Oh Dear, Look What I Got!

WINNER OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION & ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2026

A new picture book classic by the creators of the bestselling We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

"I went to the shop to get me a carrot. Oh dear, they gave me …. a parrot! Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No I do NOT!"

From beloved author and illustrator pairing Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury comes a brilliant new picture book that will delight a new generation of children. Each visit to the shop brings an animal surprise in this playful read-aloud, with a final twist and a joyful ending. Young readers will love joining in the rhyming text and guessing what comes next in this hilarious picture book, sure to become a timeless classic.

Michael Rosen is a multi-award-winning poet, a popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and one of the most popular authors for children. He has written over 200 books in a career spanning over five decades, including the internationally bestselling We're Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. His poems, about family life, childhood and a good deal of silliness, have reached millions through his exuberant online readings. In 2026 he won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award for writing (the first UK winner for 16 years), as well as a British Book Award for Best Children's Illustrated & Non-Fiction Book of the Year for his new collaboration with Helen Oxenbury, Oh Dear, Look What I Got! Michael was the Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

A more familiar pairing is Michael Rosen with Helen Oxenbury- in whose illustrations there is only goodness and innocence. -- Melanie Mcdonagh ― The Spectator

Oxenbury’s joyfully expressive huddles of animal and human characters heighten the sense of mayhem in this bouncy, cumulative delight, boasting all the ingredients of a perennial read-aloud favourite. -- Imogen Russell Williams ― The Guardian

The illustrations are full of humour and expression, children will love guessing which animal is revealed next and there’s an exuberant ending too. Do we LOVE this? – Yes, We DO! -- Sally Morris ― Daily Mail

Nostalgic and charming, it’s a masterclass in simplicity. How do they make it look so easy? -- Lucy Bannerman ― The Times

Perfect for reading to babies and toddlers, this story has a new, charming animal on every page. A gift that will be kept and treasured for many years to come. -- Laura Hackett ― The Sunday Times