Mother Bruce (Board Book)

A grumpy bear. A batch of eggs. And an unexpected family that will steal your heart.

Bruce the bear is perfectly content living alone in his cozy den, whipping up gourmet recipes from the internet and enjoying the quiet life. His latest culinary adventure? Hard-boiled goose eggs. But when those eggs hatch at the breakfast table, Bruce’s solitary existence takes a hilarious turn. Suddenly, he’s not just a bear—he’s a mother.

The goslings are convinced Bruce is their mama, and no amount of grumbling will change their minds. What follows is a delightfully absurd tale of an unwilling parent trying (and failing) to shake off his clingy new companions. Bruce attempts to send the geese south where they belong, but these persistent little ones have other plans.

This New York Times bestseller from Ryan T. Higgins is now available in a sturdy board book format, perfect for tiny hands and endless re-reads. The story’s charm lies in its perfectly grumpy protagonist and the warmth that sneaks in despite his best efforts. Young readers will giggle at Bruce’s predicament while learning about unexpected love and family.

With expressive illustrations and laugh-out-loud moments on every page, this is the book that launched a beloved series. Whether you’re introducing a new reader to Bruce’s world or adding to your collection, this board book edition is built to withstand enthusiastic page-turning and countless bedtime requests for “just one more time.”

Bruce may not have asked to be a mother, but your little ones will definitely ask for this story again and again.

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