Smokey the Bear

A Little Golden Book

By Jane Werner

Pictures by Richard Scarry

Copyright 1955

Only YOU can prevent forest fires!

This is Smokey the Bear’s plea to people.  I learned this lesson from Smokey in grade school when I was told the story of the sweet little bear cub whose family and home were destroyed by a fire.  Poor little Smokey!  He sure must have been scared, left all alone and hurt.   Fortunately, he was saved by a caring ranger and after recovering, went on to teach wildfire safety to a generation of children. 

As a child of the 70’s, I was taught by Smokey and his friend Woodsy Owl (give a hoot, don’t pollute) to take responsibility for the environment.

How much easier it is to take responsibility for the wider world when we feel that we have a personal connection.  Putting a face and a name to the creatures that are touched by our actions was a very effective teaching tool.  

I wanted to be Smokey’s friend.  He could rely on me!  

This version of Smokey the Bear’s story is especially cherished because it is illustrated by Richard Scarry.  He had a way of drawing animals that gives them personality, lending even more warmth to an already special story.