Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Outline

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (1967) is a rhythmic picture book in which each animal answers the question by naming the next colourful animal it sees, from a red bird to a purple cat. Its simple repeated pattern helps young children predict the words, learn colours and animals, and join in the reading. Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle’s book has become one of the most popular first books for early readers.

• Each animal answers the question by naming the next colourful animal it sees, which gives the book its steady rhythm.
• A simple repeated pattern lets young children predict the next words and join in the reading.
• Children learn colours and animals together, from a red bird to a purple cat.
• Playful repetition and rhythm make early language learning feel like fun rather than work.
• First published in 1967, it has become one of the most popular first books for early readers.

Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle created one of the best-loved partnerships in children’s books. Martin (1916–2004) was an American educator and author who wrote more than three hundred books designed to help children enjoy reading through rhythm and repetition. Carle (1929–2021) was an American illustrator known for his bright collage art, and his books include The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider.