Review by Booklist Review
In this book told from a stuffed bear's point of view, Teddy describes how a grandmother gives him to a baby girl he calls My. Teddy and My have many adventures together, and when My starts preschool, there is still plenty of time for Teddy and My to practice colors and shapes in the afternoon, and of course they are together at bedtime. One summer, Teddy even goes with My to camp. The illustrations have an appropriately dreamlike quality. Teddy doesn't understand what My does when she is away from him, so the images fill in many details for the reader. For seven years, Teddy and My celebrate their birthdays together. While he is never completely abandoned, My inevitably spends less time with him. On a special day, however, My cleans and fluffs Teddy, then takes him to meet her new brother, and Teddy takes on the job of protecting and entertaining another baby. Particularly helpful to families helping older children adapt to the arrival of a sibling.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--As told by Teddy, a stuffed bear tenderly made by Grandma for her new baby granddaughter, this is a tale of comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. As the baby grows, she learns Teddy is her constant friend--playing with blocks, taking baths, going to camp. Teddy names her My after her favorite word. But babies grow and change, and Teddy is often left behind, although his love for his companion never falters. Soft pencil and pastel illustrations gently enhance this quiet work and show the changes coming to Teddy's world. My, in an act of welcome, cleans and repairs a well-worn Teddy and presents him as her gift to her new baby brother. He will find the same comfort she did as he enters the world. This book is a generous addition to works relating to family, love, and new sibling arrivals. VERDICT A patient and well-paced story of love, friendship, loyalty, and change. Young children with their own comfort objects will easily relate to Teddy.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The ever relevant tale of a beloved stuffed animal. Teddy is a soft-looking orange bear with striped trousers and little suspenders. Made with love by Grandma, the bear grows up with a little girl they call "My" because it's her "favorite word." Readers watch as My grows up through Teddy's eyes. The two share birthdays and baths together. Teddy has tea parties with the other stuffed animals while My goes to school; later, Teddy accompanies My to camp. But My starts to outgrow her companion, and soon Teddy is often forgotten, left in the car or on the dresser, though they are still a treasured friend to be cuddled when needed. Eventually, illustrations reveal a new family member is expected, and when the baby boy arrives, Teddy is lovingly passed along--after a bath and a few small repairs. Presented in straightforward prose, Nott's simple story about the unconditional love of a stuffed animal will provide reassurance for anyone outgrowing a comfort object. Kazemi's illustrations are tenderly rendered in pencil and soft, smudgy pastel and rely on a mix of panels and spreads; these cozy scenes will hold the attention of even the youngest readers. My and her family have pale skin and dark hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Comforting as hugging a beloved stuffed animal. (Picture book. 1-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
