KateTPZ's Full Review: Jim Aylesworth - Teddy Bear Tears
I began reading bedtime stories to my sons when they were infants. The bedtime story became a treasured part of our bedtime routine, the time we slowed down, cuddled, relaxed, and unwound from the day. Then my boys got older, started reading on their own, and the bedtime story ritual faded away. I miss it.
This review is part of the National Bedtime Story Write Off; details can be found at the end of this review.
Through the years, many bedtime stories have spent time at the top of our favorite stories list, from The Little Engine That Could to The Runaway Bunny. But one story, Teddy Bear Tears, remained at the top of the list long after my sons were reading the bedtime stories instead of me, and long after the bedtime story ritual had faded.
Teddy Bear Tears was written by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by Jo Ellen McAllister-Stammen. It tells the story of a little boy with four special teddy bears and their own bedtime routine. The story is told with love, compassion and sensitivity that children both appreciate and enjoy.
The Story of Teddy Bear Tears
At bedtime, when the little boy goes to bed and turns out the light, he hears crying. It's his teddy bear Willie, afraid of a noise he's heard from outside. Only the boy can hear the bear's whispers, of course. The boy takes him to the window and explains the night sounds, assuring him there is nothing that can hurt him. Feeling better, but still uncertain, Willie Bear asks if he can sleep real close to the boy, just in case. Of course, says the boy.
Then the sniffles come again, this time from Fuzzy who believes there is something under the bed. The boy shows him what is under the bed, assuring him there is nothing that can hurt him. Still uncertain, Fuzzy Bear asks if he can sleep real close to the boy, just in case. Of course, says the boy.
The next sniffles come from Ringo, who thinks there's a bogey man in the closet, followed by Little Sam who's simply afraid of the dark. All four bears are tucked into the bed, close to the little boy, and then sleep comes.
What Kids (And Moms) Like About The Story
Kids are familiar with fear, often fear that is explained away or dismissed by adults, in sometimes less than loving ways. But kids seldom experience helping someone else to overcome fear. Teddy Bear Tears fills the gap with a little boy soothing his teddy bear friends, helping them overcome and cope with their fear. My kids love the story.
As boys who have quite a stuffed animal collection, my sons also love the story of a boy who loves his teddy bears. They can identify with the boy, for they too love their stuffed friends and think of them as living, loving creatures.
This picture book, with lovely, soft illustrations, is easy for young elementary school kids to read, which can help transition the bedtime story ritual into a learning and sharing family time.
Who Would Like This Story?
Anyone who has been a child, who has been afraid at bedtime, and who has loved a stuffed animal will love this story. It's simple but loving, short but powerful.
My first niece is expecting her first child next month. Teddy Bear Tears is the first book I've purchased for my new, soon-to-be-born niece or nephew. I know my niece will enjoy reading it as much as I have.
This review is part of the National Bedtime Story Writeoff, hosted by Phineaskc and Angelabar. Please take a moment to stop by and read the reviews from the other participants listed below:
A little boy has four teddy bears, each of which needs special attention before going to bed. Patiently, he explains away the strange sounds and unfam...More at HotBookSale
A little boy has four teddy bears, each of which needs special attention before going to bed. Patiently, he explains away the strange sounds and unfam...More at HotBookSale
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