What do you think?
Rate this book
Teddy: The Remarkable Tale of a President, a Cartoonist, a Toymaker and a Bear
The story goes that on a hunting trip in 1902, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear. “Me? Shoot that little fella?” he said. “Why, if I so much as ruffled his fur, I'd never be able to look my children in the eyes again!” When a political cartoonist shared the story in the newspaper, New York shopkeepers Rosie and Morris Michtom were impressed by the president's big, warm heart. So they decided to create a “Teddy” bear in his honor to sell in their store. The bear was so popular, they made another one. And another. Before they knew it, they had to build a factory to accommodate the it seemed every child wanted a teddy bear of their own! James Sage uses a playful blend of fact and fiction to tell this entertaining tale. The back matter includes a historical note, photos and a list of sources. The lively, fun narrative and vivid illustrations by Lisk Feng make for a wonderful read-aloud with universal adults will find it as charming as children do. The book has many applications in the social studies curriculum for the early grades, as the period and the president are brought vividly to life. And, of course, it's a perfect pick for Presidents' Day. The story also presents an inspiring small-business entrepreneurial success story.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 19, 2018
This is a sort of true story, according to the author, and from what I remember of history, he has got the basics down. Teddy Roosevelt, who was president of the US, at the time, did not shoot a baby bear, and that inspired a toy maker to make toy versions of the bear, and name it after him, aka Teddy Bear.
What is cool is that the original cartoon of Teddy not shooting a bear is reproduced at the end of the book, so you can see what inspired the toy.
And that the president said it was ok to use his name on the bear.
A fun telling of this story, which bright pictures, and a cool sort of history book. Thought not 100% accurate, the author says we don’t know if the cartoonist offered a donut to the copy boy, the main part of the story is true, as far as we know.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
What is cool is that the original cartoon of Teddy not shooting a bear is reproduced at the end of the book, so you can see what inspired the toy.
And that the president said it was ok to use his name on the bear.
A fun telling of this story, which bright pictures, and a cool sort of history book. Thought not 100% accurate, the author says we don’t know if the cartoonist offered a donut to the copy boy, the main part of the story is true, as far as we know.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 21, 2019
Teddy is an adorable picture book that tells us how President Theodore Roosevelt became the poster boy for teddy bears and how this famous and lovable toy got its name. The story begins when President Roosevelt, nicknamed Teddy, refused to shoot a helpless bear cub that was placed in his path by friends who were hosting his stay in the south and wanted him to have a “successful” hunt. When he returns to Washington, the story hits the wires. A cartoonist for the Washington Post uses that information to do an editorial cartoon, that cartoon is republished in newspapers all over the United States. In New York, a couple who own a small store see the cartoon, and the wife makes a toy bear to commemorate the situation and the story takes off. Everyone wants their own "Teddy Bear".
I loved the illustrations, they were done in such a way that it felt like the reader was actually there, a bit like a Norman Rockwell style. The text was written in a clear easy to understand way so that younger children would also be able to grasp the story. As the author tells us in his notes, it is an almost true story, a few facts were fictionalized such as the cartoonist giving the coffee delivery boy a doughnut. This is a wonderful book for a read aloud. This could be a springboard for discussion of other famous bears (Winnie-the-Pooh) or favourite toys, perhaps reading other books like The Velveteen Rabbit. The author also includes great material in the back pages such as a copy of the original cartoon, an advertisement for the “original” style bear, and a photograph of an early style teddy bear. A great addition to a primary or junior classroom. The publisher provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I loved the illustrations, they were done in such a way that it felt like the reader was actually there, a bit like a Norman Rockwell style. The text was written in a clear easy to understand way so that younger children would also be able to grasp the story. As the author tells us in his notes, it is an almost true story, a few facts were fictionalized such as the cartoonist giving the coffee delivery boy a doughnut. This is a wonderful book for a read aloud. This could be a springboard for discussion of other famous bears (Winnie-the-Pooh) or favourite toys, perhaps reading other books like The Velveteen Rabbit. The author also includes great material in the back pages such as a copy of the original cartoon, an advertisement for the “original” style bear, and a photograph of an early style teddy bear. A great addition to a primary or junior classroom. The publisher provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
March 21, 2019
Wonderful book for children, giving the almost true story about the naming of the original "Teddy" bear. I learned a lot about Teddy Roosevelt, and his refusal to kill a bear cub because he wouldn't have been able to look his children in the eye, if he did. This story was written about in the paper, and a couple decided to make toy bears called "Teddy". This book was very informative.
September 25, 2019
Teddy: the remarkable tale of a president, a cartoonist, a toymaker, and a bear by James Sage, illustrated by Lisk Feng. Kids Can Press, 2019. $18. 9781771387958
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
After President Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub, a cartoonist was inspired to memorialize that act for the newspaper. That cartoon inspired a husband and wife to add a special bear to their handmade toy offerings, which, named Teddy after the President, became wildly popular all over the world.
