We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury)

A father and his four children go on a bear hunt based on the old chant: "We're going to catch a big one. / What a beautiful day! / We're not scared. / Oh-oh! Grass! / Long, wavy grass. / We can't go over it. / We can't go under it. / Oh, no! / We've got to go through it!" The family swishes down a grassy slope, splashes across a river, squelchs through mud, stumbles through the forest, struggles through a storm, and tip toes into a cave and, of course, finally find a bear, who chases them all back to their home, where they decide that they never go on a bear hunt again. Not only does the book have a great story, but the text is predictable (which is a bonus for younger children) and the sounds and actions are fun to act out. The story lends itself to lots of vocal and facial affect and lets children get involved in the hunt by acting out how the family faces their many obstacles. I love this book and have used it with very young children (who love the funny sounds and actions) as well as with older children (who love to act out the whole story). Where to Buy: This book can be found in children's book stores, large chain bookstores, and of course through online retailers.