REVIEW: IT’S TEDDY BEAR PICNIC DAY!

​Cue the music:
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain because
Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
That song brings back memories of my mom or aunt who used to sing it. So, I’m sure they’d agree that today’s book is the perfect one to read on this holiday:

​TITLE:           FREDDY THE NOT-TEDDY

AUTHOR:     Kristen Schroeder

ILLUSTRATOR: Hilary Jean Tapper

PUBLISHER: EK Books/2022

​OPENING LINES: 

​Freddy was Jonah’s FAVOURITE.
But, no one knew what Freddy was exactly.
A funky duck?
A peculiar platypus?
A punk rock penguin?
To Jonah he was just ‘Freddy’.

This story opens by introducing Freddy, Jonah’s favorite toy. No one knows quite what Freddy is, but what he isn’t is a teddy bear. So, when Jonah’s teacher announces the class is having a Teddy Bear Picnic, Jonah struggles with what to do. Disguise Freddy? Hide Freddy? Bring a teddy? Young readers will relate to Jonah’s love for his stuffy, his desire for inclusion, and his struggle to find a way to fit in. They’ll also delight in how Jonah stands up for himself and Freddy, and how he finds his way to a heartwarming resolution. Kristen Schroeder’s gentle story of empathy, acceptance, and appreciation for others is perfectly paired with Hilary Jean Tapper’s soft color palette illustrations. Lots of love and a heartfelt recommendation goes out to FREDDY THE NOT-TEDDY! 
 
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