Angelo, the Teddy Bear

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Ο Άγγελος, το λούτρινο αρκουδάκι Angelo, the teddy Bear 0_cover_lourtrino.indd 1

2/20/2019 5:43:40 PM

TITLE

Angelo, the Teddy Bear AUTHOR

George Kokkinos SERIES

Children literature [3358]0219/02

George Kokkinos Author of this tale which was written following the idea of young Angelos.

It is the first book of a series related to Angelo the Teddy Bear.

TRANSLATION - EDITING

George Kokkinos Irene Kokkinou ILLUSTRATIONS

Anna B. & George K. LAYOUT - DESIGN Lena Pantopoulou COPYRIGHT© 2019

George Kokkinos 1st EDITION

Athens, February 2019 ISBN 978-960-564-741-4

Vatatzi 55, 114 73 Athens ΤEL.: +30210 6431108 E-MAIL: ocelotos@ocelotos.gr www.ocelotos.gr

This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of the author and of Ocelotos Publications.

Dedicated to Angelos, my young friend, whose idea was to write this tale!

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE STORY There are certain blessed moments in people’s lives, when grown-ups choose to become children again in order to re-discover the lost meaning and beauty of life.

When one shares love, he is the first one to get fulfilled by pure and innocent love. When one offers a “gift” he is the first one to become richer through the gift he offers. No “lies” exist in a kid’s heart, and nothing seems impossible for a kid– all that is there is miracles that become realities...

Kids make up stories in order to overcome difficulties, to turn dreams into reality, to wipe out problems and illness, to dispel fears and deficiencies.

In their imaginary “voyages”, they rely on toys to provide hope, represent their innocence, and become their vehicle for achieving knowledge. Through their toys they show their feelings...

“Angels only spread love”... Our children teach us that dead ends do not exist and that the priority in life is to be able to provide ample love without expecting anything in return!

Melina Mosaidou

5

M

y name is Angelo and I am the brown teddy bear. I like caresses and big, warm hugs. I smile at all kids who pay attention to me and love me. When the grown-ups fall asleep at night, the kids and I talk to each other and tell stories...

The first time I met Manos was at the hospital room, when his mom brought me to keep him company. Manos loved me at first sight and hugged me tight, so that I would not leave him. I hugged him too and stayed that close till we fell asleep...

6

7

We woke up today together, when some people dressed in white coats come in to see Manos. I want to go and listen to their talk, but I have to stay still; this is what I do, when I meet grown-ups. Nobody believes that a teddy bear is alive, talks, and moves its hands and feet! This is why I talk and play with kids only when grown-ups leave the room.

I can’t hear what the people in the white coats are saying to Manos! I just see Manos’ sorrow, while his mother secretly sheds a tear and leaves the room...

I am left alone with Manos and try my best to make him laugh. I smile at him, I make funny faces, I try to tickle him, but all is in vain! He remains sorrowful and unresponsive. He does not even give me a hug! I do not understand what is happening to him...

Mom just entered the room. She hugs and kisses Manos. She tells him that she has talked to the doctors - they must be the people in the white coats - who informed her that everything will be fine!

8

She opens a story book and reads to him until he falls asleep...

I cannot sleep although it is night; I stay motionless next to Manos who did not pay any attention to me during the whole day. Is his sorrow my fault? Did I do anything that bothered him? I am feeling very sad when – suddenly - I look outside the window and see the moon slowly passing by for its night stroll..

The moon - you know - is very wise, as it has been around the world several times and has seen a lot! So I ask it whether it knows what is wrong with Manos. It smiles at me and explains that the room I am in, as

9

230 × 160 SPINE: 4.8 FLAPS: 0

PUBLISHING

Ο Άγγελος, το λούτρινο αρκουδάκι Angelo, the teddy Bear 0_cover_lourtrino.indd 1

2/20/2019 5:43:40 PM