Book description from Goodreads: “Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-​boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he’s their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can’t seem to rid himself of his new companions. What’s a bear to do?”

Need some reviews of Mother Bruce?

• Kids’ Book Review
• Kirkus
• School Library Journal
• Through the Looking Glass

Reading Activities inspired by Mother Bruce:

• Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
  • What animals do you see on the cover? What do you think their relationship might be?
  • Look closely at Bruce the bear. What clues in the illustration suggest what kind of personality he might have?
  • What do you think this story might be about just from the title Mother Bruce?
  • If a bear became a mother to baby animals, how do you think that might happen?
  • What do you think Bruce likes or dislikes based on the cover illustration?
  • Do you think Bruce will enjoy taking care of baby animals? Why or why not?
• After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
  • Why do the goslings think Bruce is their mother?
  • How does Bruce feel about the goslings at the beginning of the story? Do his feelings change over time?
  • Which part of the story was the funniest to you?
  • What problems does Bruce face once the goslings decide he’s their mother? What does he try to do about them?
  • How do the illustrations show Bruce’s emotions throughout the story?
  • What do you think the story is trying to say about families?
  • Would you recommend this book a friend? Why or why not?
• Bruce’s Very Bad Day: Bruce is not thrilled about becoming a mother. Make a list of the top five things that would ruin Bruce’s perfect day. Then add one thing the goslings do that accidentally makes his day better, even if he’d never admit it.

• Family, But Make It Weird: The book shows that families don’t always come together in expected ways. Think of another totally unlikely family combination and write a few lines about how they live, eat, travel, or solve problems together. The fun here is figuring out what makes them different—and what still makes them a family.

• Grumpy Bear Emotions Chart: Look back through the book and find three moments where Bruce’s feelings are easy to see in the illustrations. Name the specific emotion Bruce might be feeling in those moments. Then think about a time when you felt one of those emotions. What helped you feel better?

• Books, Books, and More Books!: Check out these picture books about unusual families, animal adventures, and a little bit of grumpiness.