Brown Paper Teddy Bear

Jess is sick in bed, and to make her feel better, Granddad promises her a brand-new teddy bear. But before she drifts off to sleep, Jess notices a small door that magically opens. Jess unties the ribbon around a brown paper bag and finds a careworn old teddy bear inside. He takes Jess on a wonderful adventure through the night sky to a place where toys come to life. Jess marches with toy soldiers, rides a toy train, and dances with a porcelain doll before she returns home to her loving grandfather.

Where Teddy Bears Come From

In the middle of a deep, dark forest, all the creatures are fast asleep. Except for a little gray wolf who can’t sleep a wink. But the little wolf knows just what he needs to get a good night’s sleep: a teddy bear to cuddle, just like in his favorite story book. So the next morning little wolf sets off on an adventure to find a teddy bear. But exactly where do teddy bears come from? The little wolf asks the Wise Owl, but he doesn’t know. He asks the Three Little Pigs, but they suggest he speak to Little Red Riding Hood. Finally, when he is very tired the little wolf stumbles upon a kindly man with a bright red suit and a long white beard who needs a helping hand. But good deeds never go unrewarded. So when the little wolf wakes up the next morning there is a soft, cuddly surprise at the foot of his bed…and the answer to his question. Author Mark Burgess has woven an amusing, satisfying story that features a steadfast character and a memorable cast of familiar faces and story elements from favorite fairytales. While Russell Ayto’s distinctively quirky illustrations offer surprising perspectives and colorfully capture the delightful humor of the story.

Sleep Well, Little Bear

Instead of counting sheep, an insomniac little bear sends himself to sleep by contemplating the nighttime world from the bedroom window, remembering the day’s adventures and planning for tomorrow’s.