TEDDY, LET'S GO!

The ever relevant tale of a beloved stuffed animal.

Teddy is a soft-looking orange bear with striped trousers and little suspenders. Made with love by Grandma, the bear grows up with a little girl they call “My” because it’s her “favorite word.” Readers watch as My grows up through Teddy’s eyes. The two share birthdays and baths together. Teddy has tea parties with the other stuffed animals while My goes to school; later, Teddy accompanies My to camp. But My starts to outgrow her companion, and soon Teddy is often forgotten, left in the car or on the dresser, though they are still a treasured friend to be cuddled when needed. Eventually, illustrations reveal a new family member is expected, and when the baby boy arrives, Teddy is lovingly passed along—after a bath and a few small repairs. Presented in straightforward prose, Nott’s simple story about the unconditional love of a stuffed animal will provide reassurance for anyone outgrowing a comfort object. Kazemi’s illustrations are tenderly rendered in pencil and soft, smudgy pastel and rely on a mix of panels and spreads; these cozy scenes will hold the attention of even the youngest readers. My and her family have pale skin and dark hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Comforting as hugging a beloved stuffed animal.