Abstract
Bears have been symbols of worship and reverence from earliest times. Myths, legends, fables and folk tales spoke of powerful creatures to be feared and respected. The oral tradition symbolised the image of the bear that was to be created within nineteenth and twentieth century children's literature. Stereotypical portrayals gave specific characterisation to the motif within children's stories, from ‘the three bears’ onwards. Bears real and toy became acknowledged in two distinct representations: wild beast or cuddly plaything. Both depictions had human qualities, with the bear becoming a popular perpetuated character used as an educational tool in children's books as well as in fiction for pleasure. Examples are provided from both nineteenth and twentieth century children's books.
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