With a bit of creative license, Sage and Feng introduce a new generation to a presidentially-named icon. Wry humor, just enough words on each page, and the illustrations feel spot on for the time period.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
After President Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub, a cartoonist was inspired to memorialize that act for the newspaper. That cartoon inspired a husband and wife to add a special bear to their handmade toy offerings, which, named Teddy after the President, became wildly popular all over the world.
With a bit of creative license, Sage and Feng introduce a new generation to a presidentially-named icon. Wry humor, just enough words on each page, and the illustrations feel spot on for the time period.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
August 31, 2020
A fresh take on the origin of the Theodore Roosevelt Teddy Bear story.
This follows the take of the "invention" of the Teddy Bear by the Michtoms, from Roosevelt's refusal to shoot the scrawny bear in Mississippi, to Clifford Berryman's editorial cartoon of this event, to the invention of the Teddy Bear by the Michtoms, to their popularity and building of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.
Sage's storytelling is on-target. Just the right mix of information and fiction to make this historical fiction tale come alive. Digital illustrations by Lisk Feng are large and bold; they will carry well when read during a Teddy Bear Storytime.
For teddy bear lovers of all ages.
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.
This follows the take of the "invention" of the Teddy Bear by the Michtoms, from Roosevelt's refusal to shoot the scrawny bear in Mississippi, to Clifford Berryman's editorial cartoon of this event, to the invention of the Teddy Bear by the Michtoms, to their popularity and building of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.
Sage's storytelling is on-target. Just the right mix of information and fiction to make this historical fiction tale come alive. Digital illustrations by Lisk Feng are large and bold; they will carry well when read during a Teddy Bear Storytime.
For teddy bear lovers of all ages.
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.
April 24, 2019
This was a really nice story, I liked the images and the story was easy to follow
It is a great book to give to a child with a teddy as it will give the bear an extra special meaning, and who doesn't love to read a story with their favourite teddy! It might be a mixture of fiction as well as fact but I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable
4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!
It is a great book to give to a child with a teddy as it will give the bear an extra special meaning, and who doesn't love to read a story with their favourite teddy! It might be a mixture of fiction as well as fact but I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable
4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!
November 18, 2018
Really great book that recall the story, or history, of the Teddy bear origin. I didn't know about it and even if it's very anecdotal, it's a very amusing story that please me a lot!
August 1, 2019
Fact and fiction make a pleasant blend.
October 18, 2021
Adorable picture book that explains how Teddy Bears were inspired by Teddy Roosevelt's famous hunting trip
December 12, 2018
In the year 1902, President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt went hunting in the state of Mississippi. His hosts wanted so much for him to shoot and bag a bear in their great state but alas at that particular time no bears could be found... "except, that is, for one scruffy, no-account cub."
When prompted to go ahead and shoot the little fella the President vehemently declined the offer stating that if he did so he could never look into the eyes of his children again. His tender big heart would not allow that to happen. Word got out of the President refusing to carry out that deed and the story was picked up by a political cartoonist who visually carried it in his newspaper. In New York, toymakers Rosie and Morris Michtom were so impressed with the story that they decided to create a "Teddy" bear in the President's honour. Everyone, including the President himself was very taken with this novel idea of owning and cuddling a soft, loveable "Teddy" bear toy. The demand for "Teddys" became so popular that the Michtoms built a huge factory to meet all the demands of the public for this treasured toy.
The book includes factual historic notes, photos and a rich list of sources to visit at the end. Both young and old will find this book both educational and entertaining. Teddy bears are common in our culture today. It is always fun to backpedal and find our how this iconic toy came into being. I highly recommend this wonderful book with its universal appeal to kids ( and adults ) all over the world.
When prompted to go ahead and shoot the little fella the President vehemently declined the offer stating that if he did so he could never look into the eyes of his children again. His tender big heart would not allow that to happen. Word got out of the President refusing to carry out that deed and the story was picked up by a political cartoonist who visually carried it in his newspaper. In New York, toymakers Rosie and Morris Michtom were so impressed with the story that they decided to create a "Teddy" bear in the President's honour. Everyone, including the President himself was very taken with this novel idea of owning and cuddling a soft, loveable "Teddy" bear toy. The demand for "Teddys" became so popular that the Michtoms built a huge factory to meet all the demands of the public for this treasured toy.
The book includes factual historic notes, photos and a rich list of sources to visit at the end. Both young and old will find this book both educational and entertaining. Teddy bears are common in our culture today. It is always fun to backpedal and find our how this iconic toy came into being. I highly recommend this wonderful book with its universal appeal to kids ( and adults ) all over the world.
