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Freddy The-Not Teddy
by Kristen Schoeder and Hilary Jean Tapper
Published by EK Books
ISBN 9781922539090
Freddy the Not-Teddy is a gently told story of learning acceptance of others who don't fit the usual image. The story of Jonah and his favourite soft toy begins as he learns that he is going to a Teddy Bear's picnic which children need to take their favourite teddy bear with them,
Jonah knows that his favourite toy isn't quite a teddy, he's a bit of mixture, could he be part duck, or maybe platypus or even penguin? Whatever Freddy is, Jonah loves him. But when he gets home from preschool he tells Freddy he is going to have to be made to look more like a teddy. Jonah thinks of all sorts of ideas, he has a good imagination.
He goes looking for supplies to try and make Freddy look more like a teddy, because after all, all his friends will have their teddies at the picnic.
Through this beautifully illustrated story, Jonah realises that his Freddy isn't going to look much like a secret agent, or a ghost or even a mummy teddy - an ancient Egyptian mummy. He thinks a lot about what to do and eventually realises that it's best to keep Freddy as he is. This is a heart warming story for children ages 3+ who may feel a little different or have friends who are different and learning acceptance to be as they are.
Kristen Schroeder writes children's books from her home in Minnesota. Kristen and her family are dual American-Australian citizens who consider Melbourne their second home. Picture book illustrator, Hilary Jean Tapper is a childern'a arts therapist and doll making teacher in New Zealand.
