They Stole Our Hearts

The Teddies Saga #2

by Daniel Kraus, Rovina Cai (Illustrator)

The heart-pounding sequel to They Threw Us Away , about a group of teddy bears looking for a place to call home…and answers to life’s biggest questions.

The teddies―clever Buddy, brave Sunny, sweet Sugar, and wise Reginald―have managed to find a child. Life with Darling is far better than any they’ve known. But something's not right―the promised bliss of Forever Sleep hasn’t come. And they are kept a secret from Darling’s mother, hidden underneath the child’s bed in the dusty darkness.

Then the inevitable Mama discovers the teddies. And like all adults they’ve met thus far, she responds with fear and anger. The teddies must watch as one of their friends is destroyed. The remaining trio barely escape, thrust back into a world that does not want them.

Disillusioned and lost, the teddies embark on a journey back to the factory where they were created. En route, they find a civilization of discarded teddy bears. The comfort of a town of teddies has its allure…but the need for answers weighs heavy. And there’s something definitely off about these new teddies. Will our heroes accept their strange rules? Or must they dig deep for one more grand adventure to finally learn why they were thrown away?

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Juvenile, Young Adult

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

“Kraus brings the rigor of a scientist and the sensibility of a poet.” – The New York Times

DANIEL KRAUS is a New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. WHALEFALL received a front-cover rave in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.

With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored THE SHAPE OF WATER, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored TROLLHUNTERS, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. His also cowrote THE LIVING DEAD and PAY THE PIPER with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero.

Kraus’s THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both ROTTERS and SCOWLER), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and more.

Kraus’s work has been translated into over 20 languages. Visit him at danielkraus.com.

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the Teddies Saga was even better than book one in my opinion. This middle grade series is really well done and while I never thought to myself why isn’t there a teddy bear version of a post apocalyptic world clearly I should have. Buddy and his friends need to continue their journey to find the forever sleep because despite what they had been led to believe a hug from a child did not bring on the forever sleep. Buddy and his friends discovery they are not the only teddies around after they figure out that it wasn’t an accident they were thrown away and that the adults truly hate them. I liked the twist in this one even if I saw that coming. And I definitely need to read book three soon. One of the best middle grade stories I have read.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Now is the time to love them with all your heart." Daniel Kraus

"They Stole Our Hearts" is the second book/audiobook in the "Teddies Saga" by Daniel Kraus narrated by Kirby Heyborne. The first book in the series is "They Threw Us Away".

Buddy (the leader of the teddy bears) and his loving friends Sunny, Sugar, and Reginald live with a little girl named Darling. They love Darling and delight in sharing afternoon tea parties with her.

Darling's mom does not know about the bears because Darling keeps them hidden under her bed. Sadly, one day Darling's mom discovers the bears. She destroyes one of them, and the remaining three are tossed into a dumpster. This is a new big scary world for the bears. Terrified and alone they embark on a journey back to the factory where they were made. Along the way they encounter some very precarious situations, but Buddy is determined to answer one very important question. " "Who Am I?"

"They Stole Our Hearts" is marketed for children 10-14 years old. I agree with the age rating except for children with emotional difficulties or those sensitive to death. The book has some intense scenes that could be scary. Parents may want to review the book before sharing it with their child.

From a adult prospective, I loved the audiobook. I'll never be too old to hear a great adventure story! "They Stole Our Heart" will be published January 11, 2022.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this enchanting audiobook.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark middle-grade fantasy novel is part quest saga, part mystery with just a little bit of horror mixed in. Buddy, Sunny, Sugar, and Reginald are teddies searching for the love of a child which will bring them "furever sleep." They think they are close to getting their wish if only they can find a way to Darling's heart. Since Darling lost her favorite stuffed animal when she was small and was so heartbroken, she is hesitant to love another as much. This is how the novel starts off - with the promise of a light, heartwarming tale of a child and her favorite toys. This is NOT where it is going. Darling will never get the chance to learn to love her new teddies and they will not find their "furever sleep" so easily.

