A beloved teddy bear, stuffed with love, tells a deeply felt and tenderly observed story of growing up and the new sibling experience.

Teddy and My are made for each other—literally in the case of Teddy, a bear lovingly stitched and stuffed by Grandma for her newborn granddaughter. From eating mushy vegetables to playing with blocks, Teddy is there every step of the way as the baby grows older. Even as the little girl goes to school and makes new friends, she can always count on Teddy for playtime, comfort, and friendship.
As she leaves early childhood behind, My comes to rely on Teddy less and less. But Teddy still has an important role to play in My’s life. In an act of welcome and tremendous love, My decides to give Teddy to her newborn baby brother, who needs Teddy just as much now as she once did.

 

 

Michelle Nott's profile page

NAHID KAZEMIis an artist, illustrator and graphic designer with a master’s degree in painting from Tehran’s University of Art. She has published more than sixty children’s books and has received awards for her illustrations in Iran as well as nominations for the Governor General’s Award and the 2020 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Her recent publications include I’m Glad That You’re Happy, which she wrote and illustrated, and Over the Rooftops, Under the Moon by JonArno Lawson. She has also taught art and has exhibited her work in Iran, France, Italy, the UK, Lebanon and Serbia. Nahid lives in Montreal.

 

Nahid Kazemi's profile page

STARRED REVIEW! ★ "This lovely story with enchanting art is about a beloved stuffed animal, Teddy, and his family. The wordless first few pages show Grandma making a stuffed bear, hold[ing] him close and whisper[ing] in his ear. The bear is animated with love, and the first-person narration begins. What a sweet beginning! … The art gives the story almost a fairy tale feel, the rubbed pastel textures making the child and even Teddy look ethereal. Bright patches of color accentuate important images, showing what is beloved to Teddy. The author plays with the structure of sentences related to the art, and uses the pause between pages to build suspense or humor. The poetic language, gorgeous pencil and pastel art, and the sweet love between the child and the stuffed animal makes this a precious story. Librarians and readers should put this on the top of your ‘to read’ piles. Recommended for ages 3-7, especially those who have a special stuffie or a new sibling on the way."

Youth Services Book Review

“In this book told from a stuffed bear’s point of view, ... the illustrations have an appropriately dreamlike quality... Particularly helpful to families helping older children adapt to the arrival of a sibling.”

Booklist

“This is such a beautiful story. It feels warm, snuggly, calm, and gentle throughout—perfect for bedtime reading with little ones. It has an old-world charm about it partly due to the story being written from the perspective of a teddy bear, hand-sewn by a loving Grandma, and cherished by a child… The illustrations are as gentle and lyrical as the text. They are drawn in soft, pillow-y, pastels which almost feels dreamlike at time adding to the gentle nature of the book. The reader is ‘carried’ through the story by the words and pictures much like Teddy is carried by her owners.”

Author Pippa Chorley (Counting Sheep)

“Michelle Nott’s lyrical book of love and friendship between a teddy and a child is imbued with love. Told from the unique point-of-view of a teddy bear, … there are so many layers woven into this tender story. Nahid Kazemi’s illustrations emanate with warmth and nostalgia. The unexpectedly beautiful twist at the end moved me to tears. This poignant story already reads like the enduring classic it is sure to become.”

Author Shirin Shamsi (The Moon from Dehradun)

“This is such a sweet story! … (Moms and Dads, I dare you not to tear up.) Young readers will relate to this love for a special stuffed animal or blankie, … to the comfort it brings, and the love with which it is bestowed.”

NYT bestselling author Susanna Leonard Hill (Why a Daughter Needs a Dad; Moon’s First Friends)

“This is a treasure of a book! The art is soft and cozy, a perfect reflection of the comfort and warmth that Teddy, a homemade stuffed bear, bring to his best friend, a little girl he calls My… This story brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. A precious book worth sharing.”

Author Katey Howes (Be a Maker; Woven in the World)?

“This is a beautiful book that young children—and parents—will definitely relate to. It touched my heart… I love that author Nott shows us how kindness and compassion can be practiced by young children—and the glorious illustrations of Nahid Kazemi will keep readers and listeners engaged and turning the beautiful pages of this wonderful story.”

Author Vivian Kirkfield (From Here to There; Pippa’s Passover Plate)

"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... Comforting as hugging a beloved stuffed animal."

Kirkus Reviews

“This beautiful book will tug at your heart... told from the point of view of a Teddy Bear who loves life with his girl. As the years go on, their relationship grows and changes, until the lovely conclusion that comes full circle and shows the power of connection and love. The stunning illustrations perfectly complement the lyrical text. I recommend for home, school, and library connections, and as a gift for a new baby.”

Author Melissa Stoller (Sadie’s Shabbat Stories)

“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... Soft pencil and pastel ­illustrations gently enhance this quiet work and show the changes coming to Teddy’s world… This book is a generous addition to works relating to family, love, and new sibling arrivals. A patient and well-paced story of love, friendship, loyalty, and change. Young children with their own comfort objects will easily relate to Teddy.”

School Library Journal