May 1, 2019
The true story of the inspiration for and creation of the first teddy bear, and the teddy bear craze that followed.
It is kind of weird to think about teddy bears as a new toy craze, but at one time they were that hot new item every kid had to have. There are a few other books about the first teddy bear, but most are either heavily fictional or they focus on Theodore Roosevelt and not the Michtoms who designed the first bear. Make sure to read the author’s note in the back of the book about which parts of this story are conjecture to help the story flow and which are solid facts. There’s also some more details on the Michtoms, the original political cartoon that inspired them, and more teddy bear history in the back. I like the way this book succinctly conveys this story (the other book I know that really focuses on this topic is several chapters long). The artwork is enticing, and who can resist a story about teddy bears? Recommended to toy lovers, reluctant history readers, and of course, those setting up a teddy bear picnic.
Note on content [based on the ARC]: Some parents/caregivers may want to be warned that there is one darn in the text (at least according to the ARC).
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is kind of weird to think about teddy bears as a new toy craze, but at one time they were that hot new item every kid had to have. There are a few other books about the first teddy bear, but most are either heavily fictional or they focus on Theodore Roosevelt and not the Michtoms who designed the first bear. Make sure to read the author’s note in the back of the book about which parts of this story are conjecture to help the story flow and which are solid facts. There’s also some more details on the Michtoms, the original political cartoon that inspired them, and more teddy bear history in the back. I like the way this book succinctly conveys this story (the other book I know that really focuses on this topic is several chapters long). The artwork is enticing, and who can resist a story about teddy bears? Recommended to toy lovers, reluctant history readers, and of course, those setting up a teddy bear picnic.
Note on content [based on the ARC]: Some parents/caregivers may want to be warned that there is one darn in the text (at least according to the ARC).
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2019
This book is based on a little fact and a little fiction. As the story goes, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in 1902, while there he refused to shoot a baby bear.
“I’d never be able to look my children in the eyes again!”
Later, when a political cartoonist shared this, a couple who owned a shop in New York was so impressed that they created a bear and labeled it “Teddy.” The bear became so popular that eventually, they had to build a factory to take care of the demand for their special teddy bears.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a somewhat fictional biography. However, the back of the book includes more in the way of facts for adult readers to share with little ones.
My Thoughts
What Concerned Me: The illustrations didn’t feel in proportion or realistic, neither did they seem child-friendly. To me, they didn’t accompany the text in a flattering way, but they didn’t really distract either.
What I Liked Most: I feel sure this is a story that will interest most kids. After all, who doesn’t love the teddy bear, and why wouldn’t some facts about him be interesting?
This should be a book of interest to most elementary teachers.
“I’d never be able to look my children in the eyes again!”
Later, when a political cartoonist shared this, a couple who owned a shop in New York was so impressed that they created a bear and labeled it “Teddy.” The bear became so popular that eventually, they had to build a factory to take care of the demand for their special teddy bears.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a somewhat fictional biography. However, the back of the book includes more in the way of facts for adult readers to share with little ones.
My Thoughts
What Concerned Me: The illustrations didn’t feel in proportion or realistic, neither did they seem child-friendly. To me, they didn’t accompany the text in a flattering way, but they didn’t really distract either.
What I Liked Most: I feel sure this is a story that will interest most kids. After all, who doesn’t love the teddy bear, and why wouldn’t some facts about him be interesting?
This should be a book of interest to most elementary teachers.
November 15, 2023
I used to buy and sell children's books, especially the Accelerated Reader titles. I loved seeing them and I still love thread them. I do wonder what kids think of them. This is a fun book about a woman who made the first (supposedly) Teddy Bear after reading the story about Teddy Roosevelt not shooting a small bear while out hunting. She and her husband were merchants in NYC and they eventually formed the Ideal Toy company after the success with her Teddy Great story, but do kids care? The illustrations are great but the wording is small and sorta advanced for someone who looks at the cover. I loved AR titles because they sold and they made it easy for teachers to encourage reading and testing. But I now wonder about the purpose of publishing these titles. I guess I need to talk to some librarians and teachers.....
March 28, 2019
I received an electronic ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley.
The history of the teddy bear told in a picture book format for young readers.
Sage shares the history behind the creation of the bear from Roosevelt's hunting trip in Mississippi to Berryman's newspaper cartoon to Michtom's creation of the first bear. The book does blend in some conjecture with the facts to keep the readers focused.
Elementary level readers will follow the text and enjoy the realistic illustrations that capture this piece of history.
Information text and author note at the end.
Would be a terrific read aloud to introduce non-fiction and talk about author privilege when sharing history.
The history of the teddy bear told in a picture book format for young readers.
Sage shares the history behind the creation of the bear from Roosevelt's hunting trip in Mississippi to Berryman's newspaper cartoon to Michtom's creation of the first bear. The book does blend in some conjecture with the facts to keep the readers focused.