Character development is where this book really shines. There is a very intense plot where the characters move from one perilous predicament to the next, but the author never wastes one of these tense moments without showing us what is really motivates each character.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series. It's a great series for a tween or early teen who enjoys dystopian lit.

[decklededgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

trigger warnings: cult, depression, self harm, abandonment, death, murder, ptsd, trauma

Bro this series just gets darker and darker. Last book was existentialism, now it's the purpose of self outside of the purpose bestowed by a creator, plus some light critique of late stage capitalism and commercial production.

I genuinely love this series so much but these books got me fucked up. I'm telling everyone about it and people are reacting with "wtf" every single time.

Daniel Kraus has crafted and incredibly insightful and depression horror/thriller. Toy story with a dark twist for sure.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The teddies tales to find forever sleep continues in The Teddies Saga. When the teddies find themselves separated, will Buddy their leader be able to figure out a way to reunite them? Book 3 was just published and I am excited to read the conclusion to this trilogy soon!

[Joseph Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this one. I enjoyed it, but not as much as Book 1. This series is quite dark for a kid's series. It's also starting to feel just a wee bit repetitive and predictable. Though I don't have any clue how book 3's going to go.

Very excited to read the last book of this series! I've been quite enjoying this! The characters are fun, the Watership Down-esque vibe is perfect, and overall it's really good.

[Alex Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM SHAKING. The way this story is developing is getting me so anxious (in a good way)!!! I'm dying for the next book!

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a curious, horrifying tale. I have never been so disturbed by a middle grade novel. And I assume it’s middle grade because I got it from that section of the library, but I don’t know if I would give this to a child lol. It feels like a simple horror novel for teens. It literally includes torture…and other slightly creepy things.

Still…engaging and fun. The art was amazing. Rovina Cai never misses with her illustrations.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ongoing saga for our teddies sees them in a temporary but secret home with a little girl, until they’re discovered and thrown out by a spiteful mom. They later found an abandoned teddy factory full of living teddies like them and learn they’re not as friendly as they seem but might have the answer as to why they became discarded junk. A- (91%/Excellent)

[Raquel Pilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Teddies Saga.

Buddy, Sunny, Reginald and Sugar are in Darling's house, safe and sound. Or at least it seems so, even though her mom needs to be unaware the girl has the teddies under her bed.
The problem is, no matter how many times Darling hugs them, they never seem to reach the Forever Sleep. And this is only the beginning of the Furrington Teddies' challenges in this book...
I absolutely love this series! I was amazed while reading the first and I am equally amazed with the second! The eerie settings and descriptions are things you don't see so often in middle grade books. The mysteries involving the manufacture of the toys makes the reader go to the very end intrigued!
I can't wait to read the last of the Teddies' adventures!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!!!!!! 🧸 Can I please give these teddies a home? They deserve a break, man. 😭💕

This book is just so beautifully written. It has the appearance of being a silly juvenile adventure but there’s so much heart and depth and emotion in it, it’s insane. The first book grabbed at my heartstrings and this one was no different.

It’s such a dark story but it also has so much hope and light in it. It’s a wonderful balance and I think it reflects part of the story’s message very well. It has so many moments of whimsy and humor and the characters are so lovable that it hurts to see them get hurt.

Maybe it was the day I read it or maybe I’ve become too soft but this book, this book about adorable teddy bears and their found family, had a scene that made me cry like a baby. That scene is gonna haunt me for a while now. I think this is the second book I’ve ever cried over and it’s the only one that makes me tear up if I bring the scene to memory.

So thank you, Daniel Kraus, for creating such a powerful and heartrending story. I loved it, I’ll take 50 more, please. 💕

[Binx · Rating 5 out of 5]

this has been one of my favorite series so far i’ve read. its normally pretty hard for me to read a series but this one has had my heart in a chokehold. this one was significantly sadder, and more nostalgically symbolic. i haven’t been able to put these books down!!

