New book marks Old Bear’s 30th birthday

Author and illustrator Jane Hissey has created a new Old Bear story, Happy Birthday Old Bear, to mark 30 years since the first book in the series was published. It will be published by in September under the Scribblers imprint of The Salariya Book Company.

In the book, the toys are getting everything ready for Old Bear’s birthday party and Elsie the elephant plans on giving a painted umbrella as a present. However, she is blown away by a gust of wind and has to be rescued.

David Salariya, m.d. of The Salariya Book Company, said: “It's been a privilege and a joy to collaborate with Jane on her beloved Old Bear series. As the 30th anniversary of Old Bear's first appearance approached, we wondered how best to celebrate this huge milestone for the character. We soon decided that an entirely new birthday-themed story would mark the occasion in style, delighting Jane's existing fans and introducing new readers to the magical world of Old Bear and his friends.”

The first book in the series, Old Bear, was published in 1986 and the range now comprises 30 titles. Hissey also created a BAFTA award-winning TV show based on the books, entitled Old Bear Stories, which was broadcast between 1993 and 1997.

Happy Birthday Old Bear will be published in September, priced £11.99.