Elementary level readers will follow the text and enjoy the realistic illustrations that capture this piece of history.
Information text and author note at the end.
Would be a terrific read aloud to introduce non-fiction and talk about author privilege when sharing history.
November 17, 2018
This was a very good telling of a story I only half-knew. I'd long known that teddy bears were down to Teddy Roosevelt not shooting a bear on a hunt once, but I didn't know about the creative link that had to happen before the news transferred to the bear makers. There's still a part of the story not on these pages – that of rival bear producers, the lack of copyright on such things in those days, etc, but for a youthful read this strikes the right balance. It all boils down to an inspired – and inspiring – rags-to-riches tale, and one with so many cute outcomes.
November 20, 2020
A brightly written children's rendition of the mythology around the 'Teddy Bear'.
The story recounts Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to shoot the bear cub, the illustration in the newspaper, and the creation of the Teddy Bear toy.
The illustrations move the text beautifully, and it flows from event to event in a way that's easy to engage with.
The author includes notes regarding the accuracy of the text, and generally has created a fun book about Presidents and American mythos for the PreK and early elementary years.
The story recounts Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to shoot the bear cub, the illustration in the newspaper, and the creation of the Teddy Bear toy.
The illustrations move the text beautifully, and it flows from event to event in a way that's easy to engage with.
The author includes notes regarding the accuracy of the text, and generally has created a fun book about Presidents and American mythos for the PreK and early elementary years.
December 12, 2018
Who didn't have a Teddy Bear when they were younger (or still) that they didn't love? The story of the Teddy Bear comes to life in this little book! President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub, and the subsequent cartoon about the incident led to the creation of one of the nations most beloved toys!
This book was so adorable, and a fun read! I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press Publishers for the advanced e-copy of the book!
This book was so adorable, and a fun read! I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press Publishers for the advanced e-copy of the book!
Read
June 27, 2019Teddy is a bright and colorful picture book about the event of Teddy Roosevelt not shooting a bear and how that insipired the toy Teddy Bear. Kids will love this "mostly true" story of how the teddy bear was invented. It is well written with clear andeasy to read language. The Norman Rockwell style illustrations pull the reader into the pages and give you the feeling of being in that time era. This will be a great addition to an elementary library or classroom.
December 6, 2018
“You’re about to read the extraordinary, almost true, tale about a toy that swept a nation...”
Incredibly cute tale about the origins of the “Teddy Bear”.
I remember that the bear’s were named after Teddy Roosevelt, but never really knew why.
LOVED the illustrations. Unique and for the story well.
Highly recommend!
*thanks to the publisher for the e-copy for review!
Incredibly cute tale about the origins of the “Teddy Bear”.
I remember that the bear’s were named after Teddy Roosevelt, but never really knew why.
LOVED the illustrations. Unique and for the story well.
Highly recommend!
*thanks to the publisher for the e-copy for review!
March 26, 2019
I am very glad the author slightly changed the real story behind Teddy not shooting a bear. The real one that is told at the end in the Author's Note is offensive to me (Teddy was ok--it was his hosts that were offensive). I love the book and the illustrations. I always liked the teddy bear story but I only vaguely knew it and now I know a little more.
March 13, 2019
Ever wonder why we call our stuffies Teddy Bears? Here is the story of how President Teddy TR Roosevelts refusal to shoot a bear, led to a cartoonist drawing, and to a toy maker naming his stuffed bears, Teddy. Old fashioned style illustrations bring this story of the past alive and eye-opening.
January 5, 2025
"You know, Rosie," said Mr. Michtom, "I think the reason kids love teddy bears so much is that they're so darn cuddly."
"Oh, no, my dear," Mrs. Michtom said, "it's because teddy bears give cuddles in return." 🥹
"Oh, no, my dear," Mrs. Michtom said, "it's because teddy bears give cuddles in return." 🥹
March 10, 2019
Ficitionalized story about the origin of the teddy bear.
May 17, 2019
This was a very sweet story about how teddy bears were first created. I knew that the bears were named after Teddy Roosevelt, but I didn't know the rest of the story. This was very informative.
June 24, 2019
Informative and cute story of how teddy bears got there name. Loved the author's note at the end.
June 25, 2019
A sweet, nonfiction story. I loved the photos of the cartoon and first teddy bears at the end.
July 18, 2019
interesting presentation
November 2, 2019
A picture book biography of the creation of the teddy bear toy and the influence of President Teddy Roosevelt in creating it. Elementary and up
November 15, 2019
Charming fictionalized story about the origin of the Teddy Bear and the candy store that became an toy company to keep up with demand.
December 26, 2019
This adorable little picture book is about how the first teddy bear was invented and how it got its name.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews