Freddy the Not-Teddy

Kristen Schroeder writes for children from her home in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and children. She was born and raised in a suburb of the Twin Cities of Minnesota, before living in Sydney and Melbourne for 11 years. She and her family are dual American Australian citizens and consider Melbourne their second home. Freddy the Not-Teddy is Kristen’s second picture book, inspired by her son’s favourite stuffed toy, Freddy.Hilary Jean Tapper is a picture book illustrator, perpetually enchanted by the magic of watercolour and small folk. She has drawn small persons since she herself was a small person – and you’ll find such naughty wee characters on everything she touches! Hilary also works as a children’s arts therapist and teaches dollmaking (Courage Dolls) with the theme of courage. Her work seeks to inspire connection within ourselves, with those around us, and the greater world we are a part of.

This is a heart-warming story that will appeal to all our young readers who have a favourite stuffed toy that is not a teddy, especially if they have had to make a decision about whether it “fits the brief” for an occasion like a Teddy Bears’ Picnic.  Jonah’s solutions to both his own problem and that of Cassie will inspire them to be brave enough to be themselves despite peer pressure.