Teddy & Co.

by Cynthia Voigt, Paola Zakimi (Illustrations)

Teddy is a thinking kind of bear. Of all his friends, he does the most wondering. He lives with a ragtag group of lost toys—a very hungry snake, an elephant who likes to bake, two charmingly silly pigs, and a reclusive penguin—and they all bump along happily together. But their peaceful world gets shaken up when new toys arrive—first a rabbit, who is not as soft and floppy as he looks, and then a beautiful doll with royal ambitions. Will the newcomers learn to fit into the community? Or will the community be forever changed by them? As Teddy the philosopher would answer: Yes.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Fantasy, Fiction, Animals, Adventure

179 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Cynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse.


Awards:
Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008
The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995
Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990
Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990
The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988
Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988
Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987
A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984
The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984
Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983

Reviews

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'isola dei giocattoli perduti è un bellissimo libro per bambini. La storia racconta le avventure di Teddy e dei suoi amici. Teddy è un piccolo orso senza gambe che per potersi muovere ha bisogno di un carretto che deve essere trainato da Umpah, l'elefante, che è sempre pronto ad aiutarlo.Teddy anche se non può camminare, viaggia con il pensiero ed infatti è sempre pieno di idee e pronto a spronare i suoi amici. Teddy ha una gran voglia di esplorazione e la trasmette anche agli altri che pur avendo le gambe, sono diventati un pò pigri e un pò paurosi. È un bel libro che parla di disabilità e di amicizia, di come bisogna sempre cercare di aiutarsi e aiutare, e dove si impara a convivere insieme nonostante difetti fisici o caratteriali. Ma è anche una sorta di gioco di ruoli dove i bambini possono immedesimarsi nei personaggi a seconda di come si sentono e trovare il loro posto in quel gruppo di personaggi che poi costituiscono una mini società. Valore aggiunto le illustrazioni di Fabio Sardo, anche se poche sono comunque molto belle.

[Rashika (is tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This review has also been posted on Xpresso Reads

Teddy & Co immediately caught my attention when I saw it being compared to works by A. A. Milne and Kate DiCamillo. Up to this point I had read nothing by Cynthia Voigt (even the famous Tillerman Cycle books) but after reading Teddy & Co I can see what the hype is all about.

Teddy & Co is SUCH a thought provoking book and I had so much fun reading it. I am going to sound so much like a lit major right now and forgive me but I love that books like Teddy & Co exist and allow young kids to engage with the familiar in a fantastical setting.

Teddy is a wonderful "thinking kind of bear". He loves to go on adventures and loves pondering the what ifs of the world and pushing his friends to think outside of the box. He also needs to be pulled around in a wheelbarrow but that doesn't stop him from having new experiences and learning how to swim.

The structure of the book is a little interesting in that there is no overarching plot arc but there are little stories and those little stories say so much about communities, friends and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Teddy & Co is a fantastic read for kids (and anyone else who likes to read kid-lit) and is destined to become a classic in the veins of The Velveteen Rabbit.

Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review.

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and simple chapter book sure to charm young readers. Almost reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh, but still special in its own way.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

During the early 1980s when Cynthia Voigt won the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor for books two and three of the Tillerman Cycle, she leaned toward writing young-adult fare. Thirty years later, however, her books tended to be for younger kids, and Teddy & Co., released in 2016, fits that pattern. Teddy is a stuffed bear whose legs were lost some time ago. His friend Umpah, a small elephant, wheels Teddy around in a red wagon. They aren't the only animals who live in their quaint wooded area, of course...so let's meet the others.

No one loves Umpah's muffins warm from the oven better than Sid the snake. In fact, most of Sid's actions focus on food. The story also introduces us to Peng the penguin, who doesn't appear to care about much at all, and Zia and Prinny, a pair of colorful pigs who live together so Zia can look after the more petite Prinny. We meet them all in the opening chapters as Teddy, bothered by his own insistent desire to see what's past the three apple trees they never go beyond, proposes that the group discover the answer together. The others are nervous, but will their extended walk reveal a new frontier?

"It's always easier not to be worried when you have company."

—Teddy & Co., P. 37

The book proceeds from here as a reel of short episodes, each a few chapters long. A bunny washes up on shore, a somewhat cold personality who identifies himself as Mr. B. He has little use for most of the animals, but takes a liking to Peng, who keeps him at a distance as per usual. Prinny decides to learn to swim, and despite Zia's misgivings, Umpah teaches her. How far out does the Sea go, anyway? One day a doll named Clara shows up out of nowhere, a prim and proper girl who declares herself queen. Clara's demands wear on the others quickly; it's fun to play servant to a queen for a day, but lifetime subservience is a bore. When a spate of rainy days hit and it feels the sun will never shine again, Teddy and friends must learn to best the doldrums and not become irritated with one other. Their friendship will continue long after the rains dry up.

