I have to admit to shedding a tear or two when the most beautiful special collector’s limited edition copy of Old Bear came through the letterbox, which brought back so many memories and nostalgia as I gazed upon the golden cover. The television series was something that I loved watching as a child as well as reading the stories, of the toys in the playroom from Duck to Rabbit and my favorite of them all the little bear with his red trousers. I have always loved teddy bears and used to read many stories about them whilst keeping my special bear next to me, who was a good friend that still is cherished today even though he has been moved to the cupboard. This captivating tale is one of friendship, love and fun that will delight as many children of today as it did myself in the nineties till now. Jane Hissey is not only a great storyteller full of creativity, imagination and originality but an accomplished artist whose stunning illustrations adorn each page of this wonderful book. This classic tale is one that is heartfelt, poignant and endearing that both children and their parents will want to re-read time and time again, as it is so universally loved having found a special place within all our hearts. The model animation television series was one that I took much delight in that brought Jane Hissey’s stories to life before your very eyes, as those characters that one loved in her books had adventures on screen. Complete with a ‘scrapbook’ of information, pictures and photographs on the author herself and the history of her books and the toys this truly is a book for any fan and teddy bear collector/ enthusiast as well as a most precious gift for a child. Seeing images of the original Old Bear toys made me quite emotional as I had grown up watching them and reading about their exciting adventures, hence being just as much loved today as they ever were. You are never too old to enjoy the simple pleasure that a Teddy Bear can bring; for the child who wants a friend to the collector of bears from Steiff to Boyds. I would like to thank the author for having her book as a giveaway on GoodReads, which I concider myself most privileged to have received. Old Bear is much more than just a mere children’s storybook but rather a new edition of a classic, which has an extensive history from toys in the attic to television and sketches, and for any child within the twentieth century to be presented with something with such a history is quite special and magical. This book will be read to my nephews who like me I am sure will love the story and the group of friends who make this an adventure to remember, which can be followed up in other books such as Old Bear stories and my all-time favorite Little Bears Trousers (a tale that I loved so much as a child with my old copy now sellotaped together). The wonderful illustrations bring this magical story to life as well as make this edition an enchanting book to treasure, as something quite exceptional. I hope that Old Bear rekindles that love of toys that are simple in design; with a little stuffing and a button nose, but which outshine many gadgets and modern electrical toys of today thus making you want to climb a ladder and delve into those dusty boxes in the loft to find hidden treasures. This exquisite edition will sit alongside those old copies that have been with me for years on the bookshelf as they are now read to my family, with it bringing back such fond, happy memories that I shall never forget.