If you’re looking for a picture book that’s just a teensy bit spooky, laugh-out-loud funny, and jaw-droppingly adorable, you’ll get all that and a whole lot more in this unforgettable and uber-charming new release from Jess Hannigan.
THE BEAR OUT THERE (Quill Tree Books) is a just-perfect-for-Halloween title that delivers suspense and snickers, all the way through — and may also introduce you to your new favorite protagonist! Here’s a summary of the story:
DON’T SCREAM! There’s something scary out in the forest, but you’re in good hands in this story by Jess Hannigan, author of the wryly silly Spider in the Well. Just make sure you keep a cool head, and watch out for any intruders… The signs are clear—there’s a BEAR OUT THERE! You’re lucky to be safe in this cabin in the woods, with a host who is levelheaded, trustworthy, and smart about bear safety. There’s certainly no need to worry about any dark shadows or sneaky schemes in this book…RIGHT? Jess Hannigan is back with another bold and brazen tale that’s not too silly, not too scary, but just right.
Oh, the over-reacting! You’ll love reading (and reading aloud) everything that the main character of THE BEAR OUT THERE has to share, oscillating between super freaked out and cool as a cucumber. Where does the story come from? And how did Jess arrive at its fun style? Come along we go… Behind the Book!
How did this story come to you?
The story is directly taken from an animation project I did in art school, where a girl is seemingly minding her business in a cabin, worrying about something watching her from outside. Then we see outside, and a bear is holding a sign that reads “this is literally MY house”, the girl gasps, and it ends. I think that idea just came from the rhyme of Bearwith There, and wasn’t even supposed to be a goldilocks thing (which is very silly).
What influenced and inspired you, as you created this book?
The biggest influence for this one was The Monster at the End of this Book, the Sesame Street book by Jon Stone and Michael Smollin. The way Grover talks right to you, and is so scared, begging you not to keep reading the book is a masterpiece, for real. I thought, “if I can get anywhere near how good that book is with this, I’ll have peaked”.
How did it evolve, as it came fully into being?
From that original idea, my editor and I (and the many other writers I sent it to for advice) tried to play up the anticipation leading up to the reveal that it was the bear’s house all along. It originally had fewer jokes, and was also less scary. Playing up the first sight of the bear, and then slow creeping up to the door really helped curate that tension that I think is so fun.
What is your biggest hope for this story?
I want this to be one that grown-ups can really nail their storytelling skills with! I want everybody to get in really close, hold their breaths, laugh, and yell. And then do it again. My mom was really talented at scaring us with books, in the best, giggly way.
How might an educator bring your story into classroom activities or learning?
Good question! It wonder if this book could be a class’s first intro to suspense, or unreliable narrators. Both feature heavily here, and are sometimes rare in picture books. That would be really fun.
What sustains and nourishes you, as you travel this picture book journey?
Wow! Maybe devouring as many beautiful, smart books as I can get my hands on. It makes me hungry to try new ways of making pictures and setting type and everything. To be anywhere near the same sphere of existence as the picture book legends I love is really cool as is, I’m lucky to be here at all!
Thank you for visiting Behind the Book, Jess! The Monster at the End of This Book was my childhood favorite, and I loved learning how it influenced your story! Would you like a copy of THE BEAR OUT THERE? Of course you would! Here’s how to enter to win:
Win a copy of THE BEAR OUT THERE:
Visit @anitraroweschulte on Instagram
Like THE BEAR OUT THERE post by EOD Saturday, Oct. 11
US entries only
The winner will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 12. Wishing you the best of luck!