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Never Brush a Bear
This is a delightfully amusing story about a determined young pet stylist called Herschel, who makes it his mission to brush a bear…
He’s a head stylist, pet pamperer, extraordinaire!
He dreams of awards, and longs to win prizes,
For coiffuring creatures in all shapes and sizes!
But a bear’s not a pet!!
And brushing a bear is something he should forget!
This charming story introduces us to Herschel, an adventurous and ambituous pet stylist who wants to style an animal he has never worked with before... a bear!
He ventures deep into the woods in order to accomplish his aim. He follows a trail of leaves into a dark cave, discovering a GIANT and TERRIFYING BEAR... who turns out to be quite polite!
Bright and lively illustrations accompany rhyming text to create a fun story that will have children laughing out loud as they read along.
The latest title from award-winning author and illustrator Sam Hearn this book will be beloved by children and adults alike.
He’s a head stylist, pet pamperer, extraordinaire!
He dreams of awards, and longs to win prizes,
For coiffuring creatures in all shapes and sizes!
But a bear’s not a pet!!
And brushing a bear is something he should forget!
This charming story introduces us to Herschel, an adventurous and ambituous pet stylist who wants to style an animal he has never worked with before... a bear!
He ventures deep into the woods in order to accomplish his aim. He follows a trail of leaves into a dark cave, discovering a GIANT and TERRIFYING BEAR... who turns out to be quite polite!
Bright and lively illustrations accompany rhyming text to create a fun story that will have children laughing out loud as they read along.
The latest title from award-winning author and illustrator Sam Hearn this book will be beloved by children and adults alike.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 1, 2022
3.8 Stars
Herschel is a pet hairstylist and wants to brush a real bear. He goes into the woods looking for one despite the warnings that bear are big and scary. Herschel meets a bear and realizes that it is actually a shy and cuddly animal. He goes to brush the bear and fulfill his wish.
The story is quite simple but adorable. The illustrations are super cute, bright, and lively. These are also much like how kids would assume animals to be, cartoonish and endearing. I enjoyed going through the colorful pages of illustrations and loved how artfully the elements were incorporated into each page.
The narration comes in a sort of rhymed verse which didn’t meet the expectations. It is awkward in places and felt forced. I felt the book would have been a solid 5-star if the narration was in regular simple sentences with no rhyme or rhythm.
The story is cute, and so are the illustrations, so kids will still enjoy this one. You’ll have to explain the meanings of a couple of words, though.
To sum up, Never Brush a Bear is a cute book and will tickle the kids.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NeverBrushaBear #NetGalley
Herschel is a pet hairstylist and wants to brush a real bear. He goes into the woods looking for one despite the warnings that bear are big and scary. Herschel meets a bear and realizes that it is actually a shy and cuddly animal. He goes to brush the bear and fulfill his wish.
The story is quite simple but adorable. The illustrations are super cute, bright, and lively. These are also much like how kids would assume animals to be, cartoonish and endearing. I enjoyed going through the colorful pages of illustrations and loved how artfully the elements were incorporated into each page.
The narration comes in a sort of rhymed verse which didn’t meet the expectations. It is awkward in places and felt forced. I felt the book would have been a solid 5-star if the narration was in regular simple sentences with no rhyme or rhythm.
The story is cute, and so are the illustrations, so kids will still enjoy this one. You’ll have to explain the meanings of a couple of words, though.
To sum up, Never Brush a Bear is a cute book and will tickle the kids.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NeverBrushaBear #NetGalley
September 20, 2022
Sam Hearn’s Never Brush a Bear is a lovely, amusing, and unique adventure with lively art. The fun rhyming story is charming and easy-to-follow.
Herschel is an ambitious pet hair stylist who loves brushing all kinds of pets. However, his greatest wish is to style a bear! Despite the obstacles and everyone’s protestations, Herschel sets out on an ambitious and hilarious journey to achieve his dream!
This simple but funny and engaging book will definitely have kids laughing! Herschel’s adventure and ambitions are interesting and unique. The book is easy-to-follow and Hearn’s writing is very child-friendly. I really enjoyed the continuous rhymes and I thought they flowed nicely and naturally. This book will be a great joy to read aloud with your kids!
I also love the uniqueness of a protagonist named Herschel. His name really stood out as I’ve never seen a child character with that name. I also appreciate the book’s gentle and timeless messages of perseverance, curiosity, and determination. These are great values which kids as well as adults can try to incorporate into their daily lives.
