Press Release

Jamia joins expanding group of artists, including Natalie Cole, David Archuleta of “American Idol” fame, and Camp Rock’s Meaghan Martin, in singing special song to benefit Save the Children

ST. LOUIS (June 8, 2009) – She dazzled audiences during the 80th Academy Awards, becoming the youngest African-American ever to perform on an Oscar telecast, and wowed them performing on Showtime at the Apollo, now 12-year-old Jamia Nash has taken on a new role encouraging her peers to be kind to others. Jamia is the newest artist to lend her voice to the Love. Hugs. Peace.™ movement, a global giving and kindness campaign created by Build-A-Bear Workshop® that offers young people around the world fun and simple ways to show they care.

Jamia, along with fellow singers GRAMMY® award-winning Natalie Cole, David Archuleta of “American Idol” fame, and Camp Rock star Meaghan Martin, has added her vocal talents to the movement’s signature song, “Let’s Talk About Love.” Each artist has created a special rendition of the song to help spread the message of sharing and love and benefit Save the Children.®

Jamia’s R&B version of “Let’s Talk About Love,” along with Cole’s adult contemporary rendition, Archuleta’s ballad style variation and Martin’s pop take, is now available at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace or any participating Build-A-Bear Workshop store. Kids (and adults) can make a $1 donation to Save the Children and, as a thank you, receive a free download card of “Let’s Talk About Love” performed by the artist of their choice. Additional artists are set to jump on-board as the movement continues throughout the year.

After meeting Jamia during the song recording session, David Archuleta commented, “I remember watching Jamia on Showtime at the Apollo and Jay Leno when she was seven, so it was so cool seeing her! I was blown away by her then, and I am blown away by her now. She is full of energy and hilarious too.”

So far, with the help of its Guests, Build-A-Bear Workshop has raised more than $100,000 to support Save the Children. In addition, nearly 187,000 kids from around the world have joined the movement at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace and made a love, hugs or peace pledge to do something small to make the world a better place.

Whether pledging to volunteer at an animal shelter, recycle, do something nice for friends or family, raise money for a special cause, or pick up litter in their communities, young people are accepting the challenge to do their part to make a difference one philanthropic act at a time.

“Love. Hugs. Peace. is about how everyone, no matter how young or old they are, can embrace a positive attitude and help make a difference,” said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop and creator of the movement. “Together friends can pledge to be nice and do good, and it can all start with a hug and a song!”

Song Offers Universal Appeal
“Let’s Talk About Love” was created to bring the Love. Hugs. Peace. movement to life. Written especially for Build-A-Bear Workshop by Tena Clark, founder and chief executive officer/chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions, the powerful tune embodies the spirit of kindness. Each artist that sings the song offers a unique style and rhythm so that, while the message remains the same, the tune appeals to fans of all ages and musical tastes.

Jamia’s show-stopping performance on Oscar night of “Raise It Up” from feature film August Rush announced her as a singing sensation to the world. She has wowed national audiences on the "Tonight Show," "Good Morning America," "CBS Early Show," and shared the stage with Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, and John Mayer. Jamia made her acclaimed feature film debut as Hope in August Rush and appears regularly as Ana Hamilton on “The Young and the Restless.”

New Exclusive Merchandise
The Love. Hugs. Peace. movement is represented by three icons: a heart, a teddy bear and a peace sign. These graphic elements are being featured on various Build-A-Bear Workshop fashions and furry friends throughout the year. Plus, an exclusive series of Love. Hugs. Peace. bear-sized tees and a rhinestone tank (prices range from $5 - $6.50) have been designed to keep the momentum of the campaign going. Build-A-Bear Workshop is donating $.25 to Save the Children from the sale of these tees.

Virtual Components
The Love. Hugs. Peace. movement continues in buildabearville.com,® the Build-A-Bear Workshop virtual world which today engages more than nine million citizens. Starting June 8, Jamia’s “Let’s Talk About Love” rendition will be on the playlist in buildabearville.com. Through June 21, she also will make a special appearance on “The Chloe Show,” the virtual world’s celebrity interview segment, and give out a virtual “move” to kids that watch the show. In addition, citizens to the world can visit the theater to see behind-the-scenes video of Jamia recording her song.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop®
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the Company and its franchisees currently operate more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR™ space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world stuffed with fun. The company was named to the 2009 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $468 million in fiscal 2008. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company’s award-winning Web site at www.buildabear.com.

About Save the Children®
Save the Children® reaches girls and boys in the United States and more than 120 countries. The contribution being made to Save the Children through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Love. Hugs. Peace. movement will support its immediate and long-term programs that help ensure children are protected, healthy and well-nourished, learn and develop, and live in food-secure and economically viable households. For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.

TRADEMARKS
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For more information contact:
Wendy Bain
314.727.5700 x110
wendyb@blickandstaff.com

Kris Brill
314.780.1332
krbrill@swbell.net

Maureen O’Connor
310.854.8116
moconnor@rogersandcowan.com