Ryers Readers - Teddy Bear of the Year

Episode Date: April 26, 2023

Ollie loves his job as a teddy bear! He is a pro at the ABC’s of teddy-care… “always be cuddling”. But, when Ollie learns of all the brave and adventurous things the other Teddies have done, Ollie is not sure if he is special enough…maybe he is just a regular bear who does regular things? Or, maybe…

Let's do this! Thank you so much for tuning into today's story. Don't forget to rate and follow so you never miss out on all the riers readers fun. Before we get into the story, do you want to know a fun fact? Did you know that karaoke means empty orchestra in Japanese? Karaoke is a form of entertainment where you sing along to popular songs. There are no words playing on the music. music so you can sing the words yourself. Karaoke has been proven to relieve stress, boost confidence, and strengthen social skills. And guess what? The fourth week in April, at the time of this episode going live, is national karaoke week

in the United States. I guess we should all break out those microphones. Okay, story time. Today, we have a super special Ryers Readers' request from three-year-old Noah in Ontario, Canada. Noah would like to hear, Teddy Bear of the Year by Vicky Van Sickle. I hope you enjoy this story, Noah. Let's do this. Thought being a teddy bear was the best job in the world. His shift started weekdays at three in the afternoon, when his girl Amina got home from school

and ended after breakfast the next morning. On weekends and the summer, he was on call 24 hours a day. The best part of Ollie's day was the moment when Amina would burst through the door, give him a hug and tell him about her adventures. At night, when he snuggled next to Amina, he would think about her stories and smile.

One night, in the middle of Ollie's shift, A shining silver sailboat appeared outside Amina's window. At the helm was a grizzled old teddy bear. Ahoy there, little buddy, he said. You must be Ollie. My name is Snuggles, but you can call me the Snugg. I'm here to take you to the teddy bear's picnic. The teddy bear's picnic?

Ali asked. What's that? Every summer, the local chapter of the Teddy Bears Association gets together to celebrate the year in teddy care. As one of the longest standing members, it's my job to pick up the first timers, like you. Now hop in, little buddy, or there won't be any honey tarts left. Ali looked at sleeping Amina. But Amina, don't worry about your girl, said the snug. She'll remain exactly how she'll remain exactly how she's.

she is until we return. It's teddy bear magic. Ali gave Amina one more cuddle before he stepped into the silver sailboat. I see you know your ABC's, the snug said. Ali was confused. ABC's? He asked. ABCs. Always be cuddling.

Teddy Bear 101. The teddy bear's picnic was held deep in the woods. When they arrived, Ollie saw teddies of all shapes and sizes. The snug introduced Ollie to some of his friends from the Teddy Bears Association. Scotty from the Department of Bedtime Planning, Mr. Pants, Chief Cuddling Officer, and Jessica, Regional Stuffing Manager and Stitchery Inspector. They eat delicious treats, competed in three-legged races, and Ollie even worked up the courage to sing barioki.

After Scotty's rousing rousing rousing of nine to five, a pink teddy bear took the stage and tapped the microphone. Is this thing on? Good evening, Teddies. I'm Pinky, and as president of the Teddy Bears Association, I'd like to welcome everyone to this year's picnic. Tonight, we recognize our members who have demonstrated excellence in teddy care.

First, I'd like to call up Boo Bear. Pinky pinned a star on a teddy with a curly coat. Boo Bear sat by her boy's side through a long sickness. Without her, Young Way would have been lonely and afraid in a strange hospital bed. Ollie was impressed. Boo Bear was so noble. Sick children need all the love and comfort a teddy can give. Next we have Fang.

Pinky pinned another star on a strange-looking bear with long, soft ears. Just this past week, Fang accompanied his girl, Tina, on her first sleepover party. Ollie clapped loudly. A sleepover? He never even left the yard. Fang was very brave. And now, a bear who needs no introduction. Snuggles! Or, should I say, the snug, has been a wonderful teddy for many years,

a beloved companion to not just one child, but a family of six. He has made it through the washing machine, spent a week in a crowded, lost and found box, and even survived a teddy napping by the neighbor's dog. The snug moved his kerchief aside, but not without something. scars, he said. The crowd cheered for the Snugg's amazing adventures. Ollie cheered the loudest. One by one pinky-pin stars on all the deserving teddies. As she listed their achievements, Ali felt smaller and smaller. He tried to think of a single thing that he had done that deserved a star, but nothing came to mind. He was just an ordinary bear. And now,

for our last star of the evening. The teddy bear of the year award goes to Ollie! Ollie gasped. Oh, me? Every teddy bear at the picnic turned to smile at him. But I'm just a regular bear with a regular job.

I haven't done anything noble or brave or adventurous like these other teddies. I haven't done anything special at all. I wouldn't be so sure about that, said Pinky. Let's take a look at the events of May 6th. Ollie's heart ached for his girl as he watched the events unfold on screen. Poor Amina, she had such a bad day. Yes, Pinky agreed.

But wait, it isn't over yet. The teddy bear of the year. Award is given to a young Teddy who excels at the ABCs of Teddy Care. Always be cuddling, Ali said. Teddy Bear 101. Exactly. You turned Amina's bad day into a good day, and that is very special. Even the smallest actions, a cuddle, a kind word, or a hug have a great impact.

All of you here tonight because you provide the comfort your children need to feel strong. That is true teddy bear magic. Pinky pinned a shining star to Ali's chest. Let's hear it for Ali, your brand new teddy bear of the year. And for all of our teddys, she said. After the stars had been given out, it was time to celebrate. Ali was so. Ali was so. so happy he thought his stitches would burst. When the picnic was over, Ali and the snug sailed back through the night sky and found Amina's bedroom exactly as they had left it.

The snug waved as the boat drifted away. See you next year, little buddy. Ali waved goodbye before snuggling in next to Amina. He told her all about his first great adventure of flying sailboats, Honey Tarts and a picnic in the woods. In her sleep, Amina smiled. The end. Don't forget to stick around to see if you can answer today's paying attention question.

Before you go, do you think you can answer today's paying attention question? Snuggles the teddy bear had a nickname. Do you remember what his nickname was? If your answer was the snug, you? You did it! Great job! You sure were paying attention! I hope you enjoyed that story! I wonder what we're going to read next! Bye, Noah!