I absolutely love the bold and bright full-colour full-page illustrations! They are fun, cheerful, and are packed with so many wonderful details. I particularly love the sequence of Herschel and the bear rolling down the hill while the other forest animals follow. All of the animals have such lovely and expressive faces. The friendly bear is so fluffy and polite looking. I especially love the adorable and neat Herschel in his smart jumpsuit and red bowtie!
Thank you to NetGalley and Happy Yak for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🐻🐻🐻🐻 out of 5 bears!
Herschel is an ambitious pet hair stylist who loves brushing all kinds of pets. However, his greatest wish is to style a bear! Despite the obstacles and everyone’s protestations, Herschel sets out on an ambitious and hilarious journey to achieve his dream!
This simple but funny and engaging book will definitely have kids laughing! Herschel’s adventure and ambitions are interesting and unique. The book is easy-to-follow and Hearn’s writing is very child-friendly. I really enjoyed the continuous rhymes and I thought they flowed nicely and naturally. This book will be a great joy to read aloud with your kids!
I also love the uniqueness of a protagonist named Herschel. His name really stood out as I’ve never seen a child character with that name. I also appreciate the book’s gentle and timeless messages of perseverance, curiosity, and determination. These are great values which kids as well as adults can try to incorporate into their daily lives.
I absolutely love the bold and bright full-colour full-page illustrations! They are fun, cheerful, and are packed with so many wonderful details. I particularly love the sequence of Herschel and the bear rolling down the hill while the other forest animals follow. All of the animals have such lovely and expressive faces. The friendly bear is so fluffy and polite looking. I especially love the adorable and neat Herschel in his smart jumpsuit and red bowtie!
Thank you to NetGalley and Happy Yak for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🐻🐻🐻🐻 out of 5 bears!
August 24, 2023
My daughter and I enjoyed reading this book together. The story is about a boy called Herschel, who wants to fulfil his dream of brushing a bear's hair. He is told that it is not a good idea to try that, but he doesn't listen, and when he comes across a bear, he tries to brush it's hair. Amazingly, the bear lets him do it, and they both have a lot of fun together.
We really enjoyed the beautiful graphics in the book and the rhyming text, both of which were really fun and quirky. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
We really enjoyed the beautiful graphics in the book and the rhyming text, both of which were really fun and quirky. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
August 6, 2022
Loved this charming story for ages 4-6 of Herschel, a young pet stylist, whose dream is to style a bear. Don't you adore that? I sure did! Sweet illustrations and rhyming text make this a joy for young readers. Highly recommended!
July 1, 2022
Grrr! Fur-tastic fun for everyone. 🧸♥️
And as you can see, the rhyming is contagious.
I have recently discovered the pure joy of reading kid's books, so when I saw a children’s book about a big grizzly bear, (A man I love very much has the nickname Grizzly 😂🥰) I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
And I’m glad I didn’t!
Adorable, funny and so many levels of cuteness it’s verging on overload.
The story itself is gorgeous and I love the message I got from it. (Might be my age over analysing. Lol)
You can do and be whatever your heart desires. There might be challenges and obstacles along the way, but with self-belief and determination, you can achieve anything.
Then we move on to the delightfully whimsical illustrations. Perfection. So colourful, creative and above all else, fun!
The whole book just screams fun!
Kids are sure to love Herschel and his quest to brush a bear. Be it for the fabulous rhymes to the eye-catching pictures, it’s a book that they will, without a doubt, pick up time and time again.
Thank you so much, NetGalley & Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the adorable arc ebook. And even though I’m not the intended audience, I’ll be adding this to my ever-growing children’s collection.
And as you can see, the rhyming is contagious.
I have recently discovered the pure joy of reading kid's books, so when I saw a children’s book about a big grizzly bear, (A man I love very much has the nickname Grizzly 😂🥰) I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
And I’m glad I didn’t!
Adorable, funny and so many levels of cuteness it’s verging on overload.
The story itself is gorgeous and I love the message I got from it. (Might be my age over analysing. Lol)
You can do and be whatever your heart desires. There might be challenges and obstacles along the way, but with self-belief and determination, you can achieve anything.
Then we move on to the delightfully whimsical illustrations. Perfection. So colourful, creative and above all else, fun!
The whole book just screams fun!