[Joc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really now, did you have to kill Sugar off like that? I'm eating one ★ for that... =(

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not think I was going to read about a teddy bear cult but hey, here we are

[Heather Sebring · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really loving this series. The bears are adorable and there is just enough suspense and mystery to keep me engaged.

[Eva Cano]

Amazing book. Sorry Sugar :(

[Elexndra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library borrow

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting a romp through the daisies but this was darker than I expected. The murder of Sugar, the brainwashing of Reginald but it is also heartwarming and courageous. And while these teddies might kill me, I still want to snug them all (maybe after a wash though, they sound pretty dirty).

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

They Stole Our Hearts is the second book in The Teddies Saga. I would recommend reading book 1 They Threw Us Away before reading this one.

I absolutely love this series. It's so unique. I mean, teddy bears placed in the scariest situations you can imagine for a cuddly bear. I think Kraus has done something truly interesting here. This book is great for everyone as it's geared for children but has enough suspence to keep an adult interested. I found myself excitedly making my way through the story. I absolutely love this series. I just finished this one and I need the next book now!

So would I recommend this for kids? That depends on the child. If the child is really soft hearted and easily upset I would probably avoid this one. If the child isn't easily upset then give this series a shot. But make sure to start with book 1!

You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urgh I just finished the second book and it’s a cliffhanger…I need book three!! This book, no this series, is a 5/5! I don’t give 5’s easily!

Let me say, please read book one first or you will be lost. Yes, the books are geared towards middle schoolers but all ages will enjoy these books I feel. I loved them! I do want to add, if you have an advanced reader, or a very tender hearted child, maybe this isn’t the book for them…or maybe you should read it with them! The bears do get into some rough situations that may seem scary for some children. Some situations a parent may want to use a learning experience too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my chance to review this great book!

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I really hope there is going to be another book! That ending was a huge cliff-hanger! The story continues to follow Buddy and friends, as they are still travelling to find out why they were threw away and what was wrong with them. On their journey, they find a city of Teddies but it is not what it seems. No spoilers! I highly recommend this book as well as the first book in the series. Fingers crossed for another book. I added to my 2021 Favorites List and I want to say thanks to #netgalley for the early release copy!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
NOTE: I received a review copy of They Stole Our Hearts from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

If you loved "They Threw Us Away," the first book in Daniel Kraus's "Teddies Saga," then you're gonna love "They Stole Our Hearts." As the second part of this series, "They Stole Our Hearts" offers everything that made the first book so intriguing alongside a healthy helping of world-building, character development, and big answers. It's a thrilling, fast-paced, and quick read. And I dare you to stop yourself from reading the whole thing in a single sitting.

Picking up shortly after "They Threw Us Away," "They Stole Our Hearts" finds the teddies - Buddy, Sunny, Reginald, and Sugar - living the quiet life with their new owner, Darling. Except things don't feel right. For starters, Darling has to keep the teddies hidden from her mother. And the promised Forever Sleep continues to elude the teddies, filling them with doubt about whether or not they've truly found their home. Then, disaster strikes, forcing the teddies back onto the streets, in search of why all adults seem to hate Furrington Teddies. On the whole, it's a fast-paced, thrilling read. While it’s not quite as action-packed as the first book, and the middle of the book does sag a bit, it’s still deeply exciting and often viscerally creepy. In fact, it probably pushes the boundaries of what most people think middle-grade books can be.

Put simply, "They Stole Our Hearts" is the "Empire Strikes Back" of the "Teddies Saga." Here, Kraus begins answering some of the series’ fundamental questions while challenging the Teddies like never before. I mean, things get quite dark - and even a little brutal. In fact, much of the book reminds me of the Lotso plot in "Toy Story 3." But way creepier and more cult-ish. And I love it. As a kid, I loved books that felt a little dangerous to read, like I really shouldn't be allowed to read them. That darkness adds a bit of an edge to the book, and it gets you all the more invested in the characters’ plights. And speaking of answers, this book does answer one of the series' central questions - why has the world discarded the Furrington Teddies? The answer is simple but oh-so-effective. Genuinely creepy, and quite heartbreaking.

