Review: Where Teddy Bears Come From by Mark Burgess

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (August 1, 2009)
• ISBN-10: 1561454877
• Source: Publisher

There was once a little wolf who couldn’t fall asleep. Mother Wolf tried everything: a glass of milk, snuggling, even reading little wolf his favorite teddy bear story three times in a row.  Nothing worked.  The little wolf was wide awake.

As the morning light shone on his story book, little wolf discovered what would help him sleep: a teddy bear!  He asks his mother where teddy bears came from.  She wasn’t certain and suggested he ask Wise Owl.  Wise Owl didn’t know either, & suggested he ask the Three Little Pigs.

Soon the little wolf is on an adventure asking various characters from fairy tales, including Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks.  Along the way, he literally runs into a rosy-faced old man driving a big red truck. The truck’s tire is out of air, so the little wolf helps by huffing and puffing into the tire. The old man stops the little wolf with a “Ho, Ho, Ho!”

The cheery old man tells the little wolf that if he runs home, he’ll find the answer to his question in the morning.  The little wolf falls asleep as soon as he gets home, sleeping through the night.  He awakens to find a present at the food of the bed. Inside? A soft, cuddly teddy bear!

WHERE TEDDY BEARS COME FROM is an adorable tale perfect for not only the holiday season, but any time of year.  My five year old enjoyed the appearances of some of his favorite fairy tale characters.  And teddy bears? Who can resist teddy bears?

The illustrations, by Russell Ayto, are quirky and cute and really add a bit of spunk to the story!  This book would make a great addition to any picture book collection!

Thanks to the publisher, I have one copy of Where Teddy Bears Come From to give away.  To enter, please fill out the form below.  US & Canadian residents only, please.  The winner will be announced Friday, December 31st!  Good luck to all who enter!