Supposedly a prequel. It was still fun but I missed his little entourage. ( )

Bruce doesn't like neighbors but his neighborhood is full of them & now they are all in his house to weather the big storm. ( )

I love these books!! ( )

That curmudgeonly bear Bruce returns in this fifth picture-book devoted to his adventures - the sixth, if one counts the related Be Quiet! - determined to ride out the big storm in solitude and peace. Unfortunately for him, the poor weather brings a steady stream of neighbors seeking refuge, and soon his home is overrun. Bruce isn't thrilled, and he's even less pleased when a tree falls and damages his home. Then all of his unexpected guests return the next day, and help to repair the damage...

As with its predecessors, I enjoyed Bruce's Big Storm, appreciating its humorous depiction of a grumpy bear and his reluctant participation in his wider forest community. Bruce's expressions of dismay and incomprehension are quite droll here, as are (as always) the antics of his little mouse companions. The conclusion, although not unexpected (I knew what was coming, as soon as that tree fell!), was quite heartwarming all the same. Recommended to fans of Mother Bruce, and of author/illustrator Ryan T. Higgins' artwork. ( )