the Author : 

      Hi children, my name is Stephen James. I am very happy and proud to say that I’m the writer of the Stiffy story book series. Whether you are very young, or not so young, I sure hope you have as much fun reading the stories as I have telling them.

      The story of Stiffy is truly an amazing one. I have based all his adventures on fact. I was indeed that friendly Postman in Brisbane Queensland Australia and did many years delivering letters and loved my job.

      As is mentioned in Book One, the day came when I discovered the boxes of ‘stuff’. Not knowing what was in the boxes, I took them home to my wife Andrea, well… just as the book says, Stiffy was found in one of the boxes, and it was not long before we grew to love him very much. This has inspired me to share him with Australia and the rest of the world.

      A small amount of imagination is required by anyone who does read his story books, however, to me this is the wonderful world of make-believe that all children possess. The books are a continuing series that show how we all grew together, having fun along the way. I well remember as a child my own mother reading similar story books to me.

      My wife Andrea has played a huge part in helping me bring the books to you all. I am very grateful to her for her persistence and encouragement. We both hope you enjoy the entire series as well as spending time with Stiffy on his web site.

A Special word to all Children :

       The wonderful world of the Teddy Bear is very important to you. Legend says that if a little boy or girl believes in their teddy and gives them enough love, then the bear will talk back to them. They will never be mean to you and they can always be trusted with your little secrets…

      Now whether or not anyone else can hear the teddy is up to the bear, I guess. I do know that my bears were always there when I was little and I needed a friend to talk to, or to cuddle at bed-time. Legend also says that most of them know each other and have ‘Bear’ as their second name…

      A teddy can never ever replace a family member of course, but it is nice to know they are always very kind and will always love you back. Make sure you treat them well, they will be your friends for a very long time…

About Teddy Bears :

       Around 1900, for the first time, some small toy bears were made both in Germany and in the U.S.A. at about the same time. The first teddies produced in the U.S.A were made to celebrate the President at the time.

       This man’s name was Theodore (Teddy ) Roosevelt. ‘Teddy’ was the 26th President and he allowed them to use his name for the toy bears. Popularity soon spread, and to this day, the teddy bear is by far the most wanted toy by children all over the world.

      There have been many different types, sizes and colours, made over the years, just like Stiffy’s friends. They all share the same ability to give love when it is most needed. Just like in the world of grown-ups, there have been some truly famous bears too…

About Australia :

      If you happen to be lucky enough to live here, then you would agree there is no place like it anywhere in the world. If you live in another country, then I am sure you enjoy that too, however I certainly encourage you to visit our wonderful place one day…

      We have beautiful golden beaches, wild rivers, mountains with snow, friendly people, and glorious sunny days. We also have some unique animals like kangaroos, koalas, emus and of course platypus, which roam on the plains just out-side the towns and cities.

       I also encourage all the ‘Aussie’ children to try and see these magnificent creatures as soon as your Mum’s and Dad’s can take you, they are very special. I‘m sure you are all as proud to be Australian as  I am. I also hope you make all of our over-seas visitors very welcome, and make Stiffy Bear proud he is one of your friends…

                                          Thank you, and enjoy the stories, Steve…