Teddy's Favorite Toy

Teddy's favorite toy is Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica. She's a pink-skinned Barbie-style doll, and Teddy's play with her ranges from action-hero combat sequences ("She has the sickest fighting skills") to extravagant fashion looks worthy of Project Runway or RuPaul's Drag Race. (Teddy's couture creations drape Bren-Da in mismatched socks, a bath pouf, and pretzels in a plastic baggie.) After Bren-Da's leg falls off, Teddy's mother mistakenly throws her away--and readers see the garbage truck take off with the trash. Teddy's mother takes his anguish seriously. Valentine's gouache and pencil drawings blend action and comedy as Teddy's mother chases the truck with daring moves worthy of Bren-Da herself. "Yas, queen!" Teddy shouts in exultation. Trimmer's smart, closely observed portrait celebrates a boy and a mother whose relationship grows out of mutual respect. Although it's left unsaid, Teddy's play resists gender stereotyping in that he's allowed the freedom to play with whatever toys he likes in whatever way strikes his fancy--and the result is an imaginative free-for-all. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Feb.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1—Inspired by a favorite childhood toy, this book tells the typical story of a lost and found plaything. What makes this particular version of an age-old tale stand out it that Teddy's favorite toy is a pink Barbie—esque doll whom he has named "Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of Pacifica." Not only is she Teddy's coolest toy, but she also has the best manners, the sickest fighting moves, and the ability to pull off a number of stylish looks. When Bren-Da is accidentally broken and then thrown away by the boy's mother, Teddy is heartbroken. Then, as his mother swings into action to retrieve the doll, astute readers will notice that she is really the inspiration for Bren-Da's fabulousness. VERDICT With a triumphant text declaring "Yas, queen," this is a very modern take on the lost and retrieved favorite toy. Recommended as a general purchase for children's collections.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

* "Joining the plethora of gender-norm-defying picture books comes this refreshingly bold story that makes its message clear without being pedantic.... What makes this book so appealing is the back-and-forth dynamic between the text and images.... Simple, sophisticated language...suggests a respectful alliance between mother and son, and is perfectly complemented by charming, gouache-and-pencil illustrations that capture the characters' emotions as the story unfolds. Slightly older readers can unpack other layers about social norms and diversity, but all will appreciate this dynamic book's adventurous yet relatable style."— "Booklist, December 2017, *STARRED REVIEW*"