If you happen to have a passion for teddy bears which is even close to mine, then you simply cannot get enough of them. My interest has spilt over into enjoying anything that is even remotely related to them. Of course, this led me to enjoy many of the teddy bear books that became so popular after the teddy bear toy hit the open market. Some of my favorites are as follows.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Although the renderings of the bear in this book is not your typical teddy bear, it is an excellent read for the little ones not ready for school as yet. The title has become a chant of children in many parts of the world where the book is available.
Wheres My Teddy?
Although I actually have many favorites when it comes to books, perhaps this one is my number one. This is mostly because it reminds me of life itself. Eddie, the character of the story, has discovered that his teddy has grown so big, that Eddie can no longer cuddle him. It is reminiscent of when we become adults, and feel too embarrassed to hug and take the same comfort from our childhood teddies. Although, if you do further research, you will be amazed at just how many adults will not leave home without their beloved teddy!
Winnie the Pooh
If any adults were asked which teddy bear book they would choose for a child, most would probably say Winnie the Pooh. It is because Winnie has won the hearts of both children and adults alike. The first book dates way back to 1926. From there, the book has evolved into several volumes. Winnie has a whole host of friends, all of which are most appealing to children and have become very popular on their own. Teddy bear fans have a real love for these books because they take Winnie through so many adventures. Winnie sets the characteristics for the teddies and makes them all the more real for their owners, no matter what their style or shape.
Corduroy
Another excellent book is Corduroy. It was released in 1968. So popular was this book, that it was named to be one of the Top 100 Books for Children by the National Education Association. The book got off to a shaky start when its author Don Freeman presented it for publishing, and it got rejected. A second presentation to Viking Press finally got it accepted. The whole story of the book centers on a teddy bear named Corduroy. His home at the time was merely on a shelf in a department store. A little girl wanted to take him home, but he was missing a button on his overalls. The little girl’s mom would not buy Corduroy.
After the closing of the store, Corduroy goes on an adventure throughout the shop; I will leave it here, so you can read the book yourself. You are never too old to enjoy the tales of Corduroy.
The list of great books could go on and on when it comes to teddy stories, but I think the examples here will give you some idea as to why the teddy bear is so welcomed, no matter whether in its stuffed version or through a story.