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Teddy's Favorite Toy
A mom goes to great lengths to rescue her son’s favorite doll in this delightful tribute to treasured toys—and mothers.
Teddy has a lot of cool toys. But his very favorite doll has the best manners, the sickest fighting skills, and a fierce sense of style. Then one morning, something truly awful happens. And there’s only one woman fierce enough to save the day. Can Teddy’s mom reunite Teddy with his favorite toy?
Teddy has a lot of cool toys. But his very favorite doll has the best manners, the sickest fighting skills, and a fierce sense of style. Then one morning, something truly awful happens. And there’s only one woman fierce enough to save the day. Can Teddy’s mom reunite Teddy with his favorite toy?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 15, 2018
This should be on every child's bookshelf.
There's a stance, but it's not overwhelming; it's integrated beautifully without feeling forced.
There's a stance, but it's not overwhelming; it's integrated beautifully without feeling forced.
March 3, 2018
3.5 This is the first picture book I’ve ever read with the phrase ‘Yass queen!’ and I’m totally into it.
January 12, 2019
When I picked up this book, I didn't really read the synopsis. I thought it would be some gender norm-shattering story about a little boy whose favourite toy just happens to be a fashion doll. But that part of the story is pretty much glossed over and taken for granted. It's really more of a story about a little boy idolizing his mother, and his favourite toy acting as a representation of everything he loves about her. Unfortunately, it also featured a rather inexplicable dose of cultural appropriation.
Teddy's favourite toy is a redheaded Barbie-like doll named Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. She has excellent manners, even better fighting skills, and she has an outfit for every occasion. (Seeing her dressed up in the shower scrubbie made me smile.) Teddy has plenty of other toys, but Bren-Da is his favourite... so when she loses her leg in an epic battle, of course he tries to save her. His doll-fixing skills aren't great, however, and she ends up looking like a trash-wrapped mummy... which leads to his mom throwing her in the garbage while he's at school. When the mom realizes what she's done, she (rather unbelievably) manages to chase down the garbage truck and rescue Bren-Da, using many of the doll's same parkour moves.
At two points in the story, Teddy yells, "Yas, queen!" which I felt was just odd, and kind of inappropriate for someone his age. (Where on earth would he have learned that?) Because the phrase is considered cultural appropriation by some, I found it a little uncomfortable to see it coming out of the mouth of a little kid. I'd be afraid this book would encourage kids to use such phrases without realizing the background and significance of the words.
Also, this is a very visual book. Now, that's not a problem in some cases, such as in wordless picture books. But a book like this might be read to a child, and it's not the kind of story one can simply listen to. In the first few pages, when we're being introduced to Teddy's toys, the text reads:
Now, if the kid listening to the story isn't looking at the book, they're not going to get much out of it. There are other similar instances throughout the book, where the story is entirely dependent upon the pictures (like when Bren-Da loses her leg, and all the text says is: "this happened"), but this is the most glaring example of why this book needs to be seen as well as heard/read.
The pictures are cute, but nothing special. I didn't notice that Teddy's mother was also a redhead until the end of the book, when I'd already noticed the parallel between her and the doll due to her physical skills.
I'm still not sure why the mom threw Bren-Da away in the first place. The doll was all wound up with gum, tape, and troll-doll hair, and yet the mom--who was an artist herself--assumed she was trash and threw her away.
Overall, I was kind of disappointed. I'd hoped for something that would shatter more gender stereotypes, but that wasn't even part of the story. Judging by the "boy" and "girl" sections in a lot of stores, there are still a lot of old attitudes out there. It's nice that the author felt that those didn't need to be addressed, but... they kind of do. (I can only imagine what would've happened if Teddy's classmates had seen him playing with Bren-Da.)
