Arthur's Honey Bear by Lillian Hoban

Tuesday Treasure

Arthur decides to clean out his toy chest and then hold a tag sale. I love this term "tag sale".  He will put price tags on his old toys and try to sell them for 3 or 4 cents for the pictures, rocks and marbles; and 11 or 12 cents for the toys.

"Arthur took his Hula-Hoop, his Yo-Yo, a pile of finger paintings, and his china horse. He took his Noah's Ark, his baby King Kong, his sand-box set, his Old Maid cards, and his rocks and marbles."

There is one more toy on his pile. His old friend Honey Bear. Arthur does not really want to sell Honey Bear but we can guess that he worries his sister might think he still needs his baby toys. He does put Honey Bear out for sale but he does not put on a tag.

The first customer is Norman. He is not impressed by the tag sale offerings. Next it is Wilma and she wants to buy Honey Bear but luckily she wants him gift wrapped and Arthur cannot do this so she decides to visit the toy shop instead. When there are no more customers Arthur's sister Violet offers to buy Honey Bear. She pays him 31 cents and gives him a Colour-me-nice colouring book and half a box of Cracker Jack.

All of this is so hard for Arthur until he realises something wonderful:

"Violet, are you my little sister?' 
'Yes,' said Violet. 
'Well then, do you know who I am?' said Arthur.
'You are my big brother,' said Violet.
'Yes, I am,' said Arthur, 'and do you know what that means?'
'No,' said Violet.
"That means I am Honey Bear's UNCLE!' said Arthur."

In the final scene everyone, including Honey Bear, enjoys a delicious ice cream bought with the 31 cents.

This book was first published in 1974. It is a perfect example of a Tuesday Treasure. Arthur's Honey Bear is a terrific story with a gentle emotional arc that all children will relate to and it is an old book - hence a treasure. I started this idea of Tuesday treasures to alert Teacher-Librarians to titles that should not be culled from school libraries. An old book is not always a 'bad' book. I hope you can take time to carefully consider books in your library before you dispose of them.

On a happy note I am can report that this book is still in print. I recommend you hunt out other titles, too, from the "I can read" series especially the titles about Arthur. Listen a audio sample from Arthur's Pen Pal here.

I didn't know what Cracker Jack was. As you can see here it is a popcorn treat which comes with a prize in the box.  Arthur finds a fortune message and a ring in his box. The message says: "Someone you love is gone."  I marvel that such a simple beginner book such as Arthur's Honey Bear can pack in such an emotional punch!

I've talked about Lillian Hoban in a previous post about the Frances series.