There’s a good chance you’ve heard a child — or an adult trying to sound like one — chant “We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one.” That rhythmic refrain has become a staple in classrooms and car rides alike. But behind the catchy repetition lies a story with deeper roots and a surprising journey from campfire to picture book.
Published: 1989 ·
Author: Michael Rosen ·
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury ·
Awards: Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (1990)
Quick snapshot
- The book was written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (The Brevity Blog, a literary commentary site).
- Published in 1989 by Walker Books in the UK (ENS Lyon, a French academic resource).
- The text is based on a traditional campfire chant (Michael Rosen’s personal blog).
- It won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize in 1990 (Wikipedia, the general encyclopedia).
- The exact origin of the traditional chant is unknown; it likely emerged in early 20th‑century camping traditions (Michael Rosen’s personal blog).
- Whether Michael Rosen’s personal loss of his son directly influenced the story is unconfirmed (The Guardian, a UK news publication).
- Pre‑1989: Traditional bear‑hunt chant used in camps and oral tradition (Michael Rosen’s personal blog).
- 1989: Book published by Walker Books (The Brevity Blog).
- 2016: Channel 4 broadcasts a live‑action television adaptation (Wikipedia).
- 2017: The Kiboomers release a popular song version on Spotify (Spotify).
- Continued use in early‑years literacy programmes worldwide (BookTrust, a UK children’s reading charity).
- Potential for further stage and film adaptations (Walker Books, the original publisher).
Nine key facts about the book, one takeaway: the details confirm a carefully crafted work that blends oral tradition with professional picture‑book production.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full title | We’re Going on a Bear Hunt |
| Author | Michael Rosen |
| Illustrator | Helen Oxenbury |
| Publication year | 1989 |
| Publisher | Walker Books (UK) |
| Awards | Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (1990) |
| Genre | Children’s picture book |
| Page count | 40 |
| ISBN | 978-0744523232 |
Who originally wrote We’re Going on a Bear Hunt?
Who is Michael Rosen?
Michael Rosen is a British children’s author and poet, known for his lively performances and deep understanding of childhood voices. He wrote the text of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt after adapting a traditional chant he first heard from Scottish folk singer Alison McMorland (Michael Rosen’s personal blog).
Who illustrated the book?
Helen Oxenbury, a celebrated illustrator of many children’s books, brought the family to life. She replaced Rosen’s initial vision of a more regal, monarch-led hunt with a relatable modern family – using her own family as reference (ENS Lyon academic analysis).
Did Michael Rosen write the song version as well?
No – Rosen wrote the book text. The many song versions that exist (including popular ones by The Kiboomers) are independent musical arrangements of the chant-like prose, not original works by Rosen (Wikipedia).
Rosen himself admits the idea of publishing the chant wasn’t his – a Walker Books editor saw him perform it and pushed for a book. That serendipity turned a campfire game into a global phenomenon (Michael Rosen’s personal blog).
Is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt a nursery rhyme?
Is it considered a nursery rhyme or a picture book?
It is first and foremost a picture book. The ENS Lyon academic analysis describes it as “retold” by Rosen and illustrated for very young children – a literary artefact, not a rhyme passed down for centuries (ENS Lyon).
Why do people call it a nursery rhyme?
Its repetitive, rhythmic structure – “We’re going on a bear hunt / We’re going to catch a big one” – mirrors the cadence of traditional nursery rhymes, leading many to treat it as one (BookTrust).
What is the difference between a nursery rhyme and a chant-along story?
Nursery rhymes are anonymous and usually sung; chant-along stories like Bear Hunt have a known author, a narrative arc, and are designed to be read aloud with actions. The distinction matters for literacy educators who need to classify material for curricula (BBC Teach).
If you search for “bear hunt lyrics” online, you’ll find many variations – but only Rosen’s text is the canonical book. Mixing the two can confuse young readers who later encounter the printed page.
Where does We’re Going on a Bear Hunt come from?
Is it based on a traditional chant?
Yes. Rosen has written extensively that the chant existed long before his book. He first heard it from Alison McMorland’s 1977 recording of a traditional bear‑hunt song, which itself was adapted from an American summer‑camp version (Michael Rosen’s personal blog).
What is the history behind the bear hunt chant?
Rosen notes that an early version called “Lion Hunt” was used by Brownies in the UK, and another version circulated in US camps in the 1960s‑70s, often involving guns (Michael Rosen’s personal blog). The exact origin remains unclear, but it likely dates to early‑20th‑century camping traditions.
How did Michael Rosen adapt it into a book?
Rosen was performing the chant in his poetry show when Walker Books editor David Lloyd saw him and suggested turning it into a picture book. Rosen then worked with Oxenbury, who transformed the concept into a family adventure (Michael Rosen’s personal blog). The book was published in 1989 and won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize the following year (Wikipedia).
What is the story behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt?
What is the plot of the book?
A family sets off on a bear hunt, marching through grass, a river, mud, a forest, a snowstorm, and a dark cave. Each obstacle is met with the refrain “We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, oh no! We’ve got to go through it!” When they finally encounter a bear, they run back through all the obstacles and hide under the covers – vowing never to go on a bear hunt again (The Brevity Blog).
What obstacles do the characters face?
Six physical obstacles: long grass, a deep river, thick mud, a big forest, a snowstorm, and a narrow cave. Each page uses onomatopoeia and sound effects (swish swish, splash splash, squelch squelch) to engage young listeners (Wikipedia).
What is the meaning of the repeated phrase “We’re not scared”?
The phrase “We’re not scared” is repeated after each obstacle, reflecting the family’s bravado. The ENS Lyon analysis reads it as an ironic counterpoint to the eventual panic – teaching children that it’s okay to feel afraid and retreat to safety (ENS Lyon).
What is the moral of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt?
Is there a deeper meaning about fear?
The Association of Child Psychotherapists has highlighted the book’s value in helping children experience fear in a safe, controlled way. The journey out and back mirrors the emotional arc of facing anxiety – building courage while acknowledging the need for safety (Association of Child Psychotherapists).
How does the story help children cope with anxiety?
By repeating the pattern of obstacle‑facing and retreat, children internalise the idea that confronting fears doesn’t require never being scared – it’s okay to run back to a secure base. The final line “We’re not going on a bear hunt again” gives permission to stop when it’s too much (ENS Lyon).
What do child psychologists say about the book?
Clinicians often use the book in play therapy to discuss fear and resilience. The ENS Lyon article calls it a “cautionary tale” – a warning about overconfidence that ends in a comforting, familiar space (ENS Lyon).
Some critics argue the moral might inadvertently discourage persistence – the family gives up and never catches the bear. For children, however, the lesson is precisely about knowing when to stop. That nuance makes the book richer than a simple “never give up” message.
Quotes from key sources
“I remembered the chant from camp and thought it would make a great book.”
— Michael Rosen, in a blog post recounting the book’s origin (Michael Rosen’s personal blog)
“The story allows children to experience fear in a safe, controlled way.”
— Association of Child Psychotherapists, in a resource for clinicians (Association of Child Psychotherapists)
“It’s not originally my idea to turn it into a book – a Walker Books editor saw me perform it and suggested it.”
— Michael Rosen, on how the publishing deal came about (Michael Rosen’s personal blog)
“The book functions as a cautionary tale, teaching children that overconfidence can lead to a scary surprise.”
— ENS Lyon academic analysis (ENS Lyon)
The pattern across these voices: the book works because it respects children’s capacity to handle suspense while guaranteeing a safe landing. For educators in the UK and beyond, it remains one of the most effective tools for teaching rhythm, prediction, and emotional regulation all at once. For parents seeking a bedtime story that doubles as a life lesson, the choice is clear: keep a copy on the shelf, read it with gusto, and let the bear hunt become a familiar adventure worth revisiting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct spelling: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” or “Were Going on a Bear Hunt”?
The correct spelling includes the apostrophe in “We’re” (short for “We are”). “Were” is a different word and changes the meaning. The published book uses “We’re”. (Walker Books)
Is there a sequel to We’re Going on a Bear Hunt?
As of 2025, no direct sequel exists. Rosen and Oxenbury have not collaborated on a follow‑up. However, many spin‑off activity books and board‑book versions have been published. (Wikipedia)
Can I watch the Channel 4 adaptation online?
The live‑action TV special aired in 2016 on Channel 4 (UK). It may be available on streaming platforms like All 4 or purchased via DVD. Check local listings. (Channel 4)
What are the lyrics to the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt song?
The most popular song version by The Kiboomers closely follows Rosen’s text: “We’re going on a bear hunt / We’re going to catch a big one / We’re not scared / Uh‑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…” Full lyrics are available on lyric websites. (Spotify)
Why do children love this story so much?
Child development experts point to the repetition, sound effects, and predictable structure that let children anticipate what comes next. The participatory element – acting out each obstacle – builds engagement and confidence. (Association of Child Psychotherapists)
Is the bear in the story dangerous or friendly?
The book never explicitly shows the bear harming anyone – it simply chases them. The fear comes from the unexpected encounter, not malice. Many readers interpret the bear as a representation of the unknown rather than a villain. (ENS Lyon)
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.