Kids are sure to love Herschel and his quest to brush a bear. Be it for the fabulous rhymes to the eye-catching pictures, it’s a book that they will, without a doubt, pick up time and time again.
Thank you so much, NetGalley & Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the adorable arc ebook. And even though I’m not the intended audience, I’ll be adding this to my ever-growing children’s collection.
September 1, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I just HAD to read this book. A book about a boy who loves to brush hair, who loves to pamper pets and who is very awesome at it. But what happens when the kid wants to brush a bear? Is that a good idea? I just had to find out!
Meet Herschel a boy who loves pampering pets and who has great dreams of awards and to coiffuring all sorts of animals. Yep, here is a boy who doesn’t just want to do the normal pets, oh no, he wants to do it all! But most of all he wants to do a big BIG bear! As you can imagine that may just not be the right idea, but was I in for it? And was I hoping that he would succeed? Was I eager to see what he would do to make a bear look fabulous? Oh yes to all of it. I was invested and I loved that the kid dreamt big. Didn’t care the bears are scary.
I loved how the narrator, at least I am going to just say it is the narrator, is trying to tell Herschel that it is a bad idea. That he should turn around. But then later even the narrator is eager and encourages the boy which I just loved. It made me giggle. Even the narrator was convinced that maybe Herschel would be able to do it.
I loved seeing Herschel brush and groom and pamper the bear, because BOY that bear definitely needed a brush, haha. He was almost the forest itself.
The ending just made me giggle and laugh! That was a fantastic ending and I am sure that the bear will be one of Herschel customers for life.
The art was just fantastic as I was already hoping based on the cover. It was just so cute and fun with tons of fun details! I also loved the colours.
All in all, this book made me cheer, laugh, giggle, and smile. And it was just what I needed (not feeling all too well these past 2 weeks so this was perfect). I would HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone in need for a giggle and those who love a protagonist not afraid to make his dreams come true.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just HAD to read this book. A book about a boy who loves to brush hair, who loves to pamper pets and who is very awesome at it. But what happens when the kid wants to brush a bear? Is that a good idea? I just had to find out!
Meet Herschel a boy who loves pampering pets and who has great dreams of awards and to coiffuring all sorts of animals. Yep, here is a boy who doesn’t just want to do the normal pets, oh no, he wants to do it all! But most of all he wants to do a big BIG bear! As you can imagine that may just not be the right idea, but was I in for it? And was I hoping that he would succeed? Was I eager to see what he would do to make a bear look fabulous? Oh yes to all of it. I was invested and I loved that the kid dreamt big. Didn’t care the bears are scary.
I loved how the narrator, at least I am going to just say it is the narrator, is trying to tell Herschel that it is a bad idea. That he should turn around. But then later even the narrator is eager and encourages the boy which I just loved. It made me giggle. Even the narrator was convinced that maybe Herschel would be able to do it.
I loved seeing Herschel brush and groom and pamper the bear, because BOY that bear definitely needed a brush, haha. He was almost the forest itself.
The ending just made me giggle and laugh! That was a fantastic ending and I am sure that the bear will be one of Herschel customers for life.
The art was just fantastic as I was already hoping based on the cover. It was just so cute and fun with tons of fun details! I also loved the colours.
All in all, this book made me cheer, laugh, giggle, and smile. And it was just what I needed (not feeling all too well these past 2 weeks so this was perfect). I would HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone in need for a giggle and those who love a protagonist not afraid to make his dreams come true.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 18, 2022
This delightful story is sure to be a winner with kids. Hershel wants to be an award winning stylist. He is an expert at brushing pet's fur and has a variety of animals that he works on making them look mighty fine indeed. His dream is to brush a bear... not just any old bear... a BIG hairy bear!
Although many try to warn him of the danger Hershel has his mind made up... yep... he has a mission and he is going to fulfill it. Will he be successful? Will a HUGE bear be tame and gentle enough to withstand a grand professional brush-out by Monsieur Hershel?
This fun rhyming book will have kids giggling as Hershel, the hairstylist extraordinaire, fulfills his dream. The illustrations are bold, bright and full of detail engaging the reader from beginning to end. "Never Brush a Bear" touches on themes of courage, determination, and fulfilling a dream. I love the book and highly recommend it.
Although many try to warn him of the danger Hershel has his mind made up... yep... he has a mission and he is going to fulfill it. Will he be successful? Will a HUGE bear be tame and gentle enough to withstand a grand professional brush-out by Monsieur Hershel?
