A soft grey teddy bear, with a honey-gold face, ears and feet, sat on a shelf in a toy shop. He wore a brown coat and a golden silk bow. A label at his neck showed that his name was Wolstencroft. He was a very friendly bear with a lovely smile.
On the shelf with him were dozens of bears. It was Christmas time and everyone was very happy. People sang songs and bought gifts for children. Wolstencroft enjoyed listening to Jingle Bells.
One by one all the bears on the shelf went off to their new homes. Only Wolstencroft was left. He was very sad and lonely. Sometimes big tears rolled down his cheeks. He too wanted to go to a loving home. But Christmas was over and no one looked at the shelf on which he sat.
Months passed and then it was time for Easter. Children were coming with their parents looking for bunnies. So, the shelves were stacked with bunnies. Next to Wolstencroft sat Rita Rabbit with a red sweater on. Her twin brother, Roger was wearing a nice green sweater.
The bunnies soon became friendly with the little grey bear. One day, however, a little boy came with his Mummy and Daddy and purchased Roger.
Rita waved goodbye feeling a little sad. But she was happy he had found a nice home. She turned around to see Wolstencroft crying. He wondered why none wanted him. “It might be because of your name,” suggested Rita.
“It’s a beautiful name,” said the bear, “and it’s mine! It’s been mine always.”
“Yes, it’s a beautiful name,” agreed Rita, “But children can’t pronounce it very easily. Shall we have an easier name?”
So, they sat down with a book of names and went through all of them. But Wolstencroft really didn’t like any! Rita finally said, “Let’s make your name short and friendly. Shall we call you Woolly?”
Wolstencroft decided that he liked Woolly. So, Rita wrote WOOLLY under his name on the label.
The next morning, a man came with his small son. As they were searching for a gift, the little boy saw the grey bear. “Daddy, look!” he pointed excitedly, “There’s a bear with my name! I’m called Sten but he’s called Woolly!”
Woolly was delighted when he was lifted off the shelf and given to the boy. Sten gave him a big hug. He did not know that Woolly had given him a bear hug too! And Woolly went happily to his new home.
