GRIZZLY DAD

Author (last name first):
Harrison, Joanna

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

David Fickling Books/2008

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

PreK - 2nd

Classification: 
Fiction  



An interesting day ensues for a young boy whose dad not only wakes up in a "grizzly mood", but actually turns into a bear after his mom and siblings conveniently leave the house. The boy takes good care of his dad, the bear, by grooming and feeding him, until he sees the huge mess the dad has made and expresses his dissatisfaction. Suddenly,dad- bear whisks the boy away into town where the boy discovers that having a "bear" for a dad has it's conveniences. They spend the afternoon doing "boy" things, and "bear" things like going to the movies, and the park where the boy learns how to scratch his back and climb trees. They return home to have a honey sandwich and watch television. The boy exclaims that this has been the best day ever, saying, "Thanks Dad. Your the greatest, even if you are a bear!" Dad- bear gives the boy a great big bear hug, and suddenly, he's no longer a bear, just a dad. Mom returns home to the horrific mess the two have made during the day. She compares the house to a pigsty....

Ms. Harrison created a humorous spin on the simile " grumpy as a bear" and eludes to a entirely new story from the simile ".... as a pigsty". It is a very fun and entertaining book!! The illustrations in this book are colorful, detailed  and entertaining. The illustration on the final page of the book is especially enjoyable, opening the door for imaginative conversation.

Reviewer: Johnna Anzaldua