This fun rhyming book will have kids giggling as Hershel, the hairstylist extraordinaire, fulfills his dream. The illustrations are bold, bright and full of detail engaging the reader from beginning to end. "Never Brush a Bear" touches on themes of courage, determination, and fulfilling a dream. I love the book and highly recommend it.
Read
June 29, 2022Initially I was outraged at the narrator's attempt to dissuade ambitious young groomer Herschel from brushing a bear; I will always regret failing to pat that one near Herne Bay who had shuffled their fuzzy butt through the diamonds in the wire fence while making puppy-dog eyes. Don't leave Herschel as haunted by what he could have done as I am, narrator! Fortunately, the lad is wise enough to ignore the advice, goes in search of a bear to brush, and has a grand old time. The other animals along the way are beautifully rendered too, especially the scruffy guinea pig, although I imagine parents in grizzly country might wish to proceed with caution on the lessons learned here.
(Netgalley ARC)
(Netgalley ARC)
July 3, 2022
This delightful rhyming picture book tells the story of a little boy named Herschel who enjoys pampering his stuffed animals and pets. One day Herschel decides he'd like to brush a bear. Readers are quite concerned and try to advise him otherwise, but Herschel is pretty determined and despite all of their warnings he finds that bears actually quite like being brushed. The only problem is they get messy again quite quickly, so you must start all over again. I can definitely see young children loving this book and all of it's quirky ideas. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the age 3-8 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 7, 2022
A really pleasant piece of whimsy, this, as a rhymed narration shows us a lad who just likes to brush everything living – and some things that aren't. How can he possibly get away with the ambition of wanting to brush a big, wild, dangerous bear, though?! Cartoonish illustrations are just the sensible side of the line, and classily keep away from the daft and childish. A lot of this is very well-considered in fact, and even though it's not a classic, must-reread narrative, it's a strong four stars.
June 29, 2022
I am not sure if I get it right, but I feel like the intention behind the story is to spur children to take care of their own appearance ( I would imagine in real life when parents saying: brush your hair, and kids are reluctant to). In the story, the character enjoys brushing hair for all his animal toys, and he even went to find a bear and brush him. The text is fluent, and sounds like the parents of the character talking to him. Simple story with cute characters, I think it would be a fun book for parents to read with their early age children.
July 2, 2022
Out of all the animals, Herschel decides to venture out in the wild to brush a bear.
The book has eye-catching illustrations and uses different style fonts to set the story's mood. I enjoy how the animals are portrayed whimsically. It's an excellent book for children who love animals and enjoy being entertained.
Thank you, #QuartoPublishingGroup, #NetGalley, and Sam Hearn, for sending me a copy of Never Brush a Bear for review. This is a delightful book, and I look forward to reading other stories. #NeverBrushaBear #SamHearn
The book has eye-catching illustrations and uses different style fonts to set the story's mood. I enjoy how the animals are portrayed whimsically. It's an excellent book for children who love animals and enjoy being entertained.
Thank you, #QuartoPublishingGroup, #NetGalley, and Sam Hearn, for sending me a copy of Never Brush a Bear for review. This is a delightful book, and I look forward to reading other stories. #NeverBrushaBear #SamHearn
July 2, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Delightful story about Herschel who wants to be an award winning stylist. He brushes pets' fur and keeps them looking their best. His heart's desire is to brush a bear. Readers and the narrator will have fun sharing why this might not be a good idea, but will see Herschel pursues it anyway. We discover that this bear loves to be brushed after a winter nap, and the two of them have a wonderful time together.
Colorful illustrations capture the fun and humor to match Hearn's text.
Delightful story about Herschel who wants to be an award winning stylist. He brushes pets' fur and keeps them looking their best. His heart's desire is to brush a bear. Readers and the narrator will have fun sharing why this might not be a good idea, but will see Herschel pursues it anyway. We discover that this bear loves to be brushed after a winter nap, and the two of them have a wonderful time together.
Colorful illustrations capture the fun and humor to match Hearn's text.
July 14, 2022
What an adorable story of determination! With rhyming prose and fabulous illustrations, Never Brush a Bear will delight our youngest school children. This story was reminiscent of the relationship between the boy and mouse in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, in the sense of the human/animal/prose/circular story. My first graders will delight in this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange of my opinion.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange of my opinion.
