Publishers Weekly
08/09/2021
Inspired by national children’s nonprofit Baby2Baby, co-CEOs Sawyer Patricof and Weinstein team up with ambassador Alba to relay this kindhearted, if predictable, story. Tiana, a child with brown skin and two dark braids, has loved her teddy bear Bach for so long and so much that he is missing an eye and has stuffing coming out of his neck. When a new teddy arrives to take Bach’s place, Tiana confides in her redheaded, bespectacled pal Timothy about her dilemma—only to discover that “toys aren’t a pri-o-ri-ty” in Timothy’s cash-strapped household. Más presents digital illustrations in a vibrant color palette, immersing readers in Tiana’s world. Prose veers on didactic at times (“And although things can be unfair and unequal, it doesn’t mean we can’t do something about it”), but the anticipated moral holds true: sometimes giving feels better than receiving. Front matter features a creators’ note. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
The anticipated moral holds true: sometimes giving feels better than receiving. — Publishers Weekly
A sweet read-aloud about friendship, kindness, and equity. — Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
2021-08-18
Thanks to a gift from her aunt, Tiana now has two teddy bears, but when her best friend, Timothy, reveals that he’s never had one, Tiana gets a big idea.
Tiana, with light brown skin and Afro-textured pigtails, loves music and her favorite teddy bear, Bach. Tiana and Bach have been through a lot together, and poor Bach is missing an eye, has worn fur, and is oozing stuffing to show for it. One day, her mother surprises her with a new teddy bear, but Tiana is hesitant to replace her much-loved friend. The next day, she races to the playground to discuss the matter with Timothy, a White boy with glasses. Like Tiana, Timothy doesn’t see anything wrong with Bach, going on to tell Tiana that in his house, where money is scarce, “toys aren’t a pri-or-ity.” Tiana is sad for her friend and wants him to also have a teddy bear. She discusses the matter with her mother, who lovingly explains that every family is not the same and that some families are not able to afford the same things as others. After some thought, Tiana decides that she wants Timothy to have her new bear, and her mother agrees. Timothy loves his new bear, naming it Billie, “because he loves jazz,” and the four “all [play] together in perfect harmony.” Empathetic, playful illustrations complement this adorable story, which opens with a note from the authors about their organization, Baby2Baby. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sweet read-aloud about friendship, kindness, and equity. (Picture book. 4-6)
