Grrr-eat time to be had at Shrewsbury Museum

Cuddly, friendly bears have featured in numerous books for children since the ‘invention’ of the teddy bear in the early 1900s and many of these stories introduced people to beloved bear characters who became firm, childhood friends.

Starting on February 16, people can come face-to-face with their favourite bears in a new exhibition created by Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books – Bears.

They will be able to meet iconic bears like Winnie the Pooh and Paddington bear as well as many of the others who feature in popular contemporary children’s’ literature.

Visitors can hunt for bears in the bear forest and enjoy original manuscripts and illustrations from Phillip Pullman, Michael Rosen, Martin Waddell, Julia Donaldson and many more.

Children can bring their own special bear to the museum and read a bedtime story in the cosy bear cave.

This exhibition is suitable for bear fanatics of all ages.

Take a wander around the gallery, and be guided by Otto, the Book Bear (from the book of the same name by Katie Cleminson) in easy to read sentences, mounted at a child’s level.

Otto has left a trail of his paw prints all over the floor of the gallery, which visitors can follow from one section to another.

His messages are found at least once in each section of the exhibition.

This exhibition is open until April 28.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Bears is a wonderful exhibition suitable for children, families and bear fanatics of all ages and underpins the new direction of the museum as a family friendly visitor destination.

“I’m delighted that Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is continuing its partnership with the National Centre for Children’s Books and am really looking forward to visiting the exhibition when it arrives.”

Ticket information can be found at shrewsburymuseum.org.uk