This is an imaginative and magical picture book by award-winning author/illustrator Jill Murphy, creator of Peace at Last, A Quiet Night In and other stories featuring the Large family.
Baby Bear wants to go to the moon and so searches around the house until he finds a rocket (a cardboard box), a space-helmet (a colander) and space-boots (his wellies). All set, he blasts off out of the chimney and into the night. Joined by an owl, Baby Bear soars high into the night sky until finally they reach the moon. Of course, when he returns to earth for his bath, his mother doesn't believe where he has been.

Jill Murphy captures Baby Bear's sense of high adventure and his innocence, as he reaches for his dream, in both the simple easy-to-read-aloud text and in the bold, colourful illustrations. (Ages 3 and over).

A Big Book edition of this story is also available. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A beautifully conceived and illustrated book with a charming tale of a bear's adventure at bathtime. The use of 'noise' words brings the tale to life. Black and white drawings on the text pages face beautiful full colour pictures opposite adding to the story. It has become a tale we know by heart and yet never dread as it is selected frequently. The quality of the board is high and the book is showing less signs of wear than some of its contemporaries. A real favourite and one to keep to pass down.

From the back cover:-

'The moon and back before bathtime?
Whatever next!

This is the second book about 'Baby Bear', who first appeared in the best-selling Peace at Last by the same author.

Beautifully written and illustrated with Jill Murphy's characteristic warmth and humour.

'Whatever Next!' has also become a picture book classic.'

30 shiny high quality pages in the popular 2-page spread format. Wonderfully illustrated throughout, this beautiful book is further enhanced by meaningful facial expressions.
Clear text is on the left hand page with the pictures on the right, so suitably predictable for the younger reader who is eager to turn the page!
This delightful book finishes with a topically tired Baby Bear and his Ted, ready for bed!

The book opens with Baby Bear peeking out from behind the curtain, asking nonchalantly:-

"Can I go to the moon?" asked Baby Bear.
"No you can't," said Mrs Bear.
"It's bathtime.
Anyway, you'd have to find a rocket first."

Baby Bear found a rocket in the cupboard under the stairs.
He found a space-helmet on the draining board in the kitchen, and a pair of space-boots on the mat by the front door.
He packed his teddy and some food for the journey and took off up the chimney....
WHOOSH!
Out into the night..........'

On his journey Baby Bear meets an owl who accompanies him in his 'smart rocket` ......up and up ......past the millions of stars, until they eventually land on the moon.
It is rather boring on the moon so Baby Bear, Owl and Teddy have a picnic...... but are very aware that Baby Bear's Bath must surely be ready.
So, they fly down ......and down..... Say Goodbye to Owl...... get a little damp.... and a little bit .....well.....grubby, as they return back down the chimney, landing with a bump on the living room carpet!

As Baby Bear explains his sorry state, in a matter-of-fact sort of way, Mrs Bear laughs:-

"You and your stories," she said.
Whatever next?"