Teddy's favourite toy is a redheaded Barbie-like doll named Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. She has excellent manners, even better fighting skills, and she has an outfit for every occasion. (Seeing her dressed up in the shower scrubbie made me smile.) Teddy has plenty of other toys, but Bren-Da is his favourite... so when she loses her leg in an epic battle, of course he tries to save her. His doll-fixing skills aren't great, however, and she ends up looking like a trash-wrapped mummy... which leads to his mom throwing her in the garbage while he's at school. When the mom realizes what she's done, she (rather unbelievably) manages to chase down the garbage truck and rescue Bren-Da, using many of the doll's same parkour moves.
At two points in the story, Teddy yells, "Yas, queen!" which I felt was just odd, and kind of inappropriate for someone his age. (Where on earth would he have learned that?) Because the phrase is considered cultural appropriation by some, I found it a little uncomfortable to see it coming out of the mouth of a little kid. I'd be afraid this book would encourage kids to use such phrases without realizing the background and significance of the words.
Also, this is a very visual book. Now, that's not a problem in some cases, such as in wordless picture books. But a book like this might be read to a child, and it's not the kind of story one can simply listen to. In the first few pages, when we're being introduced to Teddy's toys, the text reads:
Teddy has a lot of cool toys.
Like this one.
And this one
and this one
and this one
and this one
and this one
and this one
and this one.
Now, if the kid listening to the story isn't looking at the book, they're not going to get much out of it. There are other similar instances throughout the book, where the story is entirely dependent upon the pictures (like when Bren-Da loses her leg, and all the text says is: "this happened"), but this is the most glaring example of why this book needs to be seen as well as heard/read.
The pictures are cute, but nothing special. I didn't notice that Teddy's mother was also a redhead until the end of the book, when I'd already noticed the parallel between her and the doll due to her physical skills.
I'm still not sure why the mom threw Bren-Da away in the first place. The doll was all wound up with gum, tape, and troll-doll hair, and yet the mom--who was an artist herself--assumed she was trash and threw her away.
Overall, I was kind of disappointed. I'd hoped for something that would shatter more gender stereotypes, but that wasn't even part of the story. Judging by the "boy" and "girl" sections in a lot of stores, there are still a lot of old attitudes out there. It's nice that the author felt that those didn't need to be addressed, but... they kind of do. (I can only imagine what would've happened if Teddy's classmates had seen him playing with Bren-Da.)
December 27, 2020
Moms rule!!! :)
March 14, 2018
This book is a must read for so many reasons. Thanks to my friend who handed this book to me!
November 2, 2020
This beautiful book gives me life! Teddy's favorite toy is the kick butt Bren-Da , Warrior Queen of Pacifica. It's amazing the grand adventures you can go on with your favorite toy!
July 6, 2021
Teddy loves a super awesome doll! She has the best manners and is a total super hero.
When Teddy's favorite toy has an accident, Teddy's mom will do anything to rescue Teddy's favorite doll.
The illustrations convey a VERY deep emotional connection between Teddy and Mom, and pay close attention to the doll as the message hits home for grown-up's but may be lost on younger kids. Madeline Valentine's simplistic, realistic and very colorful illustrations are as engaging as they are heartfelt.
A great read aloud for story time or for kids with their grown-up's.
When Teddy's favorite toy has an accident, Teddy's mom will do anything to rescue Teddy's favorite doll.
The illustrations convey a VERY deep emotional connection between Teddy and Mom, and pay close attention to the doll as the message hits home for grown-up's but may be lost on younger kids. Madeline Valentine's simplistic, realistic and very colorful illustrations are as engaging as they are heartfelt.
A great read aloud for story time or for kids with their grown-up's.
April 9, 2018
Teddy has lots of toys he likes, but only one favorite one: Bren-Da, the Warrior Queen of Pacifica. They have tea parties together and she has great manners. They fight battles together and she does a wonderful kick. She can dress up in different styles. But then one day, when Teddy is playing with her, Bren-Da’s leg snaps off. Teddy tries to fix her, but has to leave for school and he keeps her wrapped up in bandages until he can return. Unfortunately, Teddy’s mom cleans up his room and accidentally throws Bren-Da out with the trash. What can they do? It’s up to Teddy’s mom to become a Warrior Queen herself.