Teddy & Co. carries obvious shades of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh, a series of low-key adventures sprinkled with practical wisdom. It doesn't perform anywhere near the level of Cynthia Voigt's magnificent Newbery recipients, but the animal characters feel true. I might rate Teddy & Co. two and a half stars; it's fairly entertaining.

[Joy Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rudolph & the Island of Misfit Toys meets Winnie the Pooh...
When children "pretend and do role play" things just appear to make their role play imaginative. I believe this book is just that and nothing more. It's told in short chapters, almost like a series of ER books. It is AR level 4.5 and 4 pts, but it is written to appeal to K-3rd grade.

It has been given a low rating from Goodreaders for the imaginative quality that is missed (and take this book literally.) It will appeal to those who have a high reading level but are in the lower grades.

[Beckie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a recommended children's book from the local library. To be honest, the cover drew me in and for some reason I was thinking the author was a well-known adult author, so I figured I'd give it a go. With very few illustrations in this nearly 200 page book, I was disappointed. The illustration on the cover is what caused me to grab the book in the first place and sadly, those illustrations are better than the story. So many times I wanted to put this book down and not finish it but I never in my life have started a book and not finished it so I pushed on. This book is most likely written for 8-12 year olds but even as an adult, there were questions I KNOW kids would be asking.

We open on what we later find out to be an island and characters just appear with little to no introduction or back story. We have no clue why these toys are on this island or how they got there. The main character of this little lot is a stuffed bear with no legs and has to be pushed around in a wagon by his friends. The book goes through several days with these characters doing mundane things; you learn Bear is a thinker and quite smart actually, there is a standoffish penquin who just wants to be alone, a worry wart pig, a smaller pig who's adventurous, an elephant baker who also takes care of the bear and a snake who loves to eat.

Suddenly one day 2 new characters just appear; no one asks why or how they came to be there. First a lazy bunny arrives and he continually attempts to pester the penquin and a day later a doll arrives who is nothing short of a dictator and asserts herself as queen immediately making ridiculous demands and rules.

The only redeeming factor of this book and the reason I gave it a 2 star rating instead of 1, was because the last several chapters (20 to 30 pages) were the best part of the book. Those pages alone should have been the story. It would have made a great picture book with the story of Bear's party being planned and carried out and should have been the only story we knew. I felt very strongly the rest of the book was literally just filler which is sad because that story of Bear's party was magical. The lessons of a "disabled" bear were great and I think important for the younger audience but if I was left asking quite a few questions and frustrated by the book as much as I was as an adult, I can't imagine how much more it would be for kids. Very disappointing unfortunately.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Cynthia Voight's young adult books, so was excited to see a children's book by her. But I didn't like the book at all, and would not have liked it when I was a child. It's old-fashioned, and not in a good way. Toys, mostly stuffed animals, live on an island, with no past and no explanation of how they get muffin ingredients or building materials. The mama stuffed pig always frets about the child and just loves to clean house. Each episode seems to have a lesson for the reader, but they seemed, well, lame. I dragged myself through it, hoping it would get better, but no.

[Hanna Fogel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet early chapter book with a classic feel.

[Meagan Snodgress · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read aloud for my 5 year old! I wish it had more illustrations since it is an illustrated chapter book, but the ones present were great. It did feel like 3 or 4 different stories squished together which was a bit confusing to follow the plot along. The whimsy and child-like characters/perspectives were written very well.

Overall, it was a solid read but we probably won’t reread as we have other beloved stories.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I enjoyed this cute story of talking stuffed animals and dolls, I couldn't help wondering about things that just suddenly appeared, like the doll Clara's "palace," the palace's furnishings, and how did Mr. B and the doll just suddenly appear on the island? How did they get there? Where did they come from? These questions were not answered in the story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super adorable chapter book. I recommend for both children and adults. :)

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small slice-of-life adventures with a cohort of toys! Very gentle and soothing.