The biggest joy continues to be the way Kraus develops the characters. Yes, this is a middle-grade book, but Kraus doesn’t pull any punches. In "They Stole Our Hearts," the Teddies experience some big, often disturbing hardships. Hardships that change the teddies on a fundamental level. And Kraus trusts that his audience can handle these themes. Which pays off royally. Buddy remains the focus of the book, and his growth continues to be intriguing. He's a leader, sure, but it doesn't always come easy to him. And watching him struggle with making decisions that might not be what he wants to do, but would be in the group's best interests, continues to be a delight. As does his gradual increase in bravery. This Buddy is almost unrecognizable from the Buddy we met at the beginning of "They Threw Us Away." And I mean that in the best way possible.

Unfortunately, the other teddies don't get anywhere near as much development, often because this book features fewer quiet, self-reflective moments than the last one. That’s not to say that they’re given no development. Just that they’re not really the focus. In fact, it frequently feels like They Stole Our Hearts is more interested in exploring the world of the "Teddies Saga," and setting up events for the next book, than in exploring its characters. And honestly, that's kind of okay. The first book did such a good job of developing all of the Teddies that we already have a pretty good understanding of who they are. So, this is the perfect time to dive deeper into the world that surrounds them. I just hope there's more time in the next book to see how everything the teddies learn in the latter half of "They Stole Our Hearts" changes them.

All in all, though, "They Stole Our Hearts" is an excellent sequel. It takes everything that worked about "They Threw Us Away," ratchets them to an eleven, and pushes them to their breaking points. Kraus’s writing achieves that perfect balance of detail and fluidity. He gives you just enough detail to help you visualize what’s going on without bogging you down with too much detail. In fact, "They Stole Our Hearts" is a brisk read in the best way possible. It’s one of those books that’s incredibly easy to read in a single sitting. It’s quick-paced and the writing deftly ushers you through the story in such a way that there’s never really a moment where you’ll want to set the book down. And let’s not forget Rovina Cai’s gorgeous illustrations. Perfectly capturing both the beauty and the horror found in Kraus’s prose, Cai’s illustrations bring the world of the "Teddies Saga" to life.

Whether you’re a young reader or an old one, "They Stole Our Hearts" is bound to capture your attention. And with everything that happens here, I can’t wait to see where Kraus takes the series next.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, keep this out of young kids hands 😭 They’re gonna start having nightmares about the garbage monster. I’m a teenager and even I succumbed to the deep depression that these tiny furry bears dragged me into. Bravo, Daniel, you’ve done it again.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

More darkness. More friendship. More teddies. More adventures. More revelations.

This one is…”For Sugar.”

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe I have to wait to find out what happens. I believe I liked this one even more than the first.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do teddies dream of stuffie sheep?

This white teddy understood nothing of the world outside the cellar. Amazement and delight awaited her, but so did shock and pain. They snugged close, enveloping her in warm plush that smothered the factory's cold. Their silence felt solemn. Buddy bet all of them were thinking of the teddies who hadn't made it.

This series. It has a suspenseful, action-filled plot and characters who develop and grow, but its strength is its philosophical nature. At its heart is the cognitive dissonance of innocent, naive teddies who just want to be loved and give snugs as they are aggressively confronted with the existential horror of life's hardships and suffering. In the first book, one character reacted to something awful she'd seen by plucking her eyes out. In this one, they struggle onward in their intimidating quest to track down their makers in hopes of better understanding their lives' meaning. They have a creation myth and legends that guide them, but the further they investigate the more they discover much of what they think they know is lies.

This book centers on their discovery of a community of teddies who have built an organized life united by a cause, a religion their leader has created dedicated to celebrating their worthlessness.

The Forgiver began.

"We teddies have been left behind by the world!"

