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Saturday, April 24, 2010

Red Ted and the Lost Things, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Joel Stewart. Candlewick, Random House. 2010.$20.00 ages 4 and up


"One day a little bear named Red Ted was left on a train.
He found himself being put on a shelf by a Man in a Hat."

As I began reading this lovely book about a lonely and determined lost bear, I was taken back to our readalouds in kindergarten with Corduroy. Red Ted is sad because his owner left him on a train and now he finds himself in the lost and found, along with shelves and shelves of other lost things. It does not look promising. His shelf partner is a crocodile who is desolate as well. He thinks that his lot might never change. He can't even remember who lost him.

Stevie, his owner, is firmly in Red Ted's mind and he is resolute about finding her again. She will have no idea where he is! So, while the Man in the Hat is out of sight, he takes a leap and plots a course for reunion with his beloved Stevie. Crocodile asks to be included in the adventure, little knowing where it might lead. Following the signs to get them out of the building and a chance meeting with Cat prove to be just the thing. Soon, they are off with the melodious Cat leading them. As they walk, she sings a telling tune. Nothing deters them from their goal...not rain, or dog or locked door.

Red Ted keeps his cool and is rewarded when Stevie and her mother return home. In her excitement to see her brave teddy returned, Stevie does not forget those who helped him find his way back home. Soon, Crocodile and Cat are also welcomed to a new home and all is well in the world.

Joel Stewart does wonders with the art, creating a world that keeps the main characters always in focus. I like the graphic storybook format and the spirit he brings to the determined bear and his friends as they roam the city streets in search of 'home'.

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