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OH DEAR, LOOK WHAT I GOT!
by Michael Rosen; illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Candlewick (2025)
I’m a Helen Oxenbury fan! My favorite story in her canon of illustrations is Mem Fox’s Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. So I was initially drawn in by its cover and her delightfully familiar style (BTW… there is a casewrap reveal hidden beneath the dust jacket).
This book is about: Mix-ups
But really it is about: When wrong things turn out right
A comedy of misunderstandings for young readers!
Edelweiss: All the hallmarks of a classic
A young boy heads to the shop in search of a carrot, a hat, a coat, a cake, and a chair and instead receives a menagerie of critters.
Playful rhyme and a repeated refrain add to the hilarity as each page turns reveals the boy’s utter disbelief.
Oh dear, look what I got!
Do I want that?
No, I do NOT!
Chaos reigns when the final surprise sets off a chain of squawking, hissing, and butting –until, a knock at the door brings a special delivery and shared celebration.
This is a rollicking read-aloud for every child who loves inanity and comedy birthed from misunderstanding. This is the same team behind the beloved We’re Going On a Bear Hunt.
I can already hear my 3 ½ year old grandson begging: Read it again!
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Patricia, Love your review and “Oh Dear, Look What I Got!” already feels like a classic! I will definitely get this one to read for my grandsons! Thank you also for the inspirations abounding in your Divinations post!
Mix ups and mistakes are such great fodder for fun and encouragement. Thanks for sharing, Patricia. And CONGRATS on the new member of your family coming soon! xo
What a delightful review! Makes me want to run out and get this book, mostly because I want to see the surprise under the cover.
Oh, did not know about this one!! Thanks for featuring it this week.
Oh, my, what a great review of this sweet book. I am with you about ten little fingers and toes. Oxenbury is a queen! This looks exactly like the book that will make a 3 1/2 year old laugh and say the rhymes and want it again and again. Thanks for telling us about it.
“inanity and comedy birthed from misunderstanding” Say no more! I’m there. Ha. Thank you for the review of what sounds like a fun read.
I have it and love it, Patricia, and always look for Oxenbury (and Michael Rosen) when we have new children’s book donations at the store. This is a new gem!
The illustrations are darling…just what today’s kids need! I love the whole idea of this book. Thanks for the review!
Read it again books are the BEST!
It was so great to see you on Thursday!
Ha! This story reminds me of two of our favorite books when our boys were young, called Pigs Will Be Pigs, and Dinner at the Panda Palace. Fun to read, fun to hear kids laugh as the story gets sillier. Thanks for sharing.
I love both Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury! Thanks for this rollicking review!
This definitely feels like a classic “read-it-again” book. I love “Going on a Bear Hunt.” Have read that innumerable times to little ones in my life. It would be interesting to type out the text, as an exercise to learn about their rhyme, pacing, format, etc.
Patricia, you have brought us a book by one of my all time favourite writers, Michael Rosen- who brought us the’Bear Hunt’ and a feast of poetic works. Helen Oxenbury is one of those illustrator possessing a readily identifiable style. Thanks for sharing this review.
I met Michael Rosen a couple of times when I taught in London many years ago. I know he’s getting on, but I find myself most surprised to learn that Helen Oxenbury is still going strong! What a great book for language learning!
Patricia, “When wrong things turn out right” sounds like a book that children will love. My youngest grandgirl loves to read books again and again. Thanks for the review.
Sounds like a fun one! Thanks for the great review!!