Review by Booklist Review
As much about making friends as about artistic inspiration, this book amuses with an especially wry pairing of text and art. The straightforward narrative explains how Ted decides to become an artist and recounts his creativity in making his own materials. Meanwhile, colorful, childlike illustrations outlined in thick black hilariously show him dismantling curtain ties for the paintbrush and painting on the walls with condiments. At school Ted's art isn't always received well. His caricatures of the principal are comically spot-on and provoke exactly the expected reaction. Readers will sense trouble brewing when Ted is inspired by the clean white shirt on the new kid sitting in front of him. After some misguided attempts to make friends, all is resolved when the students join forces to create a giant mural with the message Welcome Friends. The clever ending sets the stage for future books: There are so many wonderful arts to explore, he thought. How could anyone try them all? Then Ted imagines finding a magnifying glass and scrutinizing an art gallery. Sequel?--Foote, Diane Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When Ted (who has previously worked as a firefighter and doctor) notices his room lacks a certain je ne sais quoi, he decides to become a True Artiste. Using a palette of chocolate, ketchup, toothpaste, and mustard, the self-assured bear paints a masterpiece on the wall ("Go to school," says his mother). At school, Ted's artistic zeal gets him in hot water: he paints a caricature of Principal Bigham and upsets a new student, but a collaborative endeavor helps mend hurt feelings. Readers should find Ted's unflagging confidence contagious. Ages 4-6. Illustrator's agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-The highly imaginative young bear who starred in Doctor Ted (2008) and Firefighter Ted (2009, both S & S) now morphs into an artist, having decided that his bedroom needs to be spiffed up. A dearth of art supplies doesn't deter Ted in the least; he just adapts what is handy-a curtain tassel for a brush and ketchup and other condiments for paints. Having decorated the white walls at home, the cub takes his newfound artistic talents to school, where his efforts displease the principal and are misinterpreted by a shy new student. But when Pierre takes up Ted's brush to create his own masterpiece, he comes out of his shell. "Keep the brush," says Ted magnanimously, because he is already thinking ahead to his next adventure, which will involve a magnifying glass and a Sherlock Holmes-style hat (as previewed on the last page and back cover). Bold illustrations outlined in ink and colored digitally combine with a generous trim size to make this an accessible book for group read-alouds. Whether or not young children are already familiar with this resourceful bear's happily guileless approach to trying out various occupations, they will chuckle at his latest over-the-top caper.-Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Exuberant young bear Ted uses ketchup, mustard, blueberry jam, and his big imagination to paint everything, including the walls of his home and the back of a classmate's shirt. Reception to his masterpieces is mixed, but oblivious Ted is undeterred, eventually involving his classmates in creating a welcome mural for a sad new kid. Young artists will cheer Ted in his latest incarnation. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Doctor Ted (2008), he had a sore knee, so, seeing no doctor in his immediate bedroom, he became one; in Firefighter Ted (2009), he smelled burnt toast and found no firefighter at hand and so became one. Here, bored by humdrum walls, "Ted looked everywhere"--fish tank, fridge--before gamely becoming an artist himself. Sporting a tiny green beret and smock-like coat, he creates a brush by tying a curtain tassel to a wooden cooking spoon. "Artist Ted didn't have any paint, so he made some of that, too": ketchup, mustard, chocolate syrup, toothpaste. Painting hijinks ensue at home and school. Some humor is of the classic-kid variety (a mural of "a monkey juggling stinky socks"), some more likely to be appreciated by adults (Ted titling a masterpiece Green despite an utter lack of it). Characters are various round-eyed animals, which Lemaitre outlines in casually uneven black strokes and fills in with bright colors. The visual style is loose and easygoing. Ted's use of a new classmate's white shirt (that the classmate's wearing) as blank canvas makes the mischief feel a bit more malicious than when only adults are dismayed, and it feels textually forced, as well. Oblivious but funny and full of gusto, Ted's bound for detective work next. (Picture book. 3-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
