Book Review of Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear
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The Children’s Book Review
Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear
Written by Andrea O’Connor
Illustrated by Reina Rey
Ages: 4-6 | 28 Pages
Publisher: Emerald Lake Books (2024) | ISBN: 9781945847769
What to Expect: Imagination, playtime, friendship, and toys.
In a story with the same reassuring charm as A. A. Milne’s early rhymes about Winnie-the-Pooh, Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear introduces a child and their toy bear as they go about a day of imaginative play and exploration.
Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear is going to have a very BUSY day! First, it’s time to get up, brush your teeth, and get ready for the day. Then, pancakes for breakfast, and then it’s time to play. Pirate games, climbing trees, flying kites, and rolling in the grass are hungry work, so next comes a picnic with lovely things to eat and a nap before it’s time to build castles and fight dragons. Finally, it’s time for a bath, a story, a prayer, and bed. There’s so much fun to be had when your friend is a bear like Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear!
Games of make-believe take on a dream-like quality as we see them from the perspective of the toy bear. Although Benjamin seems to be just a toy in some frames, others show changes of expression or glimpses of movement that hint at secret animation, and readers will love imagining for themselves that he might come to life for the child’s shared games. Vivid watercolor illustrations add to the dreamy atmosphere, while the steady rhythm and regular rhyming pattern make the story perfect for animated reading aloud.
Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear is a lovable and comforting story, with a timeless quality that evokes the feel of a classic. Its enduring appeal will resonate with both children and adults, making it a perfect choice for shared reading experiences.
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About the Author
Andrea O’Connor is the author of the Woodson Falls small-town mystery series. She also wrote three award-winning texts in the area of nursing education and staff development as well as numerous articles in peer-reviewed nursing and education journals.
She collects teddy bears and birdhouses, loves to garden and bake bread, and writes from Sherman, Connecticut.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Benjamin Symington Theodore Bear. Learn more about getting a book review …