All the teddies responded as one: "Mother, thank you!"

"We deserve this fate, for we are bad teddies!"

"Mother, thank you!"

"We are repellent to behold, loathsome to touch!"

"Mother, thank you!" . . .

The Forgiver turned his face toward the ceiling. His voice broke with a shout.

"Mother, please accept our apologies!"

With that, the Forgiver took his chain and held it in both paws in front of him. All this time, Buddy realized, the chains hadn't been belts. They'd been weapons. With all the might in his noodly arms, the Forgiver whipped it.

The chain flew over the Forgiver's shoulders, striking his back with a hard snap. A small puff of plush rose into the air.

Before Buddy could react, awful noises erupted from all sides. Snap! Whap! Crack! Whump! He turned, and turned more, and more, spinning in circles.

Each teddy in the cellar was striking their soft, vulnerable teddy backs with a chain. Every slap peeled off bits of fur, which floated upward. It filled the air like dandelion fluff, except purple, gold, ivory, scarlet, lemon, and turquoise. It would have been gorgeous except for how terrible it was.

The cellar teddies were ruining themselves before the world could do it.

It's the cuddliest horror story I've ever encountered. Definitely edgy for young readers, but I don't think it's the stuff of nightmares so much as--to steal a phrase from Neil Gaiman--an inoculation against them. For the harsh realities of life might be enough to break some teddies, but not Buddy and his companions. Even in the darkest moments, they find ways to help each other remember courage and hope and love, and that there's more to life than suffering.

Cuddly, horrible, and courageous. That's the Teddies Saga.

I can't wait to read the next one.

"I let them believe they are special. Meanwhile, their display of loyalty helps keep the population orderly."

"Orderly?" Buddy repeated. "Have you ever seen a child's room? No, you haven't! Well, let me tell you--it's the furthest thing from orderly! A child's love is the same way. It's messy. It's strong one day and weak the next. A teddy's job is to be there no matter what. By keeping these teddies down here, you're robbing them of the chance to fulfill their purpose.!"

-----

"We were all wrong," Buddy insisted, and the truth of it made him stand taller. "Don't you see, Forgiver? You, me, Reginald, Sunny--we were wrong to believe that what we are made of has anything to do with who we are. We're more than So-So-Soft fur. We're more than Real Silk Hearts. We're special because we love one another. We take care of one another. No other teddies in the history of teddies have done that."

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

They Stole Our Hearts is the second book in the Teddies Saga by Daniel Kraus. Due out 11th Jan 2022 from Macmillan on their Henry Holt imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

Although this is marketed for middle grades (10years+), I found it really quite scary, more horror than thriller/fantasy. There is quite a lot of blended real life trauma (parents fighting in front of the little girl, Darling, Darling's mother screaming and belittling her, teddies being dismembered quite graphically, dead teddies left right and center, and more). In addition, there are "dream sequence" interludes which are unsettling and scary-ish.

The book is undeniably well written though. The atmosphere throughout is charged with tension and palpable danger. The author absolutely knows his craft. There is very little backstory given in the narrative, so I would not recommend this one as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book when I read this one and I am sure it wouldn't have been nearly as confusing in the start. For readers who pick this one up without having read the first one, give it a few chapters to get up to speed with the plot.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 5 hours and 40 minutes and is well narrated by Kirby Heyborne. He has a rich and expressive voice and manages to read the different characters (including young, old, teddy bears, and adults) distinctly and clearly. The sound and production quality throughout are to a high standard.

The next book in the series is foreshadowed heavily with a cliffhanger ending which left me feeling somewhat frustrated.

Four stars for the print and audiobook versions.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - rounded to 4

Perhaps because They Stole Our Hearts is the second book in the Teddies Saga, I was a bit lost in the beginning.

I also found myself obsessed with trying to peg the story's audience, though I saw it labeled Children's Literature and ages 10-14.

