The Lost Bear

Molly’s bear was called Mr Puddles.

He wasn’t the newest or fluffiest bear in the world—in fact, his fur was worn in places, and one eye sat just slightly higher than the other—but to Molly and the rest of the school, he was perfect.

As the school bear, Mr Puddles got to go home with all the children. He’d been on every adventure: tea parties, bedtime stories, to the supermarket, and even brave trips to the doctor. He’d been to the beach, which he decided wasn’t a pleasant experience when you got sand in your fur, and he’d been on a rollercoaster, too!

Today was a very special day for Mr Puddles - he was going to The Weir Garden, a National Trust riverside garden near Hereford.

Molly skipped excitedly along the woodland path, gripping Mr Puddles’ hand.

When they reached the children’s play area, Molly placed Mr Puddles safely on a tree stump, whilst she traversed the wire rope, and then showed him the treehouse. Next, she sat Mr Puddles on her lap, so that they could swing together, but Mr Puddles kept falling off.

After a busy hour of play, Mum unpacked their picnic at one of the tables, overlooking the river, and they sat down to eat lunch. Molly offered Mr Puddles a sandwich, but he wasn’t hungry.

After eating her fill, Molly chased Mr Puddles around the woodland…

…and discovered he was really good at hide-and-seek.

After a few more games, Mum decided it was nearing time to go home, so they made their way along the riverside, towards the car park.

The river sparkled in the afternoon sun, and ducks drifted lazily past.

Molly was too small to see over the river wall, so Mum lifted her to watch the ducks. Molly held Mr Puddles out so he could ‘see the ducks too.’

“Careful,” her mum said.

But too late.

Mr Puddles tumbled from Molly’s hands and plopped into the river.

Molly thought she’d been holding him tightly, but there he was—Mr Puddles—his leg kicking gently in the current.

Video of Molly’s lost bear.

“Mr Puddles!” she cried, her eyes welling up with tears.

Mum could only stare in disbelief, her eyes fixed on the stranded bear.

Molly’s bear, Mr Puddles, in the river.

“We have to go and get him”, Molly pleaded, the tears rolling down her cheeks.

There was no way to reach Mr Puddles. The wall was too high, and he was far below.

Luckily for Molly, the river level was low as there had not been much recent rain, and Mr Puddles happened to land on a rocky outcrop. Though the river flowed over it, he’d managed to nestle himself between some plants, stopping him from being carried downstream.

“Don’t worry”, said Mum, trying to reassure the distraught Molly. “I’m sure the staff will be able to get him back”.

A very sad Molly waved goodbye to Mr Puddles.

Everyone prayed for dry weather, and each day passed with bated breath for the lost bear, but eventually the water receded enough for the staff to safely venture along the small rocky outcrop of the river wall.

“Got him”, shouted Ginny, the gardener, holding him up triumphantly!

Mr Puddles was dripping wet, a bit muddy, and smelled rather unpleasant, but he was safe.

Ginny decided Mr Puddles needed a bath before being returned.

Molly wrapped her arms around the lost bear, sobbing with relief. Mr Puddles didn’t look quite the same—his fur was ruffled, one ear drooped, and he now smelled of lavender—but somehow, he felt even more special.

That night, Mr Puddles was tucked safely under Molly’s arm.

“You went on a big adventure,” she whispered, “and tomorrow you’re going on another one with my friend Sam”.

Mr Puddles, quieter than usual, hoped it didn’t involve river water!