There are several book out there about children playing with toys that may be seen as unusual for their gender. This one though has a great twist and really is about far more than just playing with a doll as a little boy. Instead it’s also about heroism, favorite toys and the ability of a mom to become a hero. The book is told simply but without any bit of didacticism. The illustrations are bright and friendly, offering great moments of play that are then mirrored by the rescue mission. A great picture book that breaks gender stereotypes in more than one way. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
There are several book out there about children playing with toys that may be seen as unusual for their gender. This one though has a great twist and really is about far more than just playing with a doll as a little boy. Instead it’s also about heroism, favorite toys and the ability of a mom to become a hero. The book is told simply but without any bit of didacticism. The illustrations are bright and friendly, offering great moments of play that are then mirrored by the rescue mission. A great picture book that breaks gender stereotypes in more than one way. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
March 14, 2018
Such a great book and a must recommend. This book shows how far we have come in terms of acceptance in what kind of person you can be and what kind of people your children are and will become. So great.
March 13, 2018
Not quite what I was expecting, but still fun! I gave an extra star because it says "yas, queen" on one of the pages. :)
March 27, 2018
My favorite picture book of the year!!!! Yasssss, queen!!!
May 22, 2018
Teddy's favorite toy is "Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica" with many skills. Wonderful story when Mom springs into action after throwing Bren-da away.
March 26, 2019
One of the best picture books Ive ever come across!
March 9, 2019
That Teddy loves his Barbie best of all is secondary to the mom rescuing a mistakenly discarded beloved toy. But it may set up kids w unrealistic expectations of what a well-meaning mom could do to fix a mistake of this kind. My sister got rid of her kids’ Star War toys way before the kids would have liked but there was no way to get them back. Sometimes a valued item gets lost or broken, or thrown or given away and you must just carry on without it. Showing a mom using almost super powers to fix a mistake of this kind is the wrong lesson, in my opinion. That being said, the message that any toy can be loved by any kid is nice. And Teddy’s face is adorable, along with his wildly creative imaginative play!
October 23, 2018
My son's name is Teddy!
May 15, 2018
I'm a big fan of books that show kids doing something that people don't find "normal", and don't draw any attention to it whatsoever, and thus make it seem totally normal and nothing to make a big deal about; here: a little boy having a doll as his favorite toy. I 100% understand and fully support the fact that yes, sometimes we do need to be loud and proud and take a firm open stance on letting people know that being different is okay and should be celebrated, but I appreciate when someone takes the opposite route in which a book so subtly sends its message. You go Teddy, and Teddy's mom, and Bren-Da.
September 27, 2019
I kinda want to gift this to every mom I know. It's a sweet story of a toy getting lost, but beyond that it's a story about how a mom will do everything she can to help her child, and a story showing that boys liking dolls is no big deal, and a story showing girl power. And it's just cute fun. Definitely one I'll add to my school library and recommend others read.
September 25, 2019
Yaas queen!
September 17, 2018
Teddy's Favorite Toy by Christian Trimmer, illustrated by Madeline Valentine. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), 2018. $18. 9781481480796.
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Teddy's favorite toy is an awesome doll he calls Bren-Da. She gets broken/injured during one of their adventures one morning, and Teddy uses various tapes, strings, etc to try and fix her up before school. While he's gone, his mom mistakes Bren-Da for garbage and tosses her in the trash. When Teddy discovers the mistake, his Mom leaps into action and--like a superhero--saves Bren-Da and saves the day.
