Here you go! Here are the first three chapters of my new children’s book, “The Teddy Bear That Saved Me.” I truly hope you enjoy. I really like working on this book. It allows me a new head space, a different way of showing myself as an artist. Of course, as you read the first chapters you’ll find all sorts of nuances that are perfect for knitters. After all, we are talking about the adventures of a knit teddy bear.
Now, I decided to post the first few chapters so I could get a feel of what you think. I’m moving into new territory, I’m a bit nervous. 🙂 So, tell me what you think. All criticism welcome, just as long as its honest.
Click below to read!
madmanknitting.wordpress.com 
Don’t be nervous. It’s a fabulous beginning! The balance between a child’s understand and the adult appeal is perfect. I cannot wait to read more.
Thank you! Thank you so much!
You have me hooked! I can’t wait to buy the book. Sort of reminds me of the Velveteen Rabbit. I cry every time I read I that book and it’s one of my favorites.
Yay! Hoping it will draw tears, not out of sadness, but out of joy. 🙂
I’ll be there! Rebecca Birnie rebeccakbirnie@gmail.com
Nice!
That is terrific! I wanted to know what comes next. Just a comment — two typos, chapter #1 ‘breath’ not ‘breathe,’ chapter #2 ‘wouldn’t’ not ‘would.’ Sorry, but I’m a teacher and I do proof-reading for some of my colleagues.
Yes, there are some typos! Just in my story line phase, but good on ya for having some keen eagles, teach!
…you also have “tale” which should be “tail” when the lion wraps it around – lovely story! It will definitely appeal to my boys (4 & 7) as well as adults – kudos, and keep it up!
librarian eyes here, and oh how I want to proofread this with the ability to make suggestion notes for you!
For example, the phrase “snuggled under the bed” makes me picture Jax on the floor! Maybe “in the bed” or “under the covers”? Lots more little tweaks like that jumping around in my brain.
Darling story, can’t wait to read more!
It’s sounding great, Gregory. I was reading it imagining reading it to my children, and thinking it probably would be a book they’d want to read every night. I also was imagining a little 3″ bear or lion to be sold with the book.
Love it! (also noticed a couple of typos, but presumed you are on top of that). It’s a wonderful beginning.
I want more! Please let us know when it is published. I would like to buy it for my friend’s children.
The story is “Amazing”… Yur “Amazing”. I was in tears. This book will capture the hearts of millions! Had me in tears and I am waiting in anticipation for what is to come. God bless you Gregory Patrick and hold you and yours in the palm of His hand. Hugs and kisses, Tobias – Eloy, AZ
Ok, you have me hooked! I also asked my 12 year old son if he’d like to read it, he did and he loved it too. We both can’t wait for the whole book!
Great job.
ooooh I LIKE it! I am so worried about those nasty moths! Will that first one come back with more? What will the little bear do to help Jackson? Oh please keep writing so I can know what happens next and next and ……
well and bravely done!
Great story! I did notice a typo I know its just the beginning stage but at the end when the bear is snuggling next to the child to hide from the moth the boy’s name changes.
Keep up the great work!
great work! anxious for the rest.
Depending on the age range, you could break it down to a few paragraphs each page and use your bears to model for the illustrations! Maybe for some pictures you can have a crochet doll of you using toothpicks as needless and crochet thread to model for some pictures! Have the background made of poster board and construction paper 😄 it would give a nice creative touch kids would find magical and adults would be enchanted. Oh and as a bonus, you can sell the book as a set with a bear, but one limited edition where your props from the illustrations come as a once in a lifetime set. You could auction that one off, it would go for a pretty penny and the winner could use it to play out the story with their child! Sorry, got carried away!
Loved it. You released it on my 75th birthday, June 16th. Such a special present….
Great beginning, Gregory, looking forward to buying it for my little niece! Please make it a happy ending, please, pretty please!
Hello Gregory,
I am from the Netherlands and I follow your blog for quite some time now. I read English blogs to learn English and I read yours because I love to knit too. I hope you will finish this book soon, I loved to read it and I would buy it right away, I love it!
Lots of love,
Hannah
I cannot wait for the rest! I love it. In proofreader mode I have to add that on the first page “lot’s” of medicine should be lots and pierced I think should be pursed but as someone else said I am sure you will be on top of the proofing. This is the kind of story I would have read to my children when they were small. Perhaps I should reinstitute story hour by Face Time with my almost 30 year old and 28 year old daughters!
The parent in me and the artist in me thinks this is a great story and a great start. The proofreader in me cringes deeply and in all honesty I couldn’t make it past the first chapter. By the time I got to feel it in your heart and in your heard I really just couldn’t do it anymore. I’ll come back when I’ve had more coffee. The story itself is a good one but honey you need a friend to help you clean it up. I do this for my sister’s books so if you would like a hand I’m happy to help. I’m sure the girls on here will think I’m a Nasty Nellie but I’m not going to coddle you, just being honest.
of course it hasn’t been edited, it was just a look at the storyline.
I love it! A beautiful beginning. I look forward to the rest.
I love it 🙂 Keep it up 🙂 x
Finally got a chance to read it. Fantastic. You’re a natural. Keep it going.