Does your child have a lovey? Is it the typical teddy bear or a different animal? In this age of stuffed animals--where you can find a stuffed version of almost any animal--I think teddy bears are a bit passe. Hazel's lovey is a duck. We had a ducky themed birthday party years ago to honor her lovey, Ducky. Her pediatrician gave me the wonderful advice of buying several of the animal she chooses as a lovey. We are on her second Ducky and have a third. The second Ducky can no longer be washed as he is completely deteriorating, but if she is having a hard time, he can still calm her down. Today's book is about a stuffed animal that is not a teddy bear. In fact, no one really knows what animal it is, but he is Jonah's favorite animal. To be honest Freddy reminds me a bit of Ducky. The book is Freddy the Not-Teddy by Kristen Schroeder and Hilary Jean Tapper. This book is recommended for ages 4 to 8. At the end of our post there is a round-up of ideas for a teddy bear picnic since Jonah and Freddy go to one.
From the Publisher:
Freddy is certainly not a Teddy, but that won’t stop him from being the star of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in this inspiring story about inclusion, friendship and staying true to yourself. Freddy is Jonah’s favorite stuffed toy, but no one knows quite what Freddy is – a funky duck, a peculiar platypus, a punk rock penguin? When Jonah’s teacher announces that they’re going to have a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, it seems that if Jonah wants to take Freddy, Freddy will have to go in disguise! Jonah and Freddy try all of their best Teddy Bear disguises, but nothing can quite cover up the fact that Freddy is a little different. What should Jonah do? He loves Freddy, but should he still take Freddy to the picnic if he doesn’t look like all the other teddies? Find out what happens when Jonah stands up for himself and for his beloved Freddy in a heart-warming story that will resonate with any child who has ever felt like they’re a little different. A celebration of inclusivity and being kind to others, Freddy the Not-Teddy will inspire young readers to express themselves just as they are!
From Me:
This is a sweet book about a lovey that no one could quite tell what he was. To his boy, he was just Freddy and nothing else mattered. However, when his teacher announces a teddy bear picnic, Jonah isn't sure what to do. He wants to bring Freddy but pulls out his old teddy bear as well just to be safe. I love that he gives his old teddy to the girl who doesn't have a stuffed animal with her at the picnic. It is such a sweet story.
The book is also fun. Jonah tries to disguise Freddy as a teddy bear but has no luck. Plus, the guesses of what Freddy is are funny. I love how this book shows that it is ok to be different and it is important to be kind. After Jonah introduces Freddy and tells how fun he is, the other kids like Freddy. I can see this book loved by kids whether read at home or in a group setting. It is also the perfect book for a teddy bear picnic!!
Interested in hosting a teddy bear picnic or doing some teddy bear crafts? Check out these ideas and other fun teddy bear crafts!
