A Bear called Puddin

By Janet Roberts

When the army posts Charlie Swift to Egypt he finds there's little tp do, so a native selling trinkets attracts his attention. He immediately notices something small is moving inside the boy's shirt, and insists on taking a look. He's horrified to find it's a tiny bear cub who is presumably to be sold on the market, minus teeth and claws, as a dancing bear. Determined to save the little cub, Charlie buys it in exchange for a tin of meat, to the delight of the other soldiers. When they are sent to Italy everyone assumes the bear will escape to the hill, but instead he proves invaluable at moving heavy equipment. Eventually they are demobbed to Scotland and Charlie sets about trying to find employment. He goes to a minor stately home to work as an assistant to George Parker, the estate manager. Lord Carmichael realises that a wild bear will be quite a talking point amongst his fishing and hunting paying guests, something other venues do not offer! However, the estate manatger is horrified, sure the bear is dangerous. However, Puddin proves invaluable at moving heavy timber, and it's him who locates George's missing dog.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janet Roberts
• Release date: Sep 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005364533

Janet Roberts

In Janet Roberts' books, you’ll often find someone spending a bit of time by a lake, river or ocean somewhere in the world. Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, on the Great Lakes, she loves an endless view of water for as far as the eye can see. Janet graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. After working as a journalist and later as a paralegal, she obtained her masters in communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Janet began writing fiction and poetry as a child and never let go of her dream of publishing a novel.  Although her current job as a security awareness program lead has meant moving to a variety of cities, she often returns to her Western Pennsylvania roots in her writing.  

Book preview

A Bear Called Puddin

Janet Roberts

A Bear Called Puddin

Chapter 1

Now come on Puddin– best foot forward and all that and so the unlikely pair marched together up the driveway, through the long avenue of matching lime trees, whilst gazing out at the rolling countryside on either side.

At last, and feeling somewhat hot and sweaty, they arrived at the imposing entrance to the grand mansion. Immediately a middle-aged man appeared, holding a long rake, and dressed in working clothes

What are you doing here? he demanded, looking apprehensively at Puddin, and keep a sharp eye out for an escape route.

We applied for a job here, and were told to report for an interview this morning, Charlie replied, somewhat amused at the man’s nervous reaction to Pudding.

Did you say you were going to bring that? the man demanded, pointing at Puddin, who was happily sniffing at the newly raked gravel.

I don’t think I mentioned it Charlie replied, trying not to smile.

Well stay here, and don’t move. We don’t want that in the house, and briskly the man turned and almost ran round the side of the imposing building.

Best behaviour now Pud., we need this job, whispered Charlie, as he bent down and scratched the animal behind the ear.

Suddenly the door opened and an imposing gentleman dressed casually in a tweed jacket and corduroy trousers appeared, with the gardener standing anxiously behind him.

And what have we here? the gentleman asked, whilst remaining within the entrance to the house.

Hastily Charlie made a slight bow,