United States - 20th Century - History, Presidents & Politics (U.S.), Toys, Dolls & Puppets, Presidents of the U.S.A. - Biography, Fiction - General & Miscellaneous

First Teddy Bear

Name: First Teddy Bear
Author: Helen Kay
ISBN: 9780880451543

by Helen Kay, Susan Detwiler

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Synopsis

Describes how the first Teddy Bear stuffed toy originated inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt's refusal to shoot a little bear during a hunt.

Publishers Weekly

When President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub in 1902, his hunting trip made news. The baby bruin was featured by the Washington Post's distinguished cartoonist Clifford Berryman and it inspired Morris Michtom, owner of a Brooklyn candy store. With his wife Rose, Michtom enjoyed making stuffed toys in the evenings and he became famous, ``Father of the Teddy Bear,'' when he created the first of what was to become the best-loved cuddler, still manufactured in the millions in a wide range of sizes. (Why Rose isn't remembered as Teddy's mother is not explained, but she did as much of the work on the baby bruin as Morris.) Kay's history is addressed to all ages but simplified, probably to attract beginners. Like the text, Detwiler's color illustrations are authentic but stilted, without the animation they should project. (All ages)

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4 In 1902 while President Theodore Roosevelt was off on a five-day bear hunt, Morris Michtom was selling candy in his shop during the day and making stuffed toys at night. Roosevelt's bear hunt was unsuccessful until the fifth day, when the President could have shot a bear cub but refused. That occurrence prompted Michtom to make a stuffed Teddy Bear, and a tradition was born (along with the Ideal Toy Company, which he founded). The text is a little cutesy, but the illustrations (some in sepia and others full color) are properly old-fashioned, conveying the period. A bit of Americana on an ageless and appealing subject. Rita S. Padden, Wenatchee Pub . Lib . , Wash.