5 Mar 2021

Hunting for teddy bears in covid times inspires children's music project

From Upbeat, 12:30 pm on 5 March 2021

One of the more heart-warming aspects of New Zealand's initial Covid lockdown last year was the 'teddy bear phenomenon'.

Across the land, cute plush toys with fuzzy ears and beady little eyes suddenly appeared in people’s windows, and it became a game for children (of all ages) to see how many they could find.

Chris Sanders

Chris Sanders Photo: Grant Triplow 2015 +64 277191001

The teddy bear hunt became the inspiration for a song, a picture book and a songwriting resource kit for primary school children – all in collaboration with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Upbeat talked with singer, songwriter and children’s entertainer Chris Sanders about the project, which celebrates community spirit and the importance of showing kindness.