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Anzac Ted
Anzac Ted might look scary – but there’ s more to this battered old bear than meets the eye! This is a story about the Anzac spirit and how, through courage, loyalty and love, a child’s teddy bear helped to bring our soldiers home.
‘Anzac Ted’ is the powerful, poignant story of a little boy’s teddy bear that was passed down to him from his grandfather. Battered, torn, missing an eye and an ear, he might look scary but he’s got a great story to tell. For Anzac Ted went to war, keeping soldiers company and giving them comfort. And while he never won a medal, and now doesn’t even attract a single vote at classroom Toy Shows, if only everyone looked a little deeper:
‘They’d see a hero, plain as day
Who sits upon my bed.
A hero, who saved me and you.
His name … is Anzac Ted.’
While several children’s picture books cover the world wars, none has ever made the conflict so accessible to children by telling the story of a bear who went to war. Belinda’s exquisite watercolour illustrations combine with her rhyming text to create a book that, while perfect for parents and teachers to share with children, is also guaranteed to touch the heart of every adult.
Belinda Landsberry is a children’s author and illustrator. She brings an ideal combination of talents to her work, having formerly trained as a primary school teacher and graphic designer. Mother to four children — two grown-up and two teenagers — Belinda will hold the impressive record of having made school lunches for 30 years straight when her youngest daughter finishes school in 2018! ‘Anzac Ted’ is her first published book.
‘Anzac Ted’ is the powerful, poignant story of a little boy’s teddy bear that was passed down to him from his grandfather. Battered, torn, missing an eye and an ear, he might look scary but he’s got a great story to tell. For Anzac Ted went to war, keeping soldiers company and giving them comfort. And while he never won a medal, and now doesn’t even attract a single vote at classroom Toy Shows, if only everyone looked a little deeper:
‘They’d see a hero, plain as day
Who sits upon my bed.
A hero, who saved me and you.
His name … is Anzac Ted.’
While several children’s picture books cover the world wars, none has ever made the conflict so accessible to children by telling the story of a bear who went to war. Belinda’s exquisite watercolour illustrations combine with her rhyming text to create a book that, while perfect for parents and teachers to share with children, is also guaranteed to touch the heart of every adult.
Belinda Landsberry is a children’s author and illustrator. She brings an ideal combination of talents to her work, having formerly trained as a primary school teacher and graphic designer. Mother to four children — two grown-up and two teenagers — Belinda will hold the impressive record of having made school lunches for 30 years straight when her youngest daughter finishes school in 2018! ‘Anzac Ted’ is her first published book.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
6 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 14, 2018
Anzac Ted is a beautifully illustrated book, that gently shows children the reality of war in a way that's not scary. This was such a great book, it started a discussion about WWI about how several of our relatives fought with distinction. My nephews loved this, recommended.
Note; the word ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Note; the word ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
April 24, 2022
Anzac Ted me ha parecido una historia tierna y con mensaje para que la adultos lean con los niños. Tiene bellas ilustraciones y, además, me ha parecido una buena idea el cambio de color para señalar el cambio de época. Su historia en rima es bonita, aunque hay alguna rima por ahí que se nota que la autora se ha complicado un poco.
Anzac Ted representa a un héroe olvidado, ignorado y malinterpretado por quienes no saben quién es en realidad y qué es lo que ha hecho por su país, pero amado y apreciado por quienes sí saben su historia y lo que representaba.
Dos buenos temas a tratar, por un lado el de la guerra y acercarse a la Historia poco a poco, lo más obvio. Pero, también, el hecho de que no hacemos caso, prejuzgamos... a las cosas que no se ven bonitas o lindas. Hay que ver más allá de ositos sin orejas y remendados, porque detrás está nuestra historia.
Anzac Ted representa a un héroe olvidado, ignorado y malinterpretado por quienes no saben quién es en realidad y qué es lo que ha hecho por su país, pero amado y apreciado por quienes sí saben su historia y lo que representaba.
Dos buenos temas a tratar, por un lado el de la guerra y acercarse a la Historia poco a poco, lo más obvio. Pero, también, el hecho de que no hacemos caso, prejuzgamos... a las cosas que no se ven bonitas o lindas. Hay que ver más allá de ositos sin orejas y remendados, porque detrás está nuestra historia.
