Forever Bear

Do you talk to your teddy bear? Does your teddy bear share your secrets?

Forever Bear depicts a teddy bear taking on the role of confidant, companion and advisor.

The opening abundance of colour and joy introduces the relationship. Ted knows the ‘why’ of everything and shares in the inner and outer life of the child, whether at tea, in the bath or asleep.

If Ted could talk transitions like magic into him actually speaking, coming at the critical moment of the child’s sadness at the loss of their nan. There is a sharing of secrets. The sensitivity of the child not wanting to upset her mother is poignant.

The mystery and strength portrayed in Forever Bear brings the discussion of death as a natural progression.

Barbara Pyett was born in Tasmania in 1946. Her first book, Lily’s Wish, reflected her own sadness of missing her family at Christmas, as she had her first two children in Europe. She returned to Tasmania in 1975 and had her third child. She became a special education/art teacher in Canberra in the 1980s. In 2000, she married her childhood friend, artist Christopher Pyett, who is her constant inspiration. They share nine grandchildren. Barbara’s writing includes her autobiography, poetry, short stories and children’s stories.