[Bonnie Lambourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see some people are classifying this as MG, but it is reads to me as an early chapter book. Checking for clarity, I am correct... it is listed for: 7 - 10 years; Grade Level: 2 - 5. MG are 8-12. That might not seem like a huge leap, but within those few years are a wide range of development from child to child.
Teddy & Co. is long enough to satisfy that young reader just getting into what they see as real chapter books, with few pictures, but the language is gentle, the story appeal is for the quiet sensitive child who still has their heart in the world of playing with toys - knowing they have a real life [even if a child's hand planned out their world]. This reader might include one who reads well and is younger, or one who is taking their time to become fluent in reading. Cynthia Voigt's writing voice is perfect here, as it is the voice of a young child inside of each character. So even that Teddy is a thinker, he is still a beginning thinker. Even though Umpah is a baker, he really only can make muffins - though expertly. Zia still enjoys housework. Prinny is still excited about everything. Clara the Queen is still learning how to be a queen, and how to be in a group. Tired Mr. B, Peng who are both shown as even more limited characters lend themselves, however, to introspection as to their greater depth of hidden emotion by Teddy.
One thing Voigt has managed to achieve so subtly is acceptance of the differences of each character and their necessary place in this world. She shows it by having Teddy with no legs, and how he gets around, his internal struggles at times. She shows it with Sid who has no legs or arms, because he is a snake. Through how Sid and Umpah meet one another's needs for being appreciated, and other pairings as well, and in how she shows the characters naturally working things out in ways that work for everyone.
This is not the knock down adventure some people are looking for, but it is the book every child and parent should read as a foundation for life, before things become wild and out of hand.

[Dena McMurdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne or Old Mother West Wind by Thornton W. Burgess. It has that same calm, sweet quality to it that used to permeate classic children’s stories. It threw me off at first because the story is slow and you don’t know when or if a purpose will emerge.

This is the kind of story that grows on you the more you read it. It doesn’t follow the traditional story arc where events build on each other until you reach the climax. Instead, it’s more of an “and then” story. The characters bop along, doing one thing and then another—the events don’t lead into each other and they usually aren’t connected. They go exploring, and then they have a picnic, and then they go swimming, and then…you get the point.

It’s not a bad thing, though. This is the kind of book kids love. I read all sorts of books like this when I was a kid and now my own kids are more than happy to read a book about the generally happy existence of a group of toys on an island.

Teddy is a philosophical bear. He likes to think. Umpah likes to bake muffins, which Sid likes to eat. Peng wants to be left alone, while Zia loves to clean and Prinny just wants everyone to pay attention to her. Mr. B and Clara brought something different to the island and at first, you aren’t sure if they will learn to fit in at all.

In the end, my kids adored Teddy and Co and it grew on me as well. I loved the sweet, nostalgic feel to it and my kids are anxiously waiting for another book featuring the toys.

Content: clean

[Stefanie Delinois · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just didn't really like this book. Nothing was horrible about it, I just really did not enjoy it. The writing felt choppy. I read this book aloud to our 4 yr old, and it seemed confusing to discern who was always speaking. There was no real plot. The book felt like it was just dragging. Also, as the mother of daughters, I am pretty careful about body shaming in literature. There were times that I skipped sentences because the mother pig was probably round because of all the ice cream she ate, or the bunny's ruff didn't fit around teddy because his neck was too fat. I realize this is a pretty nuanced perspective, I just don't like when character's comment on other character's appearance and judge it.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid five stars, so simple and sweet it was great

[Lupe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I wanted to like this book but alas, I could not. This book wants to be like Winnie the Pooh but it felt forced and rushed. I just waited for it to end.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review also posted on kissthebook.blogspot.com

Teddy is a brown teddy bear who lost his legs long ago and now moves about via a red wagon pushed by his friends, Umpah (an elephant who loves to bake) or Sid (a snake who loves to eat). Others in the neighborhood include Zia and Prinny (pigs), and Peng (an unsociable but well beloved wooden penguin). The neighborhood is calm and everyone gets along while they have a variety of fun but not-too-exciting adventures. When new toys mysteriously arrive on their island--a bunny and a beautiful doll who hopes to be queen--the friends will have to learn how to adjust and become a different, and perhaps better, community than before.

This is a story in chapters in the tradition of the Velveteen Rabbit or Corduroy. The main characters are toys, but they are completely sentient beings with fantastic personalities and the themes are simple, sweet, and as non-threatening as one could hope to find. The disconnect lies with the characters and plot (which will be appealing to younger readers) and the reading level (which is upper elementary, at least). As such, this is the perfect book for elementary teachers to read aloud to their students (and they should!), or for grandparents to buy for their grandkids. Young readers who will love a book like this will likely find it a little too difficult to read on their own.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a magical community, the lives of lost toys (a deep-thinking paraplegic teddy bear, two charming pigs, a hungry snake, an elephant that bakes, and a hermit penguin) revolve around baked muffins and gentle (a picnic at the beach) and not-so-gentle (a dangerous trek that reveals they live on a small island) adventures until a rabbit, who is not what he seems, washes up on shore followed by the arrival of a bossy, beautiful doll who declares herself queen—and demands a castle. These distinct characters with childlike personalities slowly meld into a community, with some of them evolving a little, and others a lot, in their individual journeys of self-discovery. All the toys learn that it is okay to be who they are as long as they respect each other’s differences. The short chapters, complemented by black-and-white illustrations, can serve as stand-alone stories perfect for reading aloud in one sitting.