February 18, 2024
This is a beautifully produced and poignant picture book, which tells a really important tale of Australian and New Zealand history. It has been re-released as a hardback for its 10th anniversary.
The first edition of Anzac Ted was Belinda’s debut children’s picture book. Published internationally, it was short-listed for the 2016 Western Australian Young Reader’s Book Awards. It was also featured in the Anzac Stories: Behind the Pages Exhibition in 2017-2018, which was hosted by schools and libraries throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Author/illustrator Belinda Landsberry skilfully blends words and images, transitioning from colour illustrations to sepia, representing the war years, and back to colour again. Written through the eyes of a child who treasures Grandpa Jack’s old war-ravaged bear, it is a tale designed to help children understand the sacrifices made during those years. Anzac Ted is scary: with only one eye, one ear, a split tummy and ripped and torn fur, he doesn’t get any votes from the 27 class students in Show and Tell for the Favourite Toy. However, Ted’s tale is one of being a mascot for the Anzac soldiers. He is a bear who gave them hope, comfort and courage, and this story is a celebration of the Anzac spirit.
The author has included a back page explaining the history of the Anzacs, and also mentions the Turkish involvement, which is extremely helpful for adults reading the book to younger readers.
Anzac Ted is recommended for children aged 4-8 years.
The first edition of Anzac Ted was Belinda’s debut children’s picture book. Published internationally, it was short-listed for the 2016 Western Australian Young Reader’s Book Awards. It was also featured in the Anzac Stories: Behind the Pages Exhibition in 2017-2018, which was hosted by schools and libraries throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Author/illustrator Belinda Landsberry skilfully blends words and images, transitioning from colour illustrations to sepia, representing the war years, and back to colour again. Written through the eyes of a child who treasures Grandpa Jack’s old war-ravaged bear, it is a tale designed to help children understand the sacrifices made during those years. Anzac Ted is scary: with only one eye, one ear, a split tummy and ripped and torn fur, he doesn’t get any votes from the 27 class students in Show and Tell for the Favourite Toy. However, Ted’s tale is one of being a mascot for the Anzac soldiers. He is a bear who gave them hope, comfort and courage, and this story is a celebration of the Anzac spirit.
The author has included a back page explaining the history of the Anzacs, and also mentions the Turkish involvement, which is extremely helpful for adults reading the book to younger readers.
Anzac Ted is recommended for children aged 4-8 years.
February 1, 2020
I really liked this book (one of several read for an ANZAC study). I teared up a bit thinking of family that served and Miss 5 ran off to get tissues (the metaphor of the battered old bear having gone completely over her head). I think it's a very approachable book for using with younger readers to talk about why we commemorate ANZAC Day and about valuing the ways in which the past appears in the present.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
October 28, 2018
A charming read.
This is a real heart warming picture book. About a treasured teddy bear, that’s been with one family for three generations.
This teddy bear made it through a war and became mascot for the squad that he was in. This tale also shows us not to judge a person or any object by what they look like.
- Meredith
This is a real heart warming picture book. About a treasured teddy bear, that’s been with one family for three generations.
This teddy bear made it through a war and became mascot for the squad that he was in. This tale also shows us not to judge a person or any object by what they look like.
- Meredith
April 4, 2025
Anzac Ted might look scary – but there's more to this battered old bear than meets the eye!
This is a story about the Anzac spirit and how, through courage, loyalty and love, a child's teddy bear helped to bring our soldiers home.
Anzac Ted is a beautifully illustrated book, that gently shows children the reality of war in a way that's not scary. I teared up a bit at the end such a lovely book
This is a story about the Anzac spirit and how, through courage, loyalty and love, a child's teddy bear helped to bring our soldiers home.
Anzac Ted is a beautifully illustrated book, that gently shows children the reality of war in a way that's not scary. I teared up a bit at the end such a lovely book
September 27, 2018
Another beautifully written picture book with an Anzac theme and this one is quite inspiring and a great read, which hopefully will educate as well as provide some moving entertainment to the readers. Really suitable for all ages.
April 28, 2019
A moving story about a teddy bear who looks pretty ragged now, but holds a special place because he survived two wars. Perfect to read with young children to explore ANZAC themes in an age-appropriate way.
February 9, 2021
The most beautiful and charming book. A treasure book that we love to share, as we celebrate all things Anzac and family.
