EK Books
March 2024
ISBN: 9781922539755
RRP: $29.99
Sometimes appearances are misleading, as adults we know that. So for some children who see a battered, raggedy and worn-out teddy bear with missing parts, it would be natural to be dismissive or even contemptuous. My own Tedward is, after 67 years, in a pretty sad and sorry state, and no doubt they would think the same, but when I explain to children to whom I have shown my much-loved, life-long companion (Santa delivered him for my first Xmas), they understand completely how special he is despite his lack of fur, his worn paws and wonky eyes.
In just such a way, this beautifully poignant book helps children to understand how special a bear can be when it has survived a terrible conflict and been carefully handed down in a family.
In doing so, this narrative is also a sensitively written way to explain the ANZAC tradition and history to younger children. ANZAC Ted might be shabby and ugly but he’s a true hero. His history as a mascot for Grandpa Jack and his mates at Gallipoli is inspirational, and a story as worthy of sharing as those true stories recounted recently for National Day of War Animals, many of whom were also much-loved mascots.
This has been a best-seller since it’s first release and it is no surprise to anyone who has read and shared it. The new edition is a beautiful hardback (love that textured binding) with additional backmatter: a full page of information about the ANZAC campaign and a QR code to take readers to a colouring in page and a how-to-draw Ted activity.
Here we are already in March, and ANZAC Day is just around the corner. I know that many educators and librarians will already be planning their commemoration.
I highly recommend you include this one in your reading roster for this year’s event. For many it will be high time to buy a new copy so be sure to get it ordered now. Watch this beautiful sharing of the book from 2020, read by CPL Julian Rankin.
Just So Stories 
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