The Million-Dollar Bear

The Million-Dollar Bear is the most entertaining story I have read for a while. It starts with two eccentric rich old men who both are absorbed in their collection of bears. But, they both want to own the first Teddy Bear - the million dollar bear. One actually steals the bear from the other and is pompous enough to admit it. I am drawn into the story by the "million-dollar" bear who only wants to be loved for who he is. Yet, he is kept in a temperature-controlled safe in the dark to preserve him. Then too, along the way, the author gives us "side-bars" of humor with episodes engaging the butler. A favorite bit of humor sneaks in when the child spies the eccentric millionaire wearing his false face disguise. This is a delightful story with a powerful impact for readers of all ages. The author weaves the story to bring a satisfying - yet, surprise ending. This book leaves me with a "warm and fuzzy" feeling.

With the help of wonderful illustrations and great storytelling ability, you can truly feel this wonderful teddy bear's loneliness and his ecstatic bliss of finally being loved...really loved. Besides the cute story on the surface, there is an underlying message about how being too materialistic can cause us to miss out on much of life's true rewards. It's a book for children of all ages!!