The illustrations in this book are fun and the story is incredibly simple with the pictures telling a lot of the story. The point of this story is clearly more about the message of "Its okay for boys to like dolls" than it is about the actual storyline, and I think that is okay. By not pointedly saying it in the story, the author really does make it okay for Teddy to love a doll and I'm all for breaking down gender stereotypes. As such, I think this book does have a place in libraries and would be a great storytime read aloud.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Teddy's favorite toy is an awesome doll he calls Bren-Da. She gets broken/injured during one of their adventures one morning, and Teddy uses various tapes, strings, etc to try and fix her up before school. While he's gone, his mom mistakes Bren-Da for garbage and tosses her in the trash. When Teddy discovers the mistake, his Mom leaps into action and--like a superhero--saves Bren-Da and saves the day.
The illustrations in this book are fun and the story is incredibly simple with the pictures telling a lot of the story. The point of this story is clearly more about the message of "Its okay for boys to like dolls" than it is about the actual storyline, and I think that is okay. By not pointedly saying it in the story, the author really does make it okay for Teddy to love a doll and I'm all for breaking down gender stereotypes. As such, I think this book does have a place in libraries and would be a great storytime read aloud.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
March 7, 2022
I know the book is fictional, and it's a children's book, but I found myself being so irritated that, according to the illustrations, the mom was able to catch the garbage truck just down the street after Teddy gets back from school, when she had thrown out the trash almost directly into the truck sortly after Teddy left for school...
Anyway, to the real meat of the book - I find it somewhat funny that reviewers of this book are so upset that the author didn't make a big deal (a learning opportunity, etc.) out of Teddy playing with a doll who he likes to dress up, etc. That Trimmer didn't point out this fact and identify how many people (Teddy's friends maybe, other adults who aren't his mom) would bully Teddy for this non-gender stereotypical play. While some books like that are important to show that these conversations are happening, and toys don't have a gender (so anyone can play with them), we also need books like this one to normalize such play. Sometimes modeling is more effective than conversation or arguing.
My last note is that for some reason, I didn't love the last sentence, after Teddy and his mom had a most magnificient toy battle before bed: "It was cool." Just didn't seem fitting.
Anyway, to the real meat of the book - I find it somewhat funny that reviewers of this book are so upset that the author didn't make a big deal (a learning opportunity, etc.) out of Teddy playing with a doll who he likes to dress up, etc. That Trimmer didn't point out this fact and identify how many people (Teddy's friends maybe, other adults who aren't his mom) would bully Teddy for this non-gender stereotypical play. While some books like that are important to show that these conversations are happening, and toys don't have a gender (so anyone can play with them), we also need books like this one to normalize such play. Sometimes modeling is more effective than conversation or arguing.
My last note is that for some reason, I didn't love the last sentence, after Teddy and his mom had a most magnificient toy battle before bed: "It was cool." Just didn't seem fitting.
May 10, 2018
Similar to Knuffle Bunny but perhaps a bit less realistic (Mom fishes favorite toy out of garbage truck after what seems to be several hours). Regardless, the realism of the plot is not all that important. This story is easily related to by pre-schoolers who often love to make up stories based on facts or even are not sure what the facts actually are. The facts in this story are that Teddy's favorite toy breaks, he tries to fix it by wrapping it up until it is unrecognizable, Mom throws it away thinking it's trash, Teddy is horrified when he can't find it, Mom rescues it. The best part of this story is that it subverts gender stereotypes without that subversion having anything to do with the plot or the story. Teddy's favorite toy is a doll who gets lots of different hairstyles, wears a variety of creative outfits but usually a poufy-skirted dress, has tea parties, and has fierce warrior skills. Teddy loves his doll, and clearly loves his mother, who seems to have a very similar variety of interests and abilities. Teddy's skin color is not exactly the same as his mother's; the one-legged doll is still fierce and lovable. Great messages delivered in a non-didactic way.
October 30, 2018
Teddy's Favorite Toy is a children's picture book written by Christian Trimmer and illustrated by Madeline Valentine, which is about a boy's favorite toy that his mother accidentally threw out and the lengths that she would go through to get the toy back.
