Anzac Ted is a very special kind of book, introducing a beaten up old teddy to present the idea of love, loyalty and "otherness". With a rhyming narrative, Belinda Landsberry's modern little boy describes his beloved teddy bear, Anzac Ted, and why he is so special.
Anzac has only one ear, one eye, a split tummy and is in altogether a sorry state. He frightens children at "show and tell" and never wins a vote in the toy show but he's special because ... and cleverly the full colour illustrations move into sepia to describe Anzac Ted's career in the army with the narrator's grandpa (for this generation he should probably have been a great if not great great grandpa!) who joined the Anzacs (Australian and New New Zealand Army Corps) to fight in the First World War.
This is a charming tale and Harriet really took it to heart, exclaiming "No!" when Anzac Ted is rejected by the narrator's classmates. Belinda Landsberry certainly knows how to tweak the heartstrings.
Anzac Ted also serves to introduce children to the concept of imperfections and disability plus giving them an idea of history and unsung heros.
The use of rhyme helps emerging readers to hazard a guess at words and the illustrations are perfect.
Anzac Ted makes a welcome addition to any child's bookshelf.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Published by EK Books, Anzac Ted (EK Books Book 3)