Wouldn’t It Be Crazy If a Bear Sat On My Books?
Written by Ruth Holmes

Timmy loved books. He was happiest when he sat on his back porch and looked at his picture books. He had lots and lots of books with lots and lots of pictures. His books were stacked on his bedroom floor, in his bookcase, in a corner of his playroom. in his backpack, on the dining room table, and even on the seat in the car. If a book fit then Timmy put one there. Timmy loved books.

Timmy lived very near to a large forest that was filled with tall leafy trees, a long winding river, birds, and even bears. He could see the forest from his back porch and could hear the birds singing and chirping, the leaves rustling, the river flowing smoothly along, and sometimes maybe even bears crunching the twigs and leaves as they were walking. Timmy had an excellent imagination. He had yet to see a bear up close and wondered if bears liked to look at books too. He thought “ wouldn’t it be crazy if a bear sat on my books. ha ! “ he thought to himself.

Then Timmy thought out loud “ Wouldn't it be crazy if a bear sat on my books? 

I even wonder how the bear would look? 

Would she be big and round as she sat on a stack?. Would she be comfy or just a bit goofy?

Could she look down and wiggle her toes?

Wouldn't it be crazy if a bear sat on my books.?

 She could wear glasses and like act she meant it. Why would she do it if not just for looks?. Can a bear even read or just look at my book? “

Timmy laughed and thought it was really funny to even imagine it.

One quiet, warm sunny day, Timmy decided to take some books out to the backyard porch which overlooked the forest. He took a stack of his favorite books and placed them right next to his reading chair. He planned to spend time outside looking at his picture books and enjoy sitting in the sunshine. But before he sat down he wanted to have everything he needed.  “Hmmm, I’ll go get a glass of cold water before I sit down to enjoy my books, “ he thought. So Timmy went inside the house. After a few minutes Timmy returned and to his surprise, he had a visitor.

Sitting quietly on the deck but on top of Timmy’s stack of books was a bear!  A small black bear. For a second Timmy wasn't sure what he should do, so he just nervously stood and stared. His glass of water shook a bit in his hand and he swallowed before he bravely said “Hello bear”.  The bear was a bit startled and slowly turned its big black furry head and looked at Timmy.  Neither Timmy nor the bear moved…they just looked at each other. Neither moved. “Was this going to be a staredown?”, thought Timmy.  So after a few seconds (which felt like hours), 

Timmy giggled and said, “ wow, isn’t this crazy? I have a bear sitting on my books!” The bear looked very comfortable and the stack of books was the perfect fit. Timmy was so excited.

Timmy thought out loud “now what should I do?”  Janie, that was the bear’s name, softly said “want to share your books with me?”. “Wow”’ Timmy thought ‘ i’s a talking bear too “.

 Timmy walked slowly to his chair so as not to frighten Janie. When he was close enough Janie stood up and Timmy saw she was about his same height. Janie weighed more than Timmy and she was covered in fuzzy black fur. She had big black eyes, funny little ears, and a big smile too.

Janie reached down and picked up a  book with lots of pictures and handed it to Timmy, She said, “ I’ve watched you every sunny day sitting outside and laughing when you look at your books and I wanted to laugh too.  Bears don't have books to read. You always look like you are having a lot of fun. I’ve seen you giggling too. I hope you don’t mind sharing”.Timmy smiled and then giggled. Timmy said “ Of course I’ll share my books with you. It will be a lot of fun “.

Then Janie sat down on the stack of books that were right next to Timmy’s chair. The stack wasn't too high so she didn't wiggle or wobble. Janie was comfy. The stack of books was a perfect fit. Janie was very happy sitting on the stack of books and sharing with Timmy.

Timmy was tickled that he was now reading and enjoying his books with his new friend who happened to be a bear and who was sitting on his books.  The two friends spent the morning looking at the books, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Timmy was having so much fun he didn't want the visit to end.

All of a sudden, Timmy heard his name being called…Timmmmmy……he looked up and yawned. “Ooh, my” Timmy thought, " I’ve been napping”. Timmy looked around for Janie and realized he had been dreaming all along.