Oh Where, Oh Where?

If done just right, the creatively adapted nursury rhyme still makes for an enjoyable kids' book: They're familiar with the original, and delight in the audacity of someone taking liberties with it. This is the heart of "Oh Where, Oh Where," a book that plays with the rhyme/song, "O Where, O Where Can My little Dog Be." There's an easy, good-natured quality to Daddy Bear's (or, perhaps Mommy's) feigned puzzling over where his toddler bear can be. He's right in fron of Dad's couch, then bearly (sorry, pun intended) concealed under a book, crawling around the couch's big-armed sides, and pulling a big green patchwork blanket over his (and, metaphorically, his father's) eyes. The parent bear is all smiles, completely playing along, and even gives a huge gesture of surprise when Baby Bear energes from the blanket and says "Boo!" The ritualized game (one gets the feeling from the ease and coordination of the bear's movements that they've done this before) concludes with Daddy Bear friendly invitation, "Come over to me." The story (and the song) conclude with a light and somewhat surprising note. Seeing baby bear snuggled up in his parent's arms, we read: "A kiss and a cuddle I need from you, Before we have our tea." The couch is the only setting, and the colors are pretty much the same from page to page, but author/illustrator John Prator manages to inject lots of interest in his simple peek-a-boo story. Perhaps the key is the genuine-feeling warmth that he conveys, the playful spirit, and the relative proportions of the big parent on his or her big couch, and the little bear--little, but not so small that he can't get the adult's attention and love. It's sweet without becoming precious, insipid, or cloying. I think that you, the adult, will actually enjoy reading this board book. Prater holds the reins in just enough, but he portrays the bear's intimacy and affection in a way that most illustrators would envy. You can bet a jar of honey that "Oh Where, Oh Where..." will inspire some playful hide and seeking at your house. 22 pages of sturdy board book, comprised of 11 2-page spreads, and first published in 1997 by Bodley Head Children's Books, the United Kingdom.

I haven't met a toddler yet who does not like to play hide-and-seek. In this book, baby bear plays hide-and-seek from an adult (it could be mama or papa bear, depending on the reader) bear. The illustrations are very simple and not at all threatening or scary.My toddler son LOVES this book. He's 22 months old now, and he's enjoyed this book almost daily for about 2 months now. He delights to see the little bear fooling (or so little bear thinks) the big bear. Over and over again we read this book.

My toddler loves this book! She requests this charming book over and over. First I read it to her then I sing it. She giggles all the way through the book. She thinks the little bear is so clever! I enjoy the book as well; mostly I enjoy her response.