A treasurable story that begs to be read aloud with its irrepressible rhythm and will lodge itself in little ones’ memories with its gorgeous illustrations. Oh Dear, Look What I Got! is to be published by Walker Books on Thursday, September 11th.
To be published in hardback by Walker Books on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, Oh Dear, Look What I Got! is a rhyming picture book that begs to be read aloud with its irrepressible rhythm and will lodge itself in little ones’ memories with its gorgeous illustrations.
The book centres around a child’s trip to the shop, which catalyses a series of comedic animal cameos. Helen’s ever-delightful characterisation of the anthropomorphised creatures brings the fun story to life, and readers of all ages are suitably desperate to see who comes next!
Oh Dear, Look What I Got! will spark the imagination of a new generation of readers to join in with the melodic text, their parents and teachers nostalgic for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt may notice a remarkably familiar bear making an appearance too!
“I was drawn to the text because it’s so original. It had a flavour of Dr Seuss, and I relished the prospect to work in a different way to enhance the funny text.” – Helen Oxenbury
When I heard that Helen wanted to do the artwork for it, I was over the moon. She has a wonderful expressive line that conveys mood and feeling, very much grounded in a place. She does all that, while carefully popping in detail, cameos that we might miss on a first reading or even on a second reading. It’s as if there’s always more to find and think about. – Michael Rosen
“I wanted the words to have the rhythm of and flavour of how people talk, with the added punch of rhyme. I also wanted to grab the mood of a child who’s annoyed – a bit exasperated with what grown-ups do.
As individuals both Michael and Helen have remarkable careers, both are globally successful, and both have individually published 100+ books each! Both have won multiple awards for their other literary work, and their only other joint project We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, is a multi-award-winning success.
“Helen’s pictures match the wit, bounce and rhythm of Michael’s original story poem faultlessly, in a way only she can. Michael and Helen have always been an iconic duo – for 36 years We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has been an absolute staple in children’s lives and has been at the heart of Walker Books’ list. Oh Dear, Look What I Got! truly consolidates them as the perfect picture book partnership.
Only their second ever book together, it is destined to become another definitive read-aloud story book classic that is sure to be read and loved by generations of children to come.” – Deirdre McDermott Picture Book Publisher: Walker Books
And might the bear in the new book be a gentle nod from Michael and Helen to Bear Hunt?!
Signed copies of ‘Oh Dear, Look What I Got!’ are available to pre-order online before September 11. After that date, why not pop into your local bookshop. They will be very happy to see you and both books should be widely available
