The Million-Dollar Bear [Hardcover]

William Kotzwinkle (Author), David Catrow (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

A priceless teddy bear, the very first of his kind, is unhappy because he is owned by a grouchy old millionaire who prefers to keep him locked up in a waterproof vault rather than love him.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author of E.T. the Extraterrestrial serves up the sentiment in this entertaining if familiar tale. Like the Velveteen Rabbit before him, the Million-Dollar Bear is a winsome, well-worn, stuffing-filled creature with an almost melancholy yearning for something greater-in his case, freedom from the vault of Argyle Oldhouse, a wealthy eccentric with a passion for plush teddy bears. So named-and so valued-because he is the original teddy bear, the Million-Dollar Bear inevitably falls victim to a bear-napper ("All's fair in love and bears," declares the assailant). Following a series of standard-issue escapades, the Million-Dollar Bear eventually, happily, finds himself in the arms of a humble but appreciative child, whose grandfather cheerfully proclaims the bear "not worth a red cent." Forlorn-looking Million-Dollar Bear and the many ursine supernumeraries are typical, cuddly examples of the teddy bear genus, in marked contrast to the human characters, whose highly exaggerated facial and body features evince Catrow's background in cartoon illustration. An unexpectedly conventional creation from a proven, unconventional imagination. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2?A writer for adults and a political cartoonist have concocted a situation in which two cranky millionaires, both avid collectors of teddy bears, scheme to possess the one and only original bear. The Million-Dollar Bear feels sadly isolated living in a burglar-proof, temperature-controlled vault, and rejoices when he is accidentally carted away by the Squeegee Cleaning Company. Bouncing out the rear of the truck onto a trash heap, he is rescued by a little boy, taken home to a loving family, and pronounced, much to his relief, to be not worth a red cent but a perfect companion for a toddler. Meanwhile, after a futile and agonizing search, the millionaires comfort one another by wallowing on the floor together with a huge collection of regular teddy bears, who are delighted to be the center of attention for once. The long, witty text, simply and expressively written, reads aloud well, and the message that being loved is far more precious than having riches is clear and satisfying. The ludicrous story is vigorously and appropriately illustrated with splashy, bright, full-and double-page spreads in which the human figures are satirically caricatured, with exaggerated features. The pictures are filled with clever details, active lines, and dozens of wistful, fuzzy bears.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 11, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679952950
• ISBN-13: 978-0679952954
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,326,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Kotzwinkle is a celebrated satirist in the US as well as being author of several favourite books, including ET the Extra-Terrestrial and of course, the New York Times listed bestselling Walter the Farting Dog. He lives on an island off the east coast of America.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a heart-touching story!, November 11, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Million-Dollar Bear (Hardcover)

The Million-Dollar Bear is the most entertaining story I have read for a while. It starts with two eccentric rich old men who both are absorbed in their collection of bears. But, they both want to own the first Teddy Bear - the million dollar bear. One actually steals the bear from the other and is pompous enough to admit it. I am drawn into the story by the "million-dollar" bear who only wants to be loved for who he is. Yet, he is kept in a temperature-controlled safe in the dark to preserve him. Then too, along the way, the author gives us "side-bars" of humor with episodes engaging the butler. A favorite bit of humor sneaks in when the child spies the eccentric millionaire wearing his false face disguise. This is a delightful story with a powerful impact for readers of all ages. The author weaves the story to bring a satisfying - yet, surprise ending. This book leaves me with a "warm and fuzzy" feeling.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must have book for anyone who loves Teddy Bears!!, December 31, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Million-Dollar Bear (Hardcover)

With the help of wonderful illustrations and great storytelling ability, you can truly feel this wonderful teddy bear's loneliness and his ecstatic bliss of finally being loved...really loved. Besides the cute story on the surface, there is an underlying message about how being too materialistic can cause us to miss out on much of life's true rewards. It's a book for children of all ages!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Games, November 7, 2011

By 

Paul D. Harvey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Million-Dollar Bear (Hardcover)

Christmas is on the list and getting special items are the fun of the seasons of the year. Thankyou much.