[Lalettricesovrana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Come può essere considerato un libro per bambini? ho faticato a terminare questa lettura, un libro troppo noioso, che racconta le avventure (??!) di un gruppo di amici di pezza o meglio il trascorrere lento e triste di ogni loro giornata, dove anche le cose più divertenti come imparare a nuotare vengono descritte con un'aurea sempre molto cupa. Non credo possa piacere ad un bambino, a mia figlia è piaciuto poco, salva solo il povero Teddy costretto a dipendere dagli altri perché per chissà quale ragione si ritrova senza arti inferiori. Unico elogio da parte mia va all' illustratore: disegni romantici e delicati che mi rievocano un'epoca lontana.

[Missy Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t remember who recommended this book to me, but it’s probably for the best I don’t remember. I do not get this book at all. It’s boring. There’s no conflict. There’s no explanation of where these characters are or whose toys they are. The only reason I finished it was because I started reading it with my kids, and they have not realized a book can be a complete waste of time. No disrespect to the author; I imagine her other books are good. But I seriously am disappointed that this book got published.

[Margaret Kloster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 'band of toys' stories a la Winnie the Pooh. We both really enjoyed it. G got a kick out of the character, Sid, who was always focused on eating and on Mr. B who was fixated on becoming friends with the most introverted character, Peng. Peng's character allowed us to have some conversations about being an introvert and some preschool dynamics that were important and may not have happened otherwise. The disabled character, Teddy, also allowed for some important discussion about abilities. Overall, an enjoyable book and easily accessible book for an almost 5 year old.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Homecoming and all its sequels when I was a kid, so I picked this up in the bookstore to read to my seven year old. I figured he’d like it because it’s about stuffed animals. But actually it’s about the small feelings and relationships and group dynamics among children, which to my son must feel so large right now. He enjoyed the book and it’s meandering happenings (there’s not much plot) as did I. And we both laughed repeatedly at how much he and Teddy, the Thinker, are alike.

[Giada Bastioli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buona, buonissima l'idea di un'isola con i giochi dimenticati; purtroppo la realizzazione è poco soddisfacente. Il libro è dispersivo e mi sono accorta che, mentre lo leggevo a mio figlio di sei anni, erano più le volte che si distraeva e pensava ad altro che quelle che ascoltava. Io stessa, mentre lo leggevo, ho sentito la mancanza di qualcosa. Di emozioni, forse. Capitoli più brevi e concentrati avrebbero giovato.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a read aloud for my six-year-old. She really enjoyed it. I wasn’t as big of a fan, but it is very clearly intended to appeal to early elementary aged children. It reminded me a lot of ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and ‘Toys go Out’. Some of the characterizations were a bit odd, but my daughter didn’t have any issue with it. I also appreciate that the main character (who is disabled) isn’t written with pity and (insert potential spoiler) isn’t “fixed” in the end, as I had worried.

[Dayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story...kind of like winnie-the-pooh in regards to the characters and how many chapters can stand on their own. Difficult to read aloud. The writing wasn't necessarily choppy, but it felt kind of clunky and just didn't flow easily. Read it to my 4 year old, though, and he enjoyed it, followed the plot well, etc.

[Robin Korb · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a fellow writer, but I didn't like it as much as they did. There was a lot of repetition and the slow pace bored me to death. When I finished, I kept wondering what the purpose of this story was. Friendship? Maybe. Tolerance? I don't think so. These animals moved from one scene to the other, but nothing actually happened that made this a pleasant read.

[Brownd2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointing though it had a few good things of note...especially Peng, who had a hard time to change the way he thought about something since he was made of wood...reminds me of someone I know......it is always easier not to be worried when you have company..."tomorrow is a new day. who knows what might happen tomorrow." (p. 9)...sorry, but i could not take too much of bossy clara

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It’s such a journey. I used it for homework and I just couldn’t stop reading it! I got this from an AVID book shop in Georgia. it’s wonderful how a book can give you a grand adventure! I love the characters Umpah,teddy and everybody anyone should read this it’s my second favorite book! I’m so glad I got this book

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cute story filled mostly with little adventures that the Teddy and his friends experience, and new friends that they meet. No over arcing plot really but for the theme and style it works just fine for me. In a way the story and it's characters kind of remind me loosely of Winnie the Pooh.