"Grrrrr" (That's 5 'r's OK?) proves that bears are still top of the tree when it comes to storytelling and Fred - the bear in "Grrrrr" - is an immediately likeable chap. He loves being the supreme champion of the forest, with the loudest growl and the best fish-catching skills, but sometimes his devotion to being top bear leaves him a little lonely and detached.
This year, there's a new contender on the block, one who is intent on stealing Fred's crown and for the very first time it looks like Fred might have some serious competition.
Worse still, Fred's awesome deep throaty growl - vital to the key event of the competition - seems to have gone missing just before the annual Best Bear Championship is due to take place.
Calamity!
Can Fred's friends rally round to help him triumph? And does that newcomer know more about Fred's missing Grrrrr than he's letting on?
Rob's picture book debut "Blown Away" blew us away, and we've been waiting in anticipation of Rob's next story. We're happy to report that it's another cracker, with Fred's antics instantly capturing our hearts in this warming story of friendship and overcoming adversity.
Rob's character work is sublime (we always love the tiny details he includes in each page spread and we truly loved seeing Penguin and Walrus cameos from Rob's previous book, tucked away in Fred's bed as cuddly toys).
Exercise your vocal chords to give the throatiest bear-like GRRRRRRRR to welcome this brilliant new bear on the block!
Read a little bit more about Rob's creative process in our interview with Rob published just before "Blown Away" came out.
Charlotte's favourite bit: Fred's cuddly versions of penguin and walrus from "Blown Away"
Daddy's favourite bit: A great little story of friendship and rallying round in a crisis, Fred might have lost his growl but he's found an army of new fans!
(Kindly sent to us for review by HarperCollins Childrens Books)
"Grrrrr!"
Written and Illustrated by Rob Biddulph
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books
Release Date: 27th August 2015