jQuery(document).on('gform_post_render', function(){ /* apply only to a textarea with a class of gf_readonly */ jQuery(".gf_readonly input").attr("readonly","readonly"); }); lang="en-NZ"> Book Giveaway | Armchair Bear - GrownUps New Zealand
GrownUps New Zealand

Book Giveaway | Armchair Bear

We’re excited to be giving away three copies of Armchair Bear by Gavin Bishop to our GrownUps members!

To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.

About Armchair Bear

In this delightful picture book, a big soft bear tries to get his puff back by becoming as strong as a gorilla, until his niece and nephew remind him what matters most for a bear.

Uncle Norman loves to rest on his squashy armchair. But when the young bears visit, he’s all out of puff! He can’t play bear games like he used to. He doesn’t take the young bears on picnics. He’s no fun anymore.

So when Norman notices an ad for the gym, he sets out to become a new bear. And when he encounters the mighty Gorilla Dilla, he decides to aim for the top. He too can be a powerful champion!

But can a bear be a gorilla? Lifting weights turns out to be no fun for a bear. Instead, the young bears help Norman find his own way to the top.

Gavin Bishop’s recent output has focused on award-winning non-fiction and a series of board books, so it’s been many years since he released a new picture book.

Armchair Bear draws inspiration from Christchurch’s Port Hills, evoking memories of hot summers in the outdoors. A landscape Gavin says has inspired him throughout his career.

Children will love getting lost in the richly detailed world of Gavin’s illustrations in this great story that is the perfect read aloud for tired dads and uncles.

About the Author

Gavin Bishop ONZM, Tainui, Ngati Awa, is a leading Māori illustrator living in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has published more than seventy books internationally, which have been translated into twelve languages. His awards include the Sir Kingi Ihaka award for lifetime contribution to Māori art and culture.

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Terms and conditions

    1. You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.

    2. The competition closes on 28th October 2026. Winners will be notified via email by 29th October 2026.

    3. It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.

    4. Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.

    5. GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.

    6. By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.

    7. One entry per household.

    8. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.

    9. You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.

    10. You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.