Teddy bears placed in front yards to cheer up kids ... and adults

The idea is that kids can spot the bears while walking around their suburbs with parents to ease the boredom of being stuck at home.

"I love the book, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, so I have placed an old, much loved teddy bear named Travis on my verandah post," said Louise, of Cooks Hill.

"I thought it would be something for young children to look out for when out walking. Call it bear spotting. If Mr Bear is precious, he could just be looking longingly out of a window, waiting to be spotted," she said.

"Please join me by putting out a bear. It's just a bit of fun for the kids in these trying times."

Louise posted about the bear hunt on the Cooks Hill Village Group on Facebook.

"At this time, there are 15 bears, one kangaroo and a stolen monkey joining Travis in his quest for happiness," she said.

Residents in Merewether and Warners Bay have also taken up the trend.

"One young mum sent me a post saying her 18-month-old was upset because she couldn't play on the equipment at the park. The sight of Travis cheered her up," she said.

"Another person said they enjoyed a bit of bear spotting whilst out walking their dog."

Louise has challenged home-schooled children to create a bear poster to display in their street, along with their teddy bears.

She also wants a poster to alert others to "the theft of Mr Monkey who joined the bear hunt but was stolen overnight, even though he was taped down".

"Was it because he was different?" she quipped.

Let's get this trend happening around the Hunter, hey? Send your teddy bear pictures to topics@newcastleherald.com.au.

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