Tots take part in Teddy Bear Tea

It’s not unusual to see a group gathered outside the Shadle Library waiting for the doors to open. But the crowd that waited on Dec. 4 was a bit different. Dozens of tiny toddlers clutching everything from bald baby dolls to furry plush tigers were eager to get inside for the library’s Teddy Bear Tea.

Sally Chilson, youth services coordinator for Spokane Public Libraries, said city libraries have hosted Teddy Bear Teas each December since since 1992. “It’s a tradition,” she said. “The kids love them.”

When at last the doors slid open, the toddlers swarmed into the meeting room. Accompanied by moms, dads, daycare staffers and grandparents, the excited children scrambled for a seat. Some found comfortable spots on caregivers’ laps, but most sat on the floor.

“The fun thing about it is the kids bring their favorite stuffed toy,” said Chilson. But not every child’s idea of a cuddly story-time toy is a stuffed animal. One little guy sauntered to a front-row seat clutching a green plastic hammer, a little girl brought her favorite Barbie, and another girl held a small horse that looked like Black Beauty.

Youth services librarian and longtime storyteller Jill Bolon had come prepared. She took her seat wearing a sweater with a teddy bear embossed on the front and presented her special friend to the squirming group. “I want to introduce you to my bear, Stanley,” she said.

The size of the crowd might have daunted a less experienced storyteller, but within minutes Bolon had the group quietly singing the “Reading Song.”

“Read, read, read. Come and read with me,” she sang. Little voices joined her and small hands mimicked the motions as they sang. “Open your eyes, open your mind. Come and read with me.”

Once quieted, the toddlers sat enthralled while Bolon read a giant copy of “The Three Little Bears.” After a couple of finger plays, Bolon told the group the next story would be the classic rhyme “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear.”

“I know that one!” shouted an excited tot. “I know that one!”

At the end of the half-hour, the eager children stood and put their hands on top of their heads so that Bolon could give them each a teddy bear stamp. Of course, no tea party would be complete without a treat. Paper cups filled with vanilla cookies were given to the toddlers as they filed out the door.

As the toddler group left, another – more mature – group arrived. These preschoolers ranged in age from 3 to 5. Jenny Wilcox brought her two sons and twin daughters, who each clutched a stuffed animal. “We went to Build-a-Bear!” said 4-year-old Caleb Wilcox, referring to the popular store where children can make their own plush toys. Caleb had christened his creation Bearemy. “Instead of Jeremy,” explained his mom.

“I’m going to name my next one Pumpkin,” confided Caleb.

Like their younger counterparts a half- hour earlier, the preschool crowd eagerly sat for their first story, “Corduroy,” by Don Freeman. “I love Corduroy!” shouted Caleb. His 3-year-old sister, Lily, added, “We have that book!”

Storytime ended, and the kids lined up to get their bear stamps and cookies. When the last child left, Bolon reflected on the popularity of Teddy Bear Teas.

“Everyone loves Teddy Bears,” she said. “It’s a warm and cozy story time.”