Mother Bruce, that grouchy ursine picture book hero who unwillingly adopted a flock of goslings and then a horde of mice, makes his early-reader debut here, as Nibs—one of his most exuberant murine charges—decides to make him happy. Bruce proceeds to be treated to the eponymous "big fun day"—breakfast in bed, a hike and picnic, a boat ride, and a fancy dinner—none of which goes particularly well, or makes him particularly happy. Fortunately for all, what Bruce likes best of all is being grumpy, making the day a success after all...

Published in 2019, Bruce's Big Fun Day is the first of author/illustrator Ryan T. Higgins' two early readers devoted to his titular hero's (mis)adventures. It is followed by Ballet Bruce, which I happened to read first, and which, like this title, is part of Disney-Hyperion's World of Reading collection. As always with the Mother Bruce books, whether picture book or early reader, I enjoyed the humor here, and found the artwork engaging. I liked the fact that Bruce is such a lovable character, despite the fact that he never deviates from his grouchiness. The simple language and repetitive story structure here—a series of events which go wrong—will be helpful in promoting the purpose of the book: namely, reading acquisition. Recommended to Mother Bruce fans, especially those who are learning to read. ( )

HAHAHA. Bruce is seriously the best grumpy bear ever. In this beginning reader, fans of the Bruce books will recognize Nibbs (the woodland creature), the geese, and of course Bruce. Bruce doesn't like Mondays....or picnics....or swimming....or fancy dinners. But the book does end positively. Just read.

Only thing I will say. I struggle with this being a level 1 beginning reader. When I read level 1, I think sight words. However, this publisher classifies as simple text and word repetition which Bruce's Big Fun Day does have. So maybe it isn't too much of a stretch? Advanced beginning readers would be able to do this without a problem....I think. ( )

Nibbs, a happy mouse, tries to plan a fun day for his* friend Bruce, a grumpy bear, but everything seems to go horribly wrong for Bruce.

This book has simple, clear language for beginning readers. There are only a couple of sentences per page, using a fairly large font. There are five chapters in total, with each chapter being about four pages long. This is perfect for kids who are still relatively new to reading; it will give them a real sense of accomplishment.

The story itself is both sweet and humorous. Nibbs is trying so hard to make a fantastic day so his friend will be happy. But somehow Bruce always ends up with the short end of the stick, while Nibbs is having a carefree time. Still, at the end of the day, everyone is content.

There are other Bruce books that precede this title, although I did not feel that I was missing anything by starting here. My niece, who had read some of those other titles, noted that a few of the characters seen only in the illustrations briefly here are in the other books as well.

The illustrations are bold and draw the eye in immediately. They express a lot of emotion and are absolutely necessary to further the story. Without the illustrations showing how poorly things are going, the reader would not understand what is upsetting Bruce. For instance, one page simply says Bruce doesn't like boat rides; the accompanying illustration shows how the boat is too small for Bruce and is sinking into the water. The illustrations make the humor.

*Unclear what gender Nibbs actually is, although I got the feeling the mouse is male just like the bear. ( )

Fun, readable story. ( )