Book Review: The Teddy Bears’ Picnic

“If you go down in the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise

            If you go down in the woods today you better go in disguise…..

            Today’s the day the teddy bears’ have their picnic”

Intrigue, secrecy, adventure, teddy bears…

In my opinion, that has all the earmarks of a great children’s book!

The Teddy Bears’ Picnic was one of my favorite books as a child. However, what I didn’t know then was it actually was a song long before the beloved illustrated version hit bookstores. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic was originally a song consisting of a melody written in 1907 by American composer John Walter Brown. The lyrics were later written by an Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy in 1932. In fact, it was recorded by many popular singers over the decades such as Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Anne Murray, and Michael Feinstein. But before it hit the American airwaves in 1950, the first vocal version was recorded by the BBC Radio by Henry Hall and his BBC Orchestra.

How did this beloved song become an illustrated book?

Fast forward to 1983 and meet Alexandra Day: a children’s author and illustrator who wrote the children’s book Good Dog, Carl and founded Green Tiger Press with her husband Harold Darling. Before Day became an author, she was an illustrator. Her first illustrated book was today’s guest of honor The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. In 1983 Day converted the popular song into a children’s picture book format and added her beautiful illustrations bringing this darling song to life!

Childhood Memories…

Alexandra Day’s book is the version I grew up on. In the back of the book was a vinyl record. On the record were two recordings of the song sung by The Bearcats and Bing Crosby. I loved playing the record and reading along with the book. I loved the pictures! Especially the two children who dressed up as teddy bears and followed the bears to their picnic in the woods. I think one of the reasons I loved this story was due to the fact that behind my house was a park that led to a wooded forest or “the woods” as we called it. I wasn’t allowed to go in the woods alone, so this song appealed to my imagination. “Maybe I can’t go into my woods alone because there are bears having a picnic?? Just maybe…,”  I would think. In my parent’s room, they had an old record player where I would play the song. I’d dance around and around looking out the window into the woods, imagining myself sneaking down there in a teddy bear costume with a pink dress and big pink bows behind my fake teddy bear ears.

I’m not the only person with fond memories of this illustrated book and song. I looked up some reviews on Goodreads and found that many people remember the song and the endearing illustrations. Here’s one review from Goodreads I couldn’t resist sharing:

“When I was growing up my parents would sing “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” to me and my two sisters. I found a copy of this book at an estate sale and had to buy it. When my parents (age 80 and 83) came over for dinner and I showed them the book they both sang it to me as we turned the pages. What sweet memories from my childhood and now also as an adult. This is a great story for children of all ages!”

“This was one of my favorite books as a child. My copy came with a small vinyl record of the song and I’d play it over and over. I also had a teddy bear with a wind-up key that played the tune. Good memories!”

This next review made me laugh!

“I find it kind of creepy — “If you go down in the woods today, you better not go alone. It’s lovely down in the woods today, but safer to stay at home.”

I don’t find it creepy myself, but she makes a funny point nonetheless. LOL

Teddy Bear Picnic Festivals

Apparently, Teddy Bears’ Picnic has not only been popular in the United States but all over the world! The song has inspired some teddy bear themed picnics in various cities from California to Great Britain! In Boston, the Boston Athenaeum once had a teddy bears’ picnic movie night and sleepover. Kids could bring their own brown-bag picnic and a favorite stuffed teddy bear to join them on a blanket for a movie. In July 2019, the Ballina Street Festival in Ireland held a teddy bears’ picnic for children. They were encouraged to dress their teddy bear up and enjoy bouncy castles and an array of family-friendly activities!

I encourage everyone to read the 1983 illustrated version to your children and grandchildren.

But until you do…

Will you dare go down to the woods today?

P.S. If you would like to hear the song sung by Bing Crosby click here:

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic by Bing Crosby