'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 29 March 2024

Review: Anzac Ted 10th Anniversay

Written in rhyming verse, Belinda Landsberry’s timeless story is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with this Special Edition.

A luxurious cloth cover embraces the contents, which start with stunning end pages.

Not much to look at, Anzac Ted has lots of external flaws, for time has aged him.

For the children who see him at Show and Tell, he is worthless.

 Worn and patched, with missing parts, his value is hidden within the stories he carries.

History only, can speak for the bravery that Anzac Ted symbolises.

Ted the bear is given to a young man by his wife as he leaves to fight in the war, as a reminder of home.

He becomes the comfort, friend, and mascot of all the Anzacs around him. Their symbol of hope, courage, bravery, and camaraderie.

Landsberry’s superb illustrations flood the pages with Ted’s unspoken memories that make him so valuable.

At the end there is a page explaining to children of this generation, About the Anzacs. The opposite page has a silhouette of Ted, with a QR code to scan for a picture to colour in, and a guide to draw him.

This book should be on every child's bookcase and in every library, to remind us all of the sacrifice made for the freedom of millions of people. 

I got goosebumps when I read this book.

Title: Anzac Ted 10th Anniversary Special Edition
Author/Illustrator: Belinda Landsberry
Publisher: EK Books, $ 29.99
Publication Date: 3 March 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922539755
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book