Press Release

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2006--It all started with a simple goal, recognizing young people across the U.S. and Canada committed to making a positive difference in the world. Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) received nearly 1,500 nominations for the Third Annual Search for Huggable Heroes(R), a program that rewards kids for their outstanding acts of generosity and volunteerism and encourages other kids to do the same.

Twelve inspiring kids have been named the 2006 Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes. Their heroic stories range from Welland Burnside, 18, of South Carolina starting Suitcases for Kids, so that children moving from one foster home to another would have something in which to put their clothes, to Maggie Fazenbaker, 14, of New Mexico working on a project called Operation Soldier Smiles that sends care packages to deployed soldiers in the war zone. Jeniece Klammer, 18, of Michigan started a back-to-school effort collecting school supplies for less fortunate children in her own school.

Build-A-Bear Workshop invited the public to visit www.buildabear.com to learn about the Huggable Heroes finalists and vote for the person who most touched their heart. Anthony Leanna, 14, of Suamico, Wisconsin, was selected as the People's Pick Huggable Hero for Heavenly Hats, a program that donates brand new hats to cancer patients. Over the past four years Anthony has coordinated donations of over 80,000 new pieces of headwear to over 250 hospitals and clinics nationwide. He has inspired hundreds of youth groups and schools to help out by hosting hat drives for Heavenly Hats.

Anthony was joined by the other 2006 Huggable Heroes(R) when they were announced at the First Star charity gala in Los Angeles, California June 3, 2006. Malcolm David Kelley, "Walt" on the hit television show Lost, joined the Huggable Heroes in Los Angeles and helped honor these great kids, encouraging them in their community service efforts. Malcolm David Kelley is no stranger to making the world a better place. At 14, he is the Youth Ambassador for First Star, a national public charity dedicated to improving the lives of America's abused and neglected children. Its mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system through communication, education and legislation.

"We are so proud and impressed by everything our Huggable Heroes have accomplished," said Maxine Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop(R). "These young people are great examples of success, proving that no matter how old you are, or where you live, you can make a difference. We encourage our Huggable Heroes to continue their great work, knowing that they will touch many people's lives and become even greater future leaders for our country."

2006 Huggable Heroes, stories and information online at www.buildabear.com.

Bailey Reese, 9, Niceville, Fla.
Care packages for U.S. soldiers in Iraq

Charlotte McKane, 10, Oneonta, N.Y.
Donates personal care items

Kaylene Wright, 12, Westland, Mich.
Donates children's books to hospitals

Heather Wilder, 12, Las Vegas, Nev.
Writes books to raise awareness about the challenges foster kids face

Maggie Fazenbaker, 14, Alamogordo, N.M.
Care packages for U.S. soldiers in Iraq

Jenessa Largent, 14, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Makes bracelets to support service men and women

Anthony Leanna, 14, Suamico, Wisc.
Donates hats to cancer patients

Ted Cox, 15, Marysville, Ohio
Dedicated volunteers at a local hospital

Welland Burnside, 17, Garden City, S.C.
Donates suitcases to foster kids

Brittany Palmer, 18, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Active community volunteer for Easter Seals and other organizations

Jeniece Klammer, 18, Ypsilanti, Mich.
Collects and donates school supplies

Matthew Krauze, 18, Warwick, N.Y.
Volunteers for Puppies Behind Bars

About Huggable Heroes(R)

Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) launched the Huggable Heroes program in 2004 as a way to recognize and honor young people that have impacted their own neighborhoods, schools and communities by giving of themselves to others. It is a program that empowers and inspires children to get involved as Build-A-Bear Workshop believes that young people can establish change in their communities. In 2006, nearly 1,500 Huggable Heroes nominations were received.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the company currently operates more than 240 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The addition of franchise stores in Europe, Asia and Australia make Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) the leader in interactive retail. In November 2004, the company expanded the make-your-own concept from stuffed animals to dolls with the opening of its first friends 2B made(R) stores, where Guests can make their own doll friends. In April 2006, Build-A-Bear Workshop acquired The Bear Factory, a U.K.-based stuffed animal retailer, and Amsbra, Ltd., the company's franchisee in the U.K., adding company-owned stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $362 million in fiscal 2005. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2Bmade.com.

TRADEMARKS

We would like to thank you for your interest in covering our business. As you write your story, we would ask that you use our full Name: Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) and that when referencing the process of making stuffed animals you use the word "make" not "build."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is our well-known trade name and our registered trademark of Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc. Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) should only be used in capital letters to refer to our products and services and should not be used as a verb.

CONTACT: for Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Samantha Leavitt, 314-995-3939 x101 or 314-520-4669
samanthal@blickandstaff.com
or
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Shawn Bertani, 314-423-8000 x5366 or 314-452-6391
shawnb@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.