow, and everyone is excited, everyone except Little Bruce. Ruth the rabbit tries to convince Bruce to join her and smell the smelly smells of Spring, but Bruce thinks Spring stinks. What does Ruth have to do to convince Bruce not to be so grumpy, and join in on the fun? Apparently a lot!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Mother Bruce series. “Spring Stinks” is a new offering which finds our favorite grumpy bear hassled by his frenetic bunny friend Ruth, insisting that Bruce enjoy springtime smells with her. This is not my favorite Bruce book by far, but still a silly treasure for the preschool crowd.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth is the rabbit and she loves spring smells. Bruce...is very Bruce.

[Tara Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old gave this 5 stars

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two friends disagree on whether spring scents are delightful or disgusting.

I'm Gen X, so I think of Bruce and Ruth as having a Bert-and-Ernie type friendship. (Sesame Street Bert and Ernie, not It's a Wonderful Life Bert and Ernie.) You may make a different comparison if you're from a different generation.

Illustrations are expressive and detailed, with a few extra words hidden in the pictures.

This book is more about acknowledging moods and viewpoints rather than teaching a lesson or sending a message.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I can relate to Bruce, especially today because it has not been the best of days for me. I wanted to read this book because it is cute and I just learned there are more Bruce books. There are often times you have a grumpy attitude that is worsened by happy peers. Just roll with it and try to find pleasure in your day.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new beginning reader small size picture book rounds out the Bruce collection (picture books, early leveled readers, board books) with a new seasonal story that adds all the cute humor you'd expect in a Bruce book. The page with the bee had me giggling!

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a FUNNY read aloud! And what perfect timing with Spring just barely out of reach (hopefully!). Enjoyed this one via a virtual read aloud with MEGAN SHELDON. Hoping our library will get a copy of this one!

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Bruce book! Cute simple book with funny illustrations.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce is always fun to read!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just love Bruce

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im not much for spring either, Bruce.
some fun spring shenanigans, but not my favorite.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is cute. The illustrations are awesome and I love the wet moose especially on the end pages.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute beginning reader starring everyone's favorite grump.

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruce the bear continues to be grumpy in this spring offering. Ruth the bunny takes him around, exploring the various smells of spring (spring stinks!), and things are going relatively well until the scent of wet moose. Then it's all downhill. Honey brings bees which bring bee stings, and soon Bruce is nursing an owie while facing down a fragrant skunk in a field of flowers. Bruce hasn't changed his opinions about spring. Funny - Bruce fans will appreciate this "Little Bruce Book."

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this one but wished it was more of an actual story (thank goodness there is another Bruce book coming out soon!). This book is about our grumpy friend Bruce and Ruth, the ever vibrant bunny oh so willing and able to show Bruce the smells of Spring. The wet moose smell was hilarious, and the Beeline gag that came next was as well. But this is definitely for toddlers and preschoolers as it ended so quickly. Recommended for ages 2-5, 3-1/2 stars.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Mother Bruce. Bruce is a grumpy black bear who is with his positive, friendly, rabbit buddy Ruth. Ruth loves the good smells of spring-flowers, grass, woods, wet moose. Bruce doesn't like any of the smells until they get to the bee hive and he smells honey. Uh oh, he's in trouble. The animal friends agree that spring stinks. I love the illustrations, they are so comical.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce is grumpy once again now that spring is here in Ryan Higgins' newest "little" book featuring our favorite bear. However, we have a new character Ruth, a bunny, who is determined to cheer Bruce up with wonderful spring smells.
I'm a big fan of Ryan's books, and this little book will be one in a series of 4 books centered on seasons.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Mother Bruce books are so much fun.
Ruth the bunny is excited about spring and invites Bruce the bear to enjoy the spring smells with her. He is not happy about it. She tries many things, but when she slops honey over him because "bears love honey", Bruce smells trouble.
Be sure to look for the words following the little bee.
Wonderfully illustrated.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth the bunny wants Bruce to join her in enjoying all the smells of spring. While Ruth is excited, Bruce is not.

Ok, the 4th thing Ruth has Bruce smell had me suddenly laughing out loud. HILARIOUS. And quite the excellent comic timing on Higgins part. A most enjoyable little exploration of the smells of spring (well, at least for the reader...maybe not so much for Bruce).

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It is springtime in Soggy Hollow, and everyone is happy. Everyone but Bruce.”

Ruth, the rabbit, tries to convince Bruce that spring smells great, but Bruce doesn’t believe it.

A great reminder of students: you can choose to be happy and enjoy life or you can choose to be unhappy. It’s all about your mindset.

[Laurie MacAulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is “A little Bruce Book” so shorter than the others in the series. I’d kind of hoped for some redemption for Bruce at the end of this one but he stayed true to his grumpy self. The characters and illustrations are fabulous. The end papers are part of the story. I especially like the skunk on the back page. Adorable.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious premise, but it is not as well developed as other Bruce books. It was disappointing that Bruce wasn't given more air time in terms of back story about why he thinks spring stinks. Hates rain, mud, etc. Some of that would fill the story out better.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love the smell of wet moose in the springtime? Bruce. And pretty much everyone except Ruth the Rabbit. Cute and silly and short. This is a quick read that your little one may want to hear over and over and over again. Let the giggling begin!