Description

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From Guess How Much I Love You author Sam McBratney comes this tender story of the special kind of soothing comfort that a hug can bring, setting everything just right again.

“There, there” — one of the most soothing expressions in the English language. In this story, Little Hansie Bear loves to pretend, but walking like a duck can be hazardous, especially when he falls into a deep- down ditch and has to be helped out by his dad. With a “There, there” and a hug, Hansie is soon off to play again. So when Dad hurts his foot, Hansie knows just what to do — a “There, there,” a big hug, and everything is all right again.

About the Author

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Sam McBratney (1943−2020) is the author of the internationally best-selling classic Guess How Much I Love You and its sequel, Will You Be My Friend?, as well as All My Favorites, all illustrated by Anita Jeram. He also wrote Just You and Me and There, There, both illustrated by Ivan Bates, and Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See, illustrated by Linda Ólafsdóttir, among many other books for children.

Ivan Bates studied illustration at Manchester Polytechnic and has illustrated many books for children, including Just You and Me by Sam McBratney, Do Like A Duck Does! by Judy Hindley, and Five Little Ducks. He lives in England.

Praise For…

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A deeply resonant story.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Charming... A pleasing portrait of a nurturing father-son relationship, McBratney’s latest should find a warm welcome.
—Kirkus Reviews

Bates has captured the warmth of a father’s love for his son in the older bear’s expressions, and Hansie is an adorable young bear, full of curiosity and energy. A fine portrayal of parental love and caring.
—School Library Journal

The charming mixed-media illustrations, from small vignettes to double-page spreads, are softly hued... An ever-present family of ducks appears in most pictures and adds lightness and humor. Hansie is a prime example of how a youngster models behaviors...
—Booklist

This could have been overly sentimental, but McBratney keeps it real with concise and natural language... The soft autumnal tones and softly scribbled detail in the flora and fauna of Bates’ mixed-media illustrations effectively echo the gentleness of the text. ... Families and classrooms will find this a solid offering for days when kids need a bit of comforting.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

... Ivan Bates's depictions of a warm family, with fur that looks soft enough to touch, contrast nicely with the autumn backdrop. Best of all... this picture book honors the special bond between father and son.
—Shelf Awareness for Readers