Ryers Readers - A Bear To Share

Episode Date: April 22, 2022

A heartwarming story about a young girl learning the importance of giving back to others in need

Let's do this. Thank you so much for tuning into today's story. Don't forget to tell your grown-up to go check out the Ryer's Reader's Instagram for more fun content. Before we get into the story, do you want to know a fun fact? Brown bears, black bears, and polar bears hibernate in the winter for about 100 days. They make their dens in caves, logs, and ice banks. 100 days! That's one long nap.

Hey, I got a quick question for you. What do you call a bear with no teeth? Gummy bear! I thought that was funny. Okay, story time. Today, we are going to be reading A Bear to Share by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patrishkoff. Tiana loved her teddy bear.

His name was Bach the Bear, and he was absolutely, positively perfect. Bach was the only bear for her. There was a lot that made Bach special. He had one eye because when Tiana was little, she carried him around by the eyeball until one day it popped clean off. But she didn't mind. His fur was all worn down from Tiana holding him close to her heart. but she thought he was still soft and cuddly.

He had stuffing coming out of his neck. Tiana didn't actually know why he had stuffing coming out of his neck, but it gave him pizzazz. In fact, she named him Bach the Bear because when Tiana placed him on top of her toy piano, he made every note sound better. They lived together in perfect harmony. Then, one day, without any warning at all, Tiana's mom yelled, surprise!

Look what Aunt Maria got you! She thought you'd love a new bear. Tiana didn't understand. But mom, what about Bach? Honey, I know you love Bach, but don't you think it's time to make room for another bear? Bach has one eye and his fur is all worn down, and he's... He's all, well, unstuffed. Tiana looked at Bach the Bear. Then she looked at the new bear. He had both his eyes.

He was fluffy, and he was super stuffed. It did make her wonder. Tiana woke up for school and couldn't wait to talk to her best friend Timothy. She spotted him on the monkey bars immediately because Timothy was wearing the same overalls he wears most days. Timothy was the best climber on the playground, and luckily, he was the best listener too, because this was an emergency. You won't believe what my mom said, Tiana started to explain to him. Timothy, like Tiana, didn't understand either.

I guess mom thinks Bach is too old and worn out. Maybe she thinks he's lost his music. Well, I've never had a teddy bear, so Bach always seemed pretty great to me, said Timothy. Tiana was shocked. Why don't you just ask your parents for a teddy bear? she asked. They say we can't afford it. Toys aren't a priority. Timothy said every part of that last word very carefully while looking at his shoes. For the first time ever, Tiana didn't know what to say. She wished Timothy could have a bear too. Tiana said when they were on their way home,

did you know that Timothy has never, ever, ever, ever had a teddy bear? You know we're very lucky, Mom said. We have enough money to take care of you and some left over for nice things like toys. It's not fair that I have two bears and Timothy has zero bears, Tiana said. All families are different, honey. Some have less and some have more and some just have enough. Mom said holding Tiana's hand softly. And although things can be unfair and unequal,

it doesn't mean we can't do something about it. Tiana finally started to understand. She looked at Bach carefully. He only had one eye because she loved him so much. And his fur was all worn down because she loved him so much. His stuffing was coming out of his neck. She still didn't know why, but she still loved him so much. Then Tiana had an idea.

A big idea. What if we give Timothy the new bear? Even if he's old and used up, Bach is my bear. Tiana knew Timothy deserved a bear to love and to make his own, one with both of his eyes and all of its stuffing so he could feel as special as she did when she got Bach. Her mom smiled at her. I love that idea, baby girl.

When Tiana gave Timothy the new Tiamondi gave Timothy the new tuesday, teddy bear, he looked so happy. It was like a candle lit inside of him making him shine. It made Tiana feel like she was shining too. Like she had just received a gift instead of giving one. Timothy named the bear Billy because he loves jazz. The new bear was Timothy's perfect match and they all played together in perfect harmony. The end. Make sure to stick around and see if you can answer today's paying attention question. Before you go, do you think you can answer today's paying attention question? Tiana gave Timothy his very own teddy bear.

What did Timothy name his bear? If your answer was Billy, great job! You did it! You sure were paying attention! I hope you enjoyed that story. I wonder what we're going to read next.