I know kids mature quicker than when I was young, so I couldn’t imagine older children reading a book about teddy bears. Then to make it even more mind-boggling, the story was scary and definitely had strong elements of horror. Alrighty then, that certainly didn’t fit a younger age bracket. So for the first part of the audio, my mind ran in this never-ending loop. Who is this for?

It felt unsettling.


My next concern, especially in the beginning, was that I was constantly trying to keep the characters straight. And even the story had me scratching my head. Though there aren’t claims of this being a standalone book, I’d warn buyers not to assume that it is.

My Concerns
While I did begin to make some sense of the story, I would definitely read the description and decide if it sounds interesting. If it does, start with the first book. I think if you do, it will make all the difference in the world.
2. I kept fighting the thought that teddy bears felt wrong for a scary, horror-type book.

3. I’d warn parents that some of the story is a bit graphic and could be disturbing for sensitive children.

Final Thoughts
The narration by Kirby Heyborne was enjoyable. And some readers might even find it fun to read along with the narration.

Start with the first book in this series.

For those who aren’t a fan of cliffhangers, be forewarned that another book will be following this one, and for some, it won’t be any too soon.

This is one of those books that feels well written, but parents may want to review it first to make sure it’s a fit for their child.

This felt like a hard audiobook to review. I really think if I had read the first book, I still might be in the never-ending loop, but I'm sure I would have enjoyed this more.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to listen to this audiobook and review it without any stipulations.

[Adria Gaybrielz-Shoemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as much as the first one! However I almost DNFed this book for one reason. The beginning is so SLOW(at least in my opinion, fellow ADHD readers beware)

It worked out amazingly once finished but it would quicken and slow a lot, so unless your fine with slow burn and almost filler chapters then you might have a hard time reading. Specified below, spoilers ahead



The story picked up a couple of days after the teddies arrive at Darling’s house and laid out how their secret lives played out, hiding from Mama and waiting to be played with. What kind of kills this is the fact that Darling had lost her favorite stuffed animal, Roo, before receiving the teddies and with her having years with Roo she neglects the teddies making the first few chapters kind of boring up until they decide to leave to find other children, leading to Sugar being taken/killed and the rest escaping.

Cut to when the three remaining teddies meet the Cellar Teddies and have to live there for a time, this didn’t bother me as much since these days up to them leaving where necessary and also really well written with Nothing becoming independent and Reginald almost betraying Sunny and Buddy. These chapters are also where we get answers to why Furrington teddies are so hated.

If I could change one thing about this book it would be that Roo wasn’t a thing so that the concept of Darling having to hide the teddies from Mama would be used more and likely would’ve quickened the time it took for the teddies to leave and find the Cellar Teddies. (It also could’ve saved Sugar, but her death made Reginald’s near betrayal even more emotional so take it or leave it)

[̶L̶̶i̶̶l̶a̶̶h̶ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seconds after I bought this book I ripped the dust jacket :(

If the first book was depressing, this book definitely made up to the creepy, macabre side of the series (getting deja vu? I said this in an update but that was ages ago so I'm saying it again)

So many teddies die in brutal ways in this series and it's breaking my heart. In the first few chapters of this book one of the teddies, the one who the others sacrificed themselves for, got killed by I think a paper shredder? They just sat and watched while the stuffing of their friend rained down around them. Really eased you into the book.

They do pick up a new friend, though! I wonder how long she'll last.

Overall would recommend if you're into the creepy and can handle it. If we ever get it at the library or might need a senior fiction sticker. You'll see why if you keep reading.



* BIG SH TRIGGER WARNING* that feels weird to put on a book about teddy bears but it's needed I'm sorry




The three remaining teddies find this civilization of other teddies, but they're all kinda brainwashed and have chains looped around themselves. We find out later that the civilization is basically a sh cult, this teddy that they all worship comes out of his cave every once in a while and all the teddies take off their chains and whip themselves with them, lashing all their fur off. All the while chanting about how they'll never be loved and how worthless they are etc etc. This has turned out to be a whole lot darker than I thought it would be.