January 7, 2015
I wish I'd had this idea - so clever to tell the story of a war through a child's toy. (Readers who like this idea, may like Gitta Thieberger's 'The Magic Doll: A True Story'.)
In many ways, this is what you might expect from a children's book about the Anzacs, in that it keeps the legend alive, but there is another layer here (in the contemporary story, which frames the story of Anzac Ted's history) about fitting in.
This is an unusual thing - a highly successful and publicised debut picture book. When you read it, though, you can understand. Rhyming text (which publishers often say not to do) serves this one well – children can read along and it could easily be developed into a classroom dramatised-text performance, with different groups or children performing each stanza. The illustrations are appealing and do well at both introducing and developing the central character.
[Full disclosure: I have corresponded with this author and we have the same agent.]
In many ways, this is what you might expect from a children's book about the Anzacs, in that it keeps the legend alive, but there is another layer here (in the contemporary story, which frames the story of Anzac Ted's history) about fitting in.
This is an unusual thing - a highly successful and publicised debut picture book. When you read it, though, you can understand. Rhyming text (which publishers often say not to do) serves this one well – children can read along and it could easily be developed into a classroom dramatised-text performance, with different groups or children performing each stanza. The illustrations are appealing and do well at both introducing and developing the central character.
[Full disclosure: I have corresponded with this author and we have the same agent.]
July 18, 2015
A heart-warming story about a child who isn't blinded by the prejudice that our generation fights against every day.
Presently, we are battling for human rights; freedom of speech, equality, gay rights- you name it, the list goes on- but this precious book brings to children and adults alike, a tale of a boy who's teddy bear may look scary as hell- but certainly has a brighter and more beautiful heart than even some real people today have.
This story gives everyone, a blast to the past, accompanied with perfectly metered rhyme and a narrative that can break even the hardest hearts of stone with its empowering hope.
A personal favourite and a definite must-read
As always- Happy Reading :P
Presently, we are battling for human rights; freedom of speech, equality, gay rights- you name it, the list goes on- but this precious book brings to children and adults alike, a tale of a boy who's teddy bear may look scary as hell- but certainly has a brighter and more beautiful heart than even some real people today have.
This story gives everyone, a blast to the past, accompanied with perfectly metered rhyme and a narrative that can break even the hardest hearts of stone with its empowering hope.
A personal favourite and a definite must-read
As always- Happy Reading :P
May 28, 2016
Anzac Ted has seen the horrors of war. Horrors that only those who were there can truly understand. He has survived but in the process he is dirty, battered and scarred and nothing can fix that. Others are scared by him and don't know what to say.
This is a beautiful book that accurately depicts how some of the soldiers who fought for our freedom feel. It is such a clever and smart idea to give children an idea of the war through a teddy bear.
I will be buying this to add to V's collection.
V @ 6 months.
This is a beautiful book that accurately depicts how some of the soldiers who fought for our freedom feel. It is such a clever and smart idea to give children an idea of the war through a teddy bear.
I will be buying this to add to V's collection.
V @ 6 months.
September 29, 2015
A child has a toy bear that apparently wen to WWI with his great(?) grandfather. It was a sweet book but there narrative seemed a little bit disjointed. Certain parts of the story didn't make sense to me. Such as the kid putting his bear in the washing machine despite the bear's precious status and age. It also didn't seem to make sense that other kids would laugh at his bear. However, the verse and rhythms worked for me.
August 1, 2015
There have been so many stories, including picture books about the first World War as we progress through the centenary. Anzac Ted is the story of a teddy bear who went to war too, and has been handed down to the grandson of the soldier. He loves Anzac Ted, although this old battered bear isn't as appreciated by other kids.
http://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot...
http://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot...
May 24, 2015
Some interesting vocab that can be explored, and what makes items special and sentimental.
May 4, 2016
My boys loved this book. They called it a "special book" and thought it was sad, but also enjoyed it.
May 20, 2016
I'm a sucker for a rhyming book, so I enjoyed this one. Cute enough. About a teddy who looks a bit scrappy but has sentimental value.
May 24, 2016
A charming read. This is a real heart warming picture book. About a treasured teddy bear.
April 25, 2017
On this ANZAC day I encourage you to pick up this book and read it to your kids. It is a beautiful story that uses a teddy bear to teach children about the ANZAC's and what they did for this country. I found it to be quite an emotional story and the illustrations were beautiful. I'm very glad to have picked this up today!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews