Old Bear Stories facts for kids

Old Bear Stories was a super popular and award-winning stop-motion animation TV show for kids. It was based on the "Old Bear and Friends" books by Jane Hissey. Jane Hissey also helped create the TV series.

The show first aired on September 24, 1993, and quickly became a favorite. It had three seasons and a total of 41 episodes. The last episode was a special double-length Christmas show on December 24, 1997.

Old Bear Stories was made by Ealing Animation. It was first shown in the United Kingdom on ITV. Later, it was repeated on Channel 5. The show was so popular that it was also broadcast in many other countries around the world. You could watch it in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Poland, Sweden, and New Zealand! It even aired for armed forces families on BFBS in places like Germany and the Falkland Islands.

You could also find episodes of the series on VHS tapes, released by Carlton Video.

What's the Story About?

The story begins with a group of toy animals in a playroom. They suddenly remember their friend, Old Bear, who disappeared a long time ago. He had been put away in the attic because he was very old.

The toys decide to rescue him and bring him back to the playroom. Once Old Bear is back, he becomes the most respected toy. He helps guide the others on many fun adventures. These adventures happen both inside their cozy playroom and out in the big garden.

Meet the Characters

Here are some of the friendly toys you'll meet in Old Bear Stories:

• Old Bear: He's a very old and wise teddy bear. He was put in the attic, but his friends rescued him. Now, the other toys look up to him as their brave and smart leader.
• Bramwell Brown: A wise old bear, almost as respected as Old Bear. He loves to cook yummy things for all his toy friends.
• Duck: This toy duck can be a bit gloomy sometimes, but he's very kind. He often wishes he could fly, and he doesn't like getting his feet wet!
• Rabbit: An energetic toy rabbit who often acts without thinking.
• Little Bear: A small white bear who wears big, baggy orange-red trousers. He's the youngest toy and is very excited and curious, just like a young child. He often has great ideas for games or solving problems.
• Jolly Tall: A toy giraffe who is very tall. Even though he's tall, he doesn't like heights!
• Sailor: A toy sailor who loves to go on adventures in his toy boat.
• Zebra: A friendly female toy zebra.
• Hoot the Owl: A toy owl who lives in the attic. Little Bear once gave her an old bobble hat to use as a comfy nest.
• Ruff the Dog: A very bouncy toy dog who looks like a Fox Terrier.
• Dog: A toy black Scottish Terrier. He enjoys burying his rubber bones in plant pots.
• Camel: A toy camel who is almost as tall as Jolly Tall.
• Cat: A toy cat who loves to take naps in any cozy spot she can find.
• Rabbit's cousin: Rabbit's female cousin who sometimes visits. She wears a straw hat and enjoys causing a little mischief.
• The dolls: A family of three dolls (a father, a mother called Mrs. Doll, and a daughter). They live in a dolls' house in the playroom.

Episode Guide

Here are all the episodes from the three seasons and the Christmas specials:

Season 1

1. Old Bear 2. Little Bear Lost 3. There Were Five in a Bed 4. Jolly Tall 5. Little Bear's Trousers 6. The Circus 7. The Rainy Day 8. The Fancy Dress Parade 9. Little Bear's Big Race 10. The Apple Tree 11. The Winter Picnic 12. Jolly Snow 13. The Doll's House Christmas

Season 2

14. Ruff 15. The Play 16. The Boat Race 17. Jigsaw 18. Little Bear's Book 19. The Birthday Band 20. Hot and Spotty 21. Hoot 22. Ruff Follows His Nose 23. Spring Clean 24. Old Bear's Chair 25. Market Day 26. The Car

Season 3

27. Hoot and the Mystery Eggs 28. The Clock 29. The Castle 30. The Colour Chase 31. Little Bear's Snowman 32. The Painting 33. Duck Tries to Fly 34. The Jolly Dragon 35. Rabbit and the Visitor 36. Little Bear's Cold Day 37. Ruff and the Big Wheel 38. The Birthday Camp 39. The Treasure Hunt

Christmas Specials

• Little Bear and the Christmas Star
• The Perfect Presents

Who Made the Show?

The wonderful stories for Old Bear Stories were written by Jane Hissey. The show was directed by Kevin Griffiths and produced by Richard Randolph. The narrator, who told all the stories, was Anton Rodgers. The music for the show was composed by Paul Castle.

Theme Music

The theme song for Old Bear Stories is very sweet and memorable. It was composed by Paul Castle. The lyrics invite you to gather around and listen to a story from Old Bear:

Please read us a story Old Bear, we'll all gather round Dear Old Bear. Sit in your favourite chair, We'll sit all around, all around dear Old Bear.

You can listen to the theme song online here. The beautiful harmony vocals in the song were sung by Alison Goldfrapp, who is part of the band Goldfrapp.

Awards and Recognition

Old Bear Stories was a very successful show and received many important awards for its quality and charm:

• 1995: Won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival.
• 1994: Named Best Children's Series by the Royal Television Society.
• 1993: Won Best Children's Programme at the BAFTA Awards.
• 1993: Awarded a Gold Medal at the New York Film Festival.
• 1993: Received a Silver Plaque at the Chicago International Film Festival.