Freddy the Not-Teddy by Kristen Schroeder, Hilary Jean Tapper (illustrator) Published by EK Books on 2022
Genres: Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal book collection
Freddy is Jonah’s favourite soft toy. Freddy isn’t a teddy bear, he’s a… well, no-one’s quite sure what Freddy is. Jonah doesn’t care – he loves Freddy just the way he is. Jonah’s love is put to the test when he has the opportunity to take Freddy to school – will the other children laugh at his Not-Teddy? Should he take along a never played with teddy bear instead so he can fit in?
Freddy the Not-Teddy by Kristen Schroeder and Hillary Jean Tapper (EK Books, 2022) celebrates the quirky ‘favourites’ that can become central in the lives of young children. A lovely story about a boy and his favourite toy, it is also a springboard for conversations about being yourself, being comfortable with being different, fitting in, and helping others feel included.
Children will enjoy Jonah’s attempts to camouflage Freddy ahead of his visit to school, and will relate to his worries and insecurities. The illustrations are lovely, adding light humour to the story as Jonah tries to disguise Freddy, and reinforcing the message of each person being unique with a variety of ethnicities represented in the students. There is also one student in a wheelchair.
A lovely book for home or preschool, kindergarten and infants classrooms.
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