Wow! The cover is really what caught my attention but what’s inside is even better! I really enjoyed reading this book, the illustration was fun and so was the outcome. This book showed Dropbear constantly being misjudged. All it really takes is one person to just try to get to know you. Find things out on your own, don’t misjudge people based off of other’s assumptions. This lesson would be great to teach to our children.

Thank you NetGalley & Philip for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible Arc!

Beware…Dropbear! One of the best children’s books of 2025!

The illustrations are gorgeous, the rhymes are fantastic, the pacing is perfect - but the messaging is where Dropbear shines!!

Parents who grew up hearing the Dropbear “myth” (or House Hippos for fellow Canadians) will delight in this gorgeous story teaching kids that everything isn’t always as it seems, and to question what we hear.

Great for kids of all ages, this is a fun book to read and have read aloud - my girls loved guessing what would come next!

This was a really cute book to read with my 4 y/o. She loved the story and wanted to re-read the book over the next few weeks. Plus who doesn't love a Dropbear.

Cute and clever rhyming story of a "terrifying Dropbear". It would be great for storytime and to read to young kids. Has a great lesson not to believe everything you hear but search out truth yourself.

Dropbear by Philip Bunting
Based on a (mostly) true story.

You enjoy telling scary stories around a fire with your friends and family and get spooked ? This is the book for you. It's also a great read for the upcoming month of october, and Halloween. (If you're a mood reader and like to read by seasons).

Dropbear teaches you about seeking the thruth, beware of the rumors. You also learn about the legend of the dropbear from Australia, and get spooked through an efficient short story. But then there's a reminder of always verify your sources. Rumors could hurt a very friendly person or animal in the end.

Some interesting quotes:

"Because what They fear is what They don't know, They dream wild rumors to help the day go."

"Now brush off the rumors. Forget what you heard. Seek truth for yourself like that little bird."

#Dropbear #NetGalley

Dropbear was worth it for the illustrations alone. They were hilarious, especially with the dropbear dropping from the sky. The book was a little too young for my son but I think he still enjoyed it secretly. I appreciated the note at the end about the myth behind dropbear and the message about seeing for yourself and not listening to rumors and gossip. I did get tripped up on the rhyme scheme once or twice, but overall I very much enjoyed it.

A quirky little tale about that relative of the koala - the fanged and famed ‘drop bear’. Brilliant illustrations add a layer of humour in the expressive faces of the many animals who fear the drop bear, all bar one wee bird. Charming rhymes and a great way to learn about Australian wildlife. My only criticism is I think it would be good to have more of an information page about all the actual animals featured for non-Australian audiences beyond just the brief section at the end. Nonetheless, a great picture book.

This is a cute, silly picture book that highlights the importance of knowing the truth for yourself, instead of believing rumors. The dynamic illustrations help create suspense, and even though I didn't find this particularly compelling just as a story, it's a good way to teach kids the life lesson.

Koala is a bit misunderstood in this story about gossip and rumors. The animals in the forest are scared of the dropbear which seems to come out nowhere and attack. They have not experienced this event themselves, but everyone knows the story. When one animal actually meets Koala and is able to see past the story, everything is mended. A humorous about funny animals, with a nice message mixed in. Give this to all classrooms to quell rumors, and any child who loves koalas.

Philip Bunting is an expert in all things animal, from the ridiculous to the mundane, so this newest story was another delightful journey, this time to Australia for the legendary Dropbear. Sure to make you giggle and aww, this is a great read-aloud.

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the digital arc.
This picture book integrates the illustrations and the rhyming text perfectly. Loved the little bird not succumbing to peer pressure and approaching the dropbear on his own to see if he was scary and fearsome. Nope. All he needed was a hug. Had never heard of the dropbear but if I make it to Australia, I'll be on the lookout!
#Dropbear

Dropbear tells the story of a koala and rumors in the forest around him. The rhyming text has hints of humor and provides a good story for young readers. Would be good for teaching students about rumors and gossip. For grades 1-4.

Dropbear is another wonderful addition to Philip Buntings picture books. The story follows a group of woodland creatures who share spooky tales about a feared creature known as the Dropbear, said to lurk in the treetops. However not all is as it appears.
My two boys 3 and 6 enjoyed this one with the 3 year old probably being more in the targeted age group. Illustrations are once again brilliant!
Philip Bunting is unsurprisingly our favourite children’s author in our household!!

The illustrations in this book are SO cute! (Really, I'd pay to have a poster of the cover!) The story is simple and sweet, but may better suited for the younger side of the 2-5 range it's pitched to. I added this one to my little guy's wishlist for when it comes out!

I loved this book. It was charming, suspenseful, funny and thought-provoking.

If you’re learning about Australian animals, this book is a must-have. Not only do several different animals make an appearance, but it’s a really fun way to both introduce and debunk a humorous contemporary Australian myth about predatory marsupials dropping from trees to attack humans.

It’s written in an engaging rhyming format with appealing illustrations.

I really like that one little bird solves the Dropbear mystery by simply questioning the rumours the animals are spreading, and deciding to look for actual proof. That’s a good lesson for all of us — not to just blithely believe whatever we’re told.

The recommended age range is 2-5, but honestly, I think up to 7-year-olds will enjoy it!

What can I say? My nearly 5 year old and I love it!

We’ve read this one a few times for our bedtime story and it’s become a request to hold in our hands.

I requested an ARC because I had run into the dropbear tall tale in a couple of different books I previously read.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the ARC.

The pictures are very cute. Truly, they are too cute. So is the story. I prefer dropbears remain mysterious and somewhat evil. This book undermined that premise.

I absolutely loved Dropbear! This book is funny, clever, and surprisingly sweet. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud, and little ones will enjoy the spooky-silly mood that slowly turns into something much more tender.
Philip Bunting’s signature humor shines through, and the illustrations are full of personality and charm. I especially appreciated the message: things aren’t always what they seem, and sometimes, the scariest creatures are just misunderstood (and maybe even a little lonely).
A great pick for storytime, bedtime, or any time a young reader needs a giggle and a reminder to be kind.
Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the ARC!

So cute and fun! The illustrations are great, good rhyming that makes for a fun, fast-paced read, and a lovely twist at the end! We've read a few others by this author/illustrator and have really enjoyed them. Thanks for the ARC!

Cute book. I love the cuddly looking illustrations and storyline is relatable. I believe young children (preschool-second grade) will really connect with this one.