Reading 1, My New Business: Theodore's Bears and Books

By Pamela den Ouden

Theodore’s Bears and Books My dream is to establish a business that sells teddy bears and children’s books. The name of my store is “Theodore’s Bears and Books.” Both books and bears have a universal appeal to children and adults alike. After all, Winnie-the-Pooh and Paddington Bear are part of the culture of childhood. The colours in the store advertising would be navy blue, light blue, and white. The colours are dignified and psychologically have a calming effect. Comfortable chairs covered in soft navy blue fabric with light blue toss cushions would provide a place for customers to relax as they choose their books and bears.

The mascot, Theodore Bear, would wear a navy blue vest over a pale blue shirt. The wording on the advertising sign would be white on navy blue. Customers would be encouraged to browse through the bookshelves and to handle the bears, carefully, of course! The store would have a daily story time, which would give the children something to look forward to and another reason to come into the store. There would be a seating area with tables and chairs. Tea and small sandwiches and cakes would be served daily at 4 p.m. for a modest price. The tablecloths would be navy blue and napkins would be a crisp white. Plates and cups would be pale blue. The environment would be relaxing but elegant.

Tea time and story time will affect traffic in the store in a positive way. Children could stop off on the way home from school to hear a story and have a bite to eat. Parents out shopping could stop by for tea or coffee before heading home. Everyone will have positive feelings and experiences at “Theodore’s Bears and Books.” Even though a business like this represents a lot of hard work, and there is always the danger that it will be crowded out by the big chain book and toy stores, I like to consider that I would be a kind and dependable owner, providing great service and a variety of products. It will truly be a joyful place..

This is a dream of mine that may or may not come true, but dreaming about it makes me joyful. I can dream, can’t I?