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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Hey, Bruce! An Interactive Book, written and illustrated by Ryan T. HIggins. Disney*Hyperion. 2022. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 


"Hey Bruce, do you 
want to be in our book? 
It's hyperactive. 

He means interactive.

Grrrrrrrrr!
I'm busy napping. 

Ooh! We 
can help!
"

Poor Bruce! He is endlessly put-upon by Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs, his mice friends from earlier stories. This time they want Bruce to be the star of their story. To that end, they have determined an interactive book will allow readers to have a say in what happens. It takes some explaining. Readers will soon get the picture. 

Thistle unknowingly provides the title while shouting over the title page; Hey Bruce! it is. It certainly brings Bruce front and center. Bruce is solidly asleep when the page is turned. Readers are invited to tap his shoulder to wake him. When that doesn't work, a harder tap is suggested. In surprise, Bruce falls off the tree branch that has been his bed. He is not interested in being the star of their book. The mice will not be deterred, although they will need help from readers ... again ... and again ... and then again. 

Adults will understand Bruce's reluctance to participate when all he wants to do is sleep. Kids will love the energy the three mice bring to making Bruce do what he does not want to do. The endless dialogue filled with wordplay that is giggle-worthy, and the truly comical situations that happen for Bruce as readers follow the silly directions given will fully entertain little ones as the book is read numerous times. 

Ryan T. Higgins has done it again! His fans and all who love Bruce will be delighted. 

https://youtu.be/Edlc7XZSZBU

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