Peek-a-Bruce

Bruce is a grumpy bear who becomes frustrated while playing peek-a-boo with mice. The mice continue to appear and disappear despite Bruce's attempts to avoid the game. Bruce tries different strategies to escape the mice's persistent peek-a-boo attempts. His reactions create a pattern of cause and effect as the mice respond to each of his moves. The book explores themes of friendship, patience, and the unexpected ways relationships develop. Its minimal text and expressive illustrations demonstrate how resistance to play and connection can transform into acceptance.

Parents and children find humor in Bruce's grumpiness contrasting with the playful peek-a-boo format. Many reviews mention that toddlers request multiple readings and enjoy lifting the flaps to find Bruce. Readers appreciate: - Sturdy flaps that withstand repeated use - Simple text for young readers - Familiar character from other Bruce books - Works as bedtime or interactive reading Common criticisms: - Limited story compared to other Bruce books - Higher price point for a board book - Some wish for more pages/content Ratings: Amazon: 4.9/5 (2,800+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,900+ ratings) "Perfect for my 18-month-old who loves peek-a-boo and can now 'read' it himself" - Amazon reviewer "The flaps are thick enough to survive my toddler's enthusiasm" - Goodreads review "Expected more of a story, but my kid doesn't mind" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems A strong-willed character begs the reader to give in to an outrageous request, much like Bruce's resistance to participating in activities.

I'm Bad! by Kate McMullan and Jim McMullan A T-Rex narrates his day with grumpy determination that masks his true nature, paralleling Bruce's outward demeanor.

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang A primate insists on staying grumpy despite his friends' efforts to cheer him up, reflecting Bruce's stubborn personality.

No, David! by David Shannon The main character faces constant correction for his actions, similar to Bruce's encounters with unwanted situations.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems A monster who fails at being scary finds his true purpose, mirroring Bruce's journey of unexpected relationships.

🐭 Mother Bruce began as a one-off picture book but became so popular it spawned an entire series, with Peek-a-Bruce being the seventh book featuring the grumpy bear and his adopted geese. 🎨 Author Ryan T. Higgins uses a unique combination of traditional drawing and digital techniques to create Bruce's expressive faces and the detailed forest scenes. 🦊 The character of Bruce was inspired by Higgins' own grumpy tendencies and his wife's observation that he can be "bear-like" in the morning. 📚 Peek-a-Bruce is specifically designed for the youngest readers in the Bruce series, featuring simple lift-the-flap elements and basic concepts perfect for toddlers. 🏆 The first book in the Bruce series, Mother Bruce, won the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor.