One True Bear

by Ted Dewan

Darcy is a very brave teddy bear. Where other bears have tried and failed to win the heart of a lonely lad, Darcy discovers that with a bit of patience and playfulness, he can become Damian's one true bear, especially when he is needed most.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

30 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Elle Markov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea if this book is happy or sad. It’s an emotional rollercoaster seeing everything that little boy puts all those little bears through until one bear comes along and doesn’t break. Then the story ends all sad with the little bear giving comfort to a new child and his old child I think is now a first responder. All I know is I was sad and happy and sad. Still the book was beautiful. If you read it to kids, expect a lot of questions that will be very hard to answer without going into I’m crushing a little kids innocent outlook on life.

Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stuffed teddy bear uses kindness and resilience to help a kid notorious for destroying his toys find his "one true bear." It was a bit disturbing how destructive this kid was, but this might be a story to share with a kid who needs reminders on taking good care of their things.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet! Definitely has some Toy Story vibes.

[Emmaline MacBeath · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Teddy Bear Land, the bears are hoping to find the One True Bear that will speak to the heart of Damian. He is a troubled little boy who is very hard on his toys. The Bear Force is looking for the bear with the right stuffing. Darcy Brewster volunteers. At first, Damian is very hard on Darcy, but he speaks to Damian's heart time and time again until....Well, I won't give that away. The ending will bring tears to your eyes especially if you are the parent of sons.

My fourteen year old son read this first and absolutely loved it. He said it is one of his favorites of all the children's books that end up in our home. So there is definitely a message that speaks to different ages here. The bear's message to all who read is, "Do you have the right stuffing?"

This book was different in its approach than many of the children's books I have read and that is part of its appeal. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. There are a couple of difficult scenes where the bear gets damaged, but I feel those scenes are soothed by the repair that happens afterward. I don't know that the littlest ones would understand the very end, but they can still appreciate the rest of the book. This book is advertized for ages 3-6, but I think 3-8 would be appropriate because what boy of 8 doesn't want to believe he has the right stuffing?

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When at work ordering picture books recently, I was intrigued by a review of this book, especially a repeated phrase, "... and I lived to see another day." It is indeed a sweet book with detailed illustrations that offer clues all along the way as to what the end might hold.

Darcy Brewster is a brave and good member of the Bear Force and puts himself on the line as he volunteers to drop into the life of a little boy named Damian, known for being especially rough on toys, and attempt to become his one true bear. Turns out both Darcy and Damian have the right stuffing.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am not a big fan of the artwork (just a personal preference), this Spanish translation of One True Bear will bring back memories of your most beloved bear, bunny, or blankie. In this story, a little boy named Damian rejects every teddy bear until he meets Bruno. After a tense beginning, Damian and Bruno are inseperable, but like all boys and girls, Damian grows up. Bruno awaits the day he is again "called to duty." I won't completely give away the end, but, let me say, Toy Story 3.

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

We did enjoy this book but I had to stop and explain the phrase "the right stuffing" being a play on "the right stuff" as apparently we hadn't used that phrase to our daughter before.
She enjoyed the principle Storyline, that every child gets a one true bear with the right stuff-ing for their needs. This book scared her a bit though - maybe the wrong age to read it at!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was at times almost heartbreaking as a bear reports to duty with a rough child. He is abused by the child as teddy bears may sometimes be--until something clicks and he becomes a friend. Story comes full circle as he is gifted to a child rescued by his former owner.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembering have a bear to love...this also reminded me of Silverstein's Giving Tree...Brought tears to my eyes and pulled my heartstrings.

[Tina B · Rating 4 out of 5]

teddy bear, teaching caring, perseverance

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet sentiment but one of those books that is more for adults than kids.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last page literally made me burst into tears! Then again, I am a sap...

[Porsche · Rating 4 out of 5]

my 5 year old loves this book. I especially love the last page. Fun read with the kids.

[LoriAnn Kocialski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so want to find a copy of this book!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bear with the right kind of stuffing.

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Loved the unconditional love of this bear.....made me a little teary.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

¡Que imaginativa!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for anything about teddy bears... sigh.

[BeastBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story about a bear who teaches a little boy about compassion.

[Flor Vita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this books. I never read a children book that touch my heart.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, the ending did bring tears to my eyes; what a sweet, poignant story!