Finding a Cozy Moment with "There’s a Bear on My Chair"
As a mom, those quiet bedtime moments are pure gold—though sometimes they can feel more like a circus act! I remember one night not too long ago, after a long day filled with spilled milk and tangled toys, I curled up in my daughter Emily’s room, hoping to find peace with a good book. We dove into There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins, and oh, the chaos transformed into giggles.
The story centers around Mouse, who finds Bear seated comfortably in his favorite chair. The catch? That chair is definitely not big enough for two! What follows is a delightful series of Mouse’s attempts to evict Bear—each plan more inventive than the last. As we read together, Emily’s eyes widened every time Bear took up more space or when Mouse came up with another clever idea. It was as if we could feel Mouse’s frustration. Did I mention how relatable this was when trying to share a couch with my kids?
The illustrations are simply adorable and bursting with personality. Collins captures every emotion—from Mouse’s indignation to Bear’s blissful ignorance—with expressive characters and vibrant colors. Emily especially loved the page where Bear is sprawled out just a tad too comically, almost as if he’s giving Mouse the biggest side-eye. We laughed out loud, and I felt grateful for a moment where our worries faded away, replaced by the joy of storytelling.
What I appreciate most about the book is its rhythmic writing style. It makes reading aloud feel like a fun performance—every rhyme flows effortlessly and kept Emily engaged. We found ourselves repeating lines, creating our own bear and mouse scenarios, and even working out the logistics of chair-sharing. (Let’s just say, that would end in absolute chaos!).
One of our favorite lines was when Mouse declared, “Bear is big and I am small,” which sparked a delightful discussion about whether size really matters when it comes to friendship. These moments of connection, where we could pause to reflect and share our thoughts, made this book a true treasure for us.
If you’re a parent navigating the beautiful chaos of toddlerhood, I can’t recommend There’s a Bear on My Chair enough. It’s perfect for children aged 1 to 3, and it’s ideal for little ones who love silly stories filled with humor and heartfelt moments. Whether your child is a shy reader or a dramatic performer, there’s something here for everyone.
So, grab this book for your next cozy reading session, and prepare for the giggles. It just might become your new family favorite, like it has for us. After all, who doesn’t love a good tale about sharing—especially when it comes with a side of charming mischief?
Snuggle up with an adorable tale featuring a bear and a mouse! >>
