Solved - Ruby by Maggie Glen

Hiya

I am hoping someone may be able to help get the title of one of my favourite childhood books.

It was about a group of toys that were factory seconds and had S's stitched on their paws. They were going to be thrown away but they escaped and found new homes in shop windows and with children. The main toy a Leopard i think? or a bear was seen by a girl with a name begining with an S (sophie or sarah or something of the like) She loved the bear with the S on its paw as she thought the S stood for Special and her name also began with an S. And she took the bear/leopard home with her and that was the end of the story

This is the best I can remember I am afraid it has been a long time since I have come across it.

Thankyou

Julie

Found it!

Ruby by Maggie Glen

From Amazon.com:
“In a momentary lapse of concentration on the toy factory production line, a toy bear named Ruby is mistakenly given a spotted body--a material usually used to make leopards. Ruby's paw is summarily stamped "S," and she is tossed into a box full of other similarly stamped bears. Loaded with irresponsible optimism and self-esteem, Ruby clings to her belief that "S" stands for "Special" even after the other bear occupants assure her that it really stands for "Second Best." Confidently, Ruby leads all the second best bears to freedom outside the factory where they ultimately find homes. Predictably, Ruby herself is chosen from a toy store display of perfect toys by a child who loves Ruby because she has "character." “

WickedWitch does it again. Good find.