Excerpts from Chapter One of

Penny Bear's Gift of Love

Hello! I’m Penny Bear. To many people, I’m just an ordinary teddy bear, cute and cuddly. But to you and Johnathan Clarke, I’m magical. Johnathan is a wonderful young boy who’s very sad because his mom died. I came into Johnathan’s life just when he needed me most. Here’s my story of our very special friendship.

As I peeked over the staircase railing into the living room, I could see Johnathan and his dad still hugging each other goodnight. They just didn’t want to let one another go. Johnathan’s dad put on a brave smile, and Johnathan tried to do the same. It had been the hardest day of their lives.
    A lot of people had come to his mom’s funeral. Many had kissed and hugged him, even people he didn’t know. Some of the women wore so much perfume that it gave him a headache. He was relieved the day was over and glad everyone had finally gone home. My bear heart felt sad as I watched him head for bed, dragging his feet along. It looked as if he were climbing a mountain instead of just the living room stairs.
    Johnathan was one tired, unhappy little boy who didn’t even see me waiting for him when he flopped on top of his bed — clothes and all. Then his hand brushed the top of my head. “What’s this?” he said, sitting up and holding me in his lap. He found the tag on my arm and started to read it out loud. Johnathan stopped reading and gave me a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here, little Penny Bear,” he said. “I sure do need lots of hugs.” His eyes filled with tears as he added, “But mostly I just want my mom back!” I did everything in my bear power not to talk out loud just then. I’m supposed to go slowly and not show off my magical talents until the time is right.