July 10, 2022
This delightful children’s picture book will have readers laughing as Herschel takes them on a journey to brush a bear. Herschel loves grooming pets of all sorts but he really, really wants to brush a bear. Beautiful illustrations with hidden details that add meaning and humor to the story. Kids will ask to read this one over and over again!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. I will be adding this one to teacher’s classroom library collection.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. I will be adding this one to teacher’s classroom library collection.
July 25, 2022
Thank you to the author, Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This children's book has very bright, cute illustrations with lots of fun details, and centers on how one young boy refuses to give up on his dreams. The story is simple, but has lots of potential as a launching pad to encourage young children to persevere. The rhyming text felt a bit forced at times, but overall would definitely recommend.
This children's book has very bright, cute illustrations with lots of fun details, and centers on how one young boy refuses to give up on his dreams. The story is simple, but has lots of potential as a launching pad to encourage young children to persevere. The rhyming text felt a bit forced at times, but overall would definitely recommend.
July 30, 2022
This is a cute rhyming story about a boy that loves to brush hair. He decides one day, that he wants to brush a bear. the narrator advices against it, but the boy goes looking for a bear to brush anyway. It then turns out that the bear is not at all dangerous and likes the brushing. It is definitely cute. my small human found it a funny book and loved the illustrations, they are simple yet nice looking and really makes the story come to life. It is not extremely memorable and my small human didn’t ask for the book again, therefore I’m giving it a lower score.
June 28, 2022
I think it is fun when children's books rhyme; this one does and I found it enjoyable.
I thought the illustrations were very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley for approving my request for an advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Sam Hearn and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Happy Yak).
I thought the illustrations were very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley for approving my request for an advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Sam Hearn and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Happy Yak).
July 5, 2022
Quarto books never fails us! This little story pairs happy, bold illustrations with a catchy rhyming narrative and really just feels like a fun time. Themes include bravery, ambition, and follow-through. So delightful!
Thanks to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this ARC.
Thanks to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this ARC.
July 6, 2022
This is an absolutely delightful picture book. The illustrations are bright, fanciful and most engaging. The rhyming text should delight the youngest readers as they learn about a young hair stylist. Just adorable!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s’ Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s’ Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2022
This book was adorable. The rhymes are spot on the cadence flows nicely and the illustrations are a joyful, colorful read. This book is about a child’s wish to brush the hair of all creatures, in particular a bear. This child finds a bear that actually likes their hair brushed. This book was fun, it was cute, and could be read over and over and over again.
December 13, 2022
The imaginative way of a kid who loves to brush everything who one day declares to brush a bear. The rhyming and fun way reading, also fun illustration bring us to a wonderful adventure with Herschel and his dream of brushing a bear. Although imaginary, the determination of Herschel can be a good example for kids.
July 8, 2022
I loved this story for so many reasons!! The illustrations were bright and colorful, the rhyming verse was charming, but will also elicit some giggles, and furthermore it breaks gender stereotypes! A great addition to any young readers home library!
April 13, 2022
Fun illustrations and premise, but clunky forced rhyming keeps this book from being the fun romp it could be
July 3, 2022
Never Brush a Bear…WHY not?! Check out this review to find out.
What an adorable story with super cute illustrations. The colors used are so unique and give off a glow of fun!
This is a great book for young and beginner readers. Beware this story may cause uncontrollable giggling and tons of family fun.
I must say… I now may consider brushing a bear myself 😊
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak
What an adorable story with super cute illustrations. The colors used are so unique and give off a glow of fun!
This is a great book for young and beginner readers. Beware this story may cause uncontrollable giggling and tons of family fun.
I must say… I now may consider brushing a bear myself 😊
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak
August 9, 2022
This is a cute and silly book. My daughter and I were laughing along as he goes to brush a bear.
The illustrations are really cute too.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
The illustrations are really cute too.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
January 30, 2023
Loved this silly book and the cute rhyming. The vocabulary was easy to understand. The colorful pictures would make young readers jump
for joy. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
for joy. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 23, 2022
So clever! Never Brush a Bear teaches young children how curiosity brings such pure joy. It does not always come easy when you want something, but if you persist you can achieve what others might say is impossible. Sam Hearn has taught us all a very crucial lesson with Never Brush a Bear. The illustrations are so sweet, the book is so funny, a true joy to read.
March 11, 2024
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
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