posted on 26 Jul 2024

Bartie Bristle and Other Stories by the Teddy Bear Ladies (Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch), illustrated by Elke Boschinger

There are already so many delightful books featuring teddy bear characters that initially, I wondered about whether this one would offer anything different for young readers. I was intrigued to find that this collection of six stories is written by the ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’, two enthusiasts whose life work is to carefully repair and restore these much- loved toys. They often appear on The Repair Shop, a popular TV Programme demonstrating their skills. But would this specialist passion be enough to transfer into an enticing story format?

Bartie Bear is a very special teddy bear who lives in a shop with many of his friends including Tom Boot, Sanderson, Albert and Sparkle. Mrs T. and Rose run the shop and are proud to claim that every bear they create is stitched with ‘a magical thread of kindness that flows out from the little shop and wraps itself around the village and its people.’  The introduction sets the scene for some cosy adventures starring the bears who all have the message ‘Bear It In Mind’ relating to the important quality of kindness sewn into the label of their back seam.

I do love books that make the territory come alive with a visual map, so was pleased to see Bartie’s little world clearly defined in this way at the beginning. Every story has its own distinct charm that should encourage readers to want to hear all of them, but they also stand alone as well-crafted little stories with just the right amount of plot and character development. I decided to look more closely at the first and last story in the collection:

Welcome, Bartie Bristle!

This short one tells the story about how the bear got his name because prior to a competition, he was known as ‘Logo Bear’ because he looked like the bear on the sign outside the shop. It was pleasing to see that he was happily tucking into his very own chocolate sundae as the difficult decision was made. The comforting allusion to his sweet tooth continues as he realises that he has a wonderful book shaped celebratory cake to be shared with his friends. The joyful occasion is depicted in a generous double page spread that shows everyone enjoying the delicious looking feast spread out on the table in the workshop. Mrs T. makes a speech that emphasises how important it is to have a name and to be welcomed into the village community. The story ends with a picture of a very contented and sticky Bartie asleep in his bed and the promise of further exciting days ahead.

Dear Old Albert

By the sixth story, the reader knows that Bartie is an unusually kind and considerate teddy bear who loves helping out and playing his part in welcoming old and often damaged bears to the shop. When a particularly large box arrives, he is very excited to see who might be the latest visitor. The parcel is well protected with packaging but eventually reveals Albert who appears to be a sorry specimen:

‘Although this visiting bear was very handsome, he was also VERY dirty, only had one eye and carried one of his legs under his arm.’

Bartie and the younger bears take good care of Albert during his stay. They learn that he is over one hundred years old and loves to tells them tales of his youth as they sit beside the pond together. When he is fully recovered from the many repairs, they realise that he will be very much missed. Is there any way that he could be persuaded to stay? This longer story explores how they feel about his impending departure and the agony of awaiting a final decision. I can see how children would be drawn into talking about why he might need to be returned to his original owner set against the advantages of living with new friends. Relocating to a new house or school are sometimes difficult transitions for children so there are possible discussion links here as well.  

I recommend this engagingly illustrated book published by Walker Books which should be available from your local independent bookshop – who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves.

Karen Argent

July 2024