I am one of Teddy’s biggest fans! Christine Milkovic Krauss crafts endearing stories full of charm and layered with themes. Together with the illustrations of Cierra Van Nes, Teddy’s books are brimming with life! These books have captured a certain level of nostalgia while exploring modern themes. Teddy Loses His Ears is another beautiful and thoughtful addition to this canon (other books here).
Deceptively elementary, Teddy Loses His Ears delves into themes of loss, difference, trauma, and society’s response to it. With Teddy as a totem, Krauss eases the young reader into an awareness of these complex themes, thereby opening their young minds to further examine and explore the emotional impact of these themes. Teddy loses his ears, much like the other books in this canon, is the perfect training wheel for developing and maintaining empathy in young readers.
Krauss demonstrates her storytelling acumen as we follow Teddy through a range of emotions culminating in a reconciliation of his past and future. What at first glance appears to be a ‘simple’ picture book contains multiple layers. The winsome story of a kitten getting caught in a snowstorm was, but a launching pad used to address consequences, differences, and a positive response.
On one level, Krauss is drawing attention to the plight of many lost animals that are affected by the elements. This predicament, by extension, allows for further discussion that will undoubtedly lead to understanding, compassion, and acceptance of each other’s differences. In today’s landscape, these traits are becoming rarities, and books such as these are instrumental in nurturing these innate traits among the young. Whether by design or happy coincidence, this subliminal layer reinforces attributes that today’s society is in great need of and will benefit from as these young readers become tomorrow’s leaders.
Teddy loses his ears is a delightful stand-alone book, but I was extremely appreciative of the continuity maintained through the illustrations and references to other books in the canon. For instance, we were introduced to the farmer that found Teddy, whose name is revealed in a subsequent book. These are connections that enable the young reader to become fully immersed in Teddy’s world.
Young readers are insightful and adept at identifying details and making associations, Krauss and Van Nes’ acknowledgement of this inherent ability is evident through the subtle nods to subsequent manuscripts via the illustrations. These visual cues get triggered by ‘easter eggs’ that are littered throughout and finding each one is equally surprising and rewarding. It’s like getting a cookie for finding Waldo!
I will say that I wish Teddy loses his ears was a bit longer and explored the themes introduced a bit more. The book’s ending felt sudden. That said, I completely understand the audience of a picture book and their abbreviated attention spans. Picture books are but catalysts to encourage discussion and there is a fine line between too much and too little. Though Krauss’ elegantly maneuvered this line, I do think it veered a touch into the too little. Admittedly, that opinion may be based on me wanting to spend more time with Teddy…
At the risk of a sudden ending to this review, there is but one more thing to be said. Teddy loses his ears is delightfully endearing and a welcome addition to any young readers’ bookshelf!
Pros:
- Multilayered and relatable
- Endearing illustrations
- Variety of themes introduced
- Easter Eggs
Cons:
- Plot could have been expanded to further explore the themes
Favourite Character:
- Teddy
Cover Score: 9.0/10
Book Score: 8.7/10
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