Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Ragged Bear
Illustrator: Alan Marks
Picture Book
For ages 3 to 6
North-South Books, 1998 ISBN: 978-1558589605
Teddy is old and rather ragged. Because of this he isn’t often played with and one day he is left behind in the park, forgotten by his owners. When it begins to rain Teddy becomes truly miserable. Wet, with the tear in his tummy and a loose ear, Teddy is the picture of dejection. But then something extraordinary happens, a little child takes Teddy out of the garbage bin when he was thrown and Teddy is taken to his new home.
After a bath and some careful repair work Teddy is once again a bear who is ready to be played with and loved, and that is just what happens.
Soft blue background washes give a gentle mood to this simply written and beautifully illustrated picture book. There can be no doubt in the reader’s mind that Teddy has feelings and needs; his poses and expressions say it all.
