Dropbear - by Philip Bunting (Hardcover)

About the Book

"All the woodland creatures are scared of Dropbear, but it turns out what they fear is all a bunch of wild rumors"--

Book Synopsis

Up there! Gray hair! Grim stare! Beware . . . Dropbear!

A humorous and heartfelt picture book perfect for 2 to 5 year olds, this rhyming romp through the outback teaches preschoolers and their grown-ups that things aren't always as they seem, and that all creatures deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Hold your breath and count to three as woodland creatures share spooky stories about Dropbear, the rumored meanie who lives way up in an old gum tree. But when one little birdie decides to investigate the truth, it turns out that maybe Dropbear just wants . . . something special.

Perfect for repeat read-alouds, this playful rhyming story will have readers dropping in for more Dropbear.

Review Quotes

Don't let gossips get the drop on you!
In a dark forest, an unseen narrator draws readers' attention to an old gum tree that looms creepily among the clouds. A sign below echoes the narrator's warning: "Beware! Dropbear!" And just what is a dropbear? "They say...Dropbear is mean. Dropbear is rude. Dropbear smells like stinky old food. It lingers up high...then drops from its tree. Its favorite dish? That's you...and me!" But who is that unspecified "they"? A "little birdie" with a healthy sense of skepticism is eager to get to the bottom of things and discovers that the dropbear is just a koala in need of a good hug; those rumors were the result of ignorance and fear of the unknown, as well as a way to battle boredom. Bunting slyly infuses his text with both clever wordplay and a message about not believing gossip; educators and caregivers will find the tale a useful tool for dispelling misconceptions. The author/illustrator's signature mixed-media images are adorable, depicting solemn, saucer-eyed Australian creatures. With teeny-tiny fangs, the dropbear cuts a cute figure from the outset, lightening the ominous mood set by the swirling clouds and shadowy night. Bunting concludes with an author's note about the dropbear, a mythical Australian creature said to tumble out of trees onto unsuspecting passersby.
An endearing lesson in information literacy.
--Kirkus Reviews

Dropbear is a myth--or is he? Addressing the reader directly, the narrator warns to "Beware ..." as the mean, rude, stinky bear is known to drop from the trees and sup upon the unexpecting. Sure, as Bunting draws him, the mythical Dropbear might just look like a somewhat grouchy koala. But all of the animals know the risks and tell the tales--all, that is, except for the birdie. She wants to know the truth. So, she bravely lands upon the Dropbear warning sign and waits. Yes, Dropbear does drop from the tree. As a cloud of stirred up dust obscures the scene on the following page, readers will be left to wonder what happened? Tension builds, and then another turn of the page shows a hug. Yes, the Dropbear of oft-swapped horror stories isn't the evil, fanged koala relative that so many Australians purport to believe. He is a loveable, cuddly old bear. With colorful illustrations made from gouache, digital collage, and a bit of duct tape, and text built on fairy tales and fears, Bunting delivers a fun, zany tale that will have young readers gasping with suspense and giggling at the humor.
--Children's Literature

About the Author

Philip Bunting is an author and illustrator with a soft spot for creating picture books for sleep-deprived, time-poor, raisin-encrusted parents (and their children). He has written and illustrated many books for children, including Wombat, How Did I Get Here?: Your Story from the Big Bang to Your Birthday, and The World's Most Pointless Animals. Philip's work deliberately encourages playful interaction, creating a platform for genuine engagement and fun. Philip's books have been translated into multiple languages and published in over 30 countries around the world.