Trimmer's text is rather simple and straightforward. It is a fantastical tale about a mother who would go through great lengths to rescue her child's favorite toy. Valentine's illustrations are wonderful depicted and depicted the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is about a boy named Teddy and his favorite toy, a doll named Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. It broke during a morning of play and Teddy tried to fix it with little success. When Teddy was out at school, his mother accidentally threw it out, because she thought it was garbage. After hearing what she did, she goes through fantastical lengths to retrieve the treasure toy for her son.
All in all, Teddy's Favorite Toy is a wonderful tale about a story told a boy and his favorite toy and a mother's fantastical rescue mission to retrieve the toy back.
Trimmer's text is rather simple and straightforward. It is a fantastical tale about a mother who would go through great lengths to rescue her child's favorite toy. Valentine's illustrations are wonderful depicted and depicted the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is about a boy named Teddy and his favorite toy, a doll named Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. It broke during a morning of play and Teddy tried to fix it with little success. When Teddy was out at school, his mother accidentally threw it out, because she thought it was garbage. After hearing what she did, she goes through fantastical lengths to retrieve the treasure toy for her son.
All in all, Teddy's Favorite Toy is a wonderful tale about a story told a boy and his favorite toy and a mother's fantastical rescue mission to retrieve the toy back.
October 12, 2018
This is a cute little picture that immediately subverts expectations. You see a boy holding up a Barbie-doll clone on the cover and think that this is going to be a story about a kid defending his choices and values. But Teddy isn’t being bullied by other children or chastised by his parents to pick the “right” kind of toys. He enjoys his playthings, enjoys fooling around with them and does so without discrimination or knowledge that there’s anything odd about his choices.
So what we get is a story much on the level of Knuffle Bunny, in which the little girl loses her precious toy and makes a fuss until it is retrieved. As in that tale, Teddy’s parent springs into action to retrieve Teddy’s beloved Bren-Da and all is well.
The pictures are simplistic, with narrow slits for eyes and black crayon outlines around everything. But the story bounces along with mother and son bonding over the reunion with Teddy��s favorite toy.
So what we get is a story much on the level of Knuffle Bunny, in which the little girl loses her precious toy and makes a fuss until it is retrieved. As in that tale, Teddy’s parent springs into action to retrieve Teddy’s beloved Bren-Da and all is well.
The pictures are simplistic, with narrow slits for eyes and black crayon outlines around everything. But the story bounces along with mother and son bonding over the reunion with Teddy��s favorite toy.
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March 21, 2023Teddy's favorite toy is a barbie doll. He dresses her up in costumes and she does backflips and kicks in the air. One day her leg fell off. Teddy couldn't fix her before he went to school, so he left. His mom picked up his room and accidentally threw her away. His mom did everything she could to get the doll back once she realized what she did. At the end of the day, Teddy got his doll back and mom was the hero.
I like how this book shows that it's okay for boys to play with dolls. Normally in our society, boys have to act like boys. They can only play with boy toys. But this book doesn't show that. Yes, Teddy has boy toys, but he also has girl toys and everyone is okay with that.
Teddy and his mom look very different, it makes me think that they may not be biological son and mother. His mom has red hair and fair skin while Teddy has brown hair and darker skin.
I like how this book shows that it's okay for boys to play with dolls. Normally in our society, boys have to act like boys. They can only play with boy toys. But this book doesn't show that. Yes, Teddy has boy toys, but he also has girl toys and everyone is okay with that.
Teddy and his mom look very different, it makes me think that they may not be biological son and mother. His mom has red hair and fair skin while Teddy has brown hair and darker skin.
October 27, 2019
This is a cute little story about a little boy who's favourite toy breaks and then is accidentally thrown out by his mother, but is rescued in the end. It's not a long or complicated story and there aren't a lot of words.
I really liked this book, however, because it's doing some important things. Teddy plays, unapologetically, with a pink doll. He plays with her in a variety of ways and this is accepted without any kind of judgment being made about it. Also, Teddy's mother is the only parent shown in this book. We see her working at home. We see her make a mistake and later realize that she has made a mistake and work to make it right. Male pronouns are used for Teddy, but he is drawn in a very androgynous fashion, making him a great stand in for all kinds of children.
