Children's book titled 'If You Go Down to the Woods Today' with forest-themed illustrations on a white background.

Open book with colorful illustrations of animals in a forest on a white background

Illustrated book page with a colorful scene of animals and nature

Illustrated book open to a page with colorful artwork and text on a white background

Open book with colorful illustrations of a forest scene and text on a white background

Open book with illustrations of animals in a forest setting on a white background

Load video: Brown Bear Wood: If You Go Down to the Woods Today

Magic Cat Publishing

Brown Bear Wood: If You Go Down to the Woods Today

£12.99

Beautifully Illustrated
Made To Treasure

Journey through a magical woodland year with poetry, friends, and endless discoveries

Step into Bear's enchanted woodland world where every season brings new adventures and wonders to explore. Rachel Piercey's gentle, rhythmic poetry invites young readers on a year-long journey through Brown Bear Wood, following Bear as he experiences the changing seasons alongside his delightful woodland friends.

From the fresh beginnings of spring to the cosy hibernation of winter, each beautifully illustrated spread captures key moments in woodland life - school days, birthday parties, summer picnics, autumn campfires, and winter feasts. Freya Hartas's intricate, joyful illustrations teem with life and detail, hiding more than 100 objects for curious eyes to discover while bringing Bear's world to vibrant life.

This internationally bestselling first book of poetry celebrates the everyday wonder of nature and childhood, showing how the rhythms of the natural world mirror our own seasonal experiences. Each page invites both reading and exploration, making this a perfect book for sharing together - one that children will return to again and again, finding new details and delights with every visit to Brown Bear Wood.

Suitable for children aged 4-7 years

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Delivery & Returns

Ships from United Kingdom
Tracked delivery: 2-4 days £3.95
30 day returns
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Further Information

What's Included: 40-page hardback book with full-colour illustrations and more than 100 hidden objects to find across seasonal spreads.

Key Features:

Journey through four seasons with Bear and woodland friends
Original poetry celebrating the wonder of nature and childhood
Seasonal spreads including: Bear's World, Home Sweet Home, School Days, Sports Day, Swimming Lessons, Art Class, Winter Sports, and more
More than 100 hidden objects to discover
International bestseller and first book in the beloved Brown Bear Wood series
Combines storytelling, poetry, and search-and-find activities

Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing

Publication Date: March 2021

Critical Acclaim: "A bold, joyful illustrated adventure for children" - The Bookseller; "A simple yet magical book of poetry" - The Telegraph; "A tour de force of interactive two-dimensional nature" - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author: Rachel Piercey is a freelance poet, editor, and tutor who regularly visits schools to perform her work and run poetry workshops. She has co-edited three children's poetry anthologies with the Emma Press and is the editor of Tyger Tyger Magazine. Her ability to capture the rhythms of childhood and nature has made this series an international success.

About the Illustrator: Freya Hartas is a UK-based illustrator specialising in children's books, known for her incredibly detailed and joyful artwork. She graduated from Falmouth University with first-class honours and has created some of the most beloved woodland scenes in children's literature.

Product Specifications

ISBN: 9781913520052

Author: Rachel Piercey

Illustrator: Freya Hartas

Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing

Format: Hardback

Pages: 40

Dimensions: 31 x 25.6cm

Publication Date: March 2021

Age Range: 4-7 years

Series: Brown Bear Wood (Book 1)

Why we like it

This is the book that started the beloved Brown Bear Wood series, and it's easy to see why it became such a phenomenon. There's something deeply satisfying about how Rachel Piercey captures the rhythm of both poetry and the seasons. Meanwhile, Freya Hartas has created illustrations so rich and detailed that they reward endless exploration.

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Rated Excellent on Reviews.io

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Magic Cat Publishing

Founded by Rachel Williams and Jenny Broom, Magic Cat creates beautiful children's books that gently weave important ideas into engaging stories. Winner of Independent Publisher of the Year 2025, they focus on kindness, togetherness, friendship, inclusivity, and care for our planet through storytelling.

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