I guess story telling is  in my genes. My “Dadcu” (grandfather in Welsh) was a great story teller. He was a Welshman who went out to China in 1919 and lived there until  after the war.  I remember him coming to stay and all the children  gathering in my Wendy House in the garden, spell bound, as he told  stories. 

He also wrote stories for BBC Radio. When I was a little  girl there was a daily radio program called “Listen With Mother” at 2  pm. They always started by saying “are you sitting comfortably”, to which I  would answer loudly “yes”, and then, as if it was to me specifically, the narrator would say “....then I’ll begin”. My grandfather’s stories were mainly set in China and all had a message or moral theme.  

I remember two particularly.  “Peach Blossom Valley”  was about a poor Welsh shepherd boy who falls asleep on a mountain in  Wales and wakes up in Peach Blossom Valley China. He lives there but must return at 18 and when he  leaves he is disappointed to be given an empty box. Of course it turns  out he has been given the gift of knowledge.   Another “The Blue  Fairies” is about manners. 

A very rude little boy wants to see the  illusive blue fairies in the forest. 

But every time he gets part way  on the journey he does something rude like sneeze without saying “excuse  me” and  ‘zap’ he is back where he started.  Eventually he learns about  manners and meets the rare blue fairies. 

So my grandfather’s blood gave me the urge to provide a  legacy for Fat Bear, Friendly Bear and Paddy Paws who do exist and have  been my stalwart companions for 40 years through illness and loss, particularly as I struggle with lung cancer. I wrote the Fat Bear stories children's books for my goddaughter  Jenna. Jenna is a very soft hearted girl who was adopted from Russia. I watched as she adjusted to a new country, struggled fitting in at  school and finding real friends.  

I wanted to weave in themes such as finding a new home, belonging, needing to fit in, the nature of real  love and friendship and change.  I thought to do this through the eyes  of these three gentle teddy bears because they have been part of Jenna’s  life from when she landed in Canada.     Then having written the stories many people encouraged  me to put them out to a larger audience. In doing this it seemed  appropriate that they not only entertain children but to also to do good. To that end portions of proceeds will be donated to Children’s Hospitals and Children’s Charities. 

I very much hope you enjoy the Fat Bear and Friends Series.  
Deborah Kerridge