JOYFUL NEWS! OH DEAR, LOOK WHAT I GOT! The first book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury in 30+ years! The duo behind all-time children's classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury reunite, creating another timeless classic picture book tale to be published in hardback by Walker Books on Thursday 11 September 2025.

The legendary twosome changed the face of children’s literature, and this Autumn sees Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, collaborating for the first time in over 30 years with their new rhyming picture book – cause for celebration that the two friends have, at last, created another special and fun book for all to enjoy!

It has an irrepressible rhythm, as a child’s trip to the shop sets a series of animal surprises in motion! The child is at the centre of the story, with fun rhyming text and exquisite illustrations that create a book to treasure. All ages will delight in joining in, excited to guess what comes next, and hilariously seeing who does, as this playful and easy-to-learn story unfolds towards a final twist and joyful ending.

“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

“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. 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. “I hope people of all ages will chant along with the book - learn it off by heart, even - and enjoy discovering the many stories that Helen tells with her pictures.” – Michael Rosen

A happy picture book to love and to feed the imagination of a whole new generation of children – and nostalgic for everyone who grew up with Bear Hunt. I went to the shop to get me a carrot Oh dear, they gave me…. a parrot! Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No I do NOT!

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 be a gentle nod from Michael and Helen to Bear Hunt?!

by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury Published by Walker Books Publication Date: Thursday 11 September 2025 Price: £12.99 Binding: Hardback – and jacketed ISBN: 9781529510898 Age: For everyone 3+

For further information, interviews and books please contact Deborah Goodman at DGPR: publicity@dgpr.co.uk - +44 (0)208 959 9980 - +44 (0)7958 611218

Notes to editors We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury is still as popular as it was when it was first published by Walker Books in 1989. To date it has sold over 14 million copies in 42 languages.

Michael Rosen: is one of the most popular authors for children; his bestselling titles published by Walker Books include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, A Great Big Cuddle and Michael Rosen’s Sad Book. A popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and multi-award-winning poet, Michael was appointed the Children's Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is involved with so many educational projects, school visits, tours and is a force of nature. He lives in North London.

Helen Oxenbury: is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of all time. She has won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal twice, in 1969 for The Quangle Wangle’s Hat and The Dragon of an Ordinary Family, and in 1999 for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Married to fellow author John Burningham they were jointly awarded the BookTrust’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2018, before his death in 2019. Her many award-winning books for children include We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen; Farmer Duck, written by Martin Waddell and There’s Going to Be a Baby, written by John Burningham; as well as her classic board books for babies. She lives in North London.

Walker Books: Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators and literary franchises including Patrick Ness, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Anthony Horowitz, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where’s Wally? By Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia, Candlewick Press, Holiday House, Peachtree, and Walker Books US in America.