I really liked this book, however, because it's doing some important things. Teddy plays, unapologetically, with a pink doll. He plays with her in a variety of ways and this is accepted without any kind of judgment being made about it. Also, Teddy's mother is the only parent shown in this book. We see her working at home. We see her make a mistake and later realize that she has made a mistake and work to make it right. Male pronouns are used for Teddy, but he is drawn in a very androgynous fashion, making him a great stand in for all kinds of children.
December 10, 2020
Teddy has a lot of cool toys, but his favorite is a doll named Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. She not only has good manners and amazing fashion sense, but she's also got sick fighting skills. Teddy loves her. In the midst of an epic battle one of Bren-Da's legs snaps off. OH NO. Teddy tries to fix it, but to no avail. He heads off to school leaving a mess behind and hoping he can repair her later on. When Teddy's mom sees the mess, she tosses everything into the trash, which gets promptly picked up. And when Teddy returns home later that day and can't find his doll things get srs. Turns out mom is a pretty kick-butt warrior queen herself! Bren-Da makes a triumphant return. She's still missing a leg, but she's back with her kid. Funny and shows that kids can love all kinds of toys.
July 20, 2021
My 2.5 yr old daughter loves this sweet story. Teddy loves his doll Bren-Da, who also happens to bear resemblance to his mom. Bren-Da has an accident one day during play time and while Teddy tries to fix her, his mom assumes she is garbage and throws her away. But have no fear, mom rescues the day by saving Bren-Da from the dump!
The concepts of having a favourite toy, it getting broken and trying to fix it, and being worried about her where-abouts make this a great read for a pre-schooler. As a read-a-loud I do find some parts a big awkward and I flush out the storyline as some pages rely more on pictures. But my daughter loves to read "And this one, and this one, and this one..!".
It's asked for every night - will become a part of our bookshelf for sure!
The concepts of having a favourite toy, it getting broken and trying to fix it, and being worried about her where-abouts make this a great read for a pre-schooler. As a read-a-loud I do find some parts a big awkward and I flush out the storyline as some pages rely more on pictures. But my daughter loves to read "And this one, and this one, and this one..!".
It's asked for every night - will become a part of our bookshelf for sure!
March 18, 2018
Those that have ever played with their favorite toys so actively that there was inevitably a catastrophe, will definitely be able to relate to this cute picture book. When I think of all of the haircuts and weird experiments I performed with some of my dolls, I have to smile at this story. Timmy plays very hard with his doll, until one day a leg snaps off. All of the ways he tries to repair the doll only make more of a mess. He has to leave the problem for later, but when he returns, the doll is missing. The relatable narrative and humorous illustrations make this a fun one to share with young readers.
June 7, 2022
Cute if odd little book. This falls under the heading of not really a pride picture book but I always like a gender norms crushing toy story so I'll put it there, even though not much is made of that (which, tbh, is a bit refreshing.) Teddy's play with her is super real and his mom's rushing to save the discarded toy is cute if it leaves you wondering how she ever could have thrown her away in the first place. I kind of like that in the end no move is made to fix the doll but he just plays with and enjoys her just as she is. Not sure what to make of the name Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica which feels like maybe not the most awesome of representation. A strange book. But we enjoyed it.
March 24, 2018
I didn't love this. The illustrations are bright and fun and it's nice that Teddy's favorite toy is traditionally feminine, but it's unrealistic that his mom could rescue the toy after the garbage took actually took it. I would've preferred if they bought or made a replacement, because that's a message kids need to hear - not that mom can bring back a toy from the dump!
Also, I thought the "yas, queen"s were a little weird. Yes, that's absolutely common vernacular right now but I don't think it'll stick and it'll therefore date the book in a year or two.
Also, I thought the "yas, queen"s were a little weird. Yes, that's absolutely common vernacular right now but I don't think it'll stick and it'll therefore date the book in a year or two.
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