Gaila's little sister accidentally dropped her favorite stuffed bear in a mud puddle and now Gaila is waiting patiently while Bear E. Bear goes through a wash and rinse cycle in the washing machine and then bounces around in the dryer. While she waits, Gaila remembers several past experiences with Bear E. Bear -- the time Grandma sewed his nose back on, the time another child made fun of him, and the time he got jelly in his hair. A young child's devotion to a special toy are realistically depicted in this warm picture story which features an interracial (African American/white) family. (Ages 3-5)

After her baby sister drops Bear E. Bear in the mud, Gaila waits patiently beside the washing machine and dryer for her constant companion to be clean and just like new. The story is brought to life through childlike illustrations. Full color.