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Congratulations to Kristen Schroeder, whose picture book FREDDY THE NOT-TEDDY released today with Australian publisher Exsile Books!
ABOUT FREDDY THE NOT-TEDDY:
Freddy is certainly not a Teddy, but that won’t stop him from being the star of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in this inspiring story about inclusion, friendship and staying true to yourself.
Freddy is Jonah’s favourite stuffed toy, but no one knows quite what Freddy is – a funky duck, a peculiar platypus, a punk rock penguin? When Jonah’s teacher announces that they’re going to have a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, it seems that if Jonah wants to take Freddy, Freddy will have to go in disguise!
Jonah and Freddy try all of their best Teddy Bear disguises, but nothing can quite cover up the fact that Freddy is a little different. What should Jonah do? He loves Freddy, but should he still take Freddy to the picnic if he doesn’t look like all the other teddies?
Find out what happens when Jonah stands up for himself and for his beloved Freddy in a heart-warming story that will resonate with any child who has ever felt like they’re a little different. A celebration of inclusivity and being kind to others, Freddy the Not-Teddy will inspire young readers to express themselves just as they are!
“The message of the story is powerful throughout and reminds children of the importance to be kind and to respond to others as they would want to be treated.” -NZ Booklovers
“The strongest theme in this book is the bravery it takes to be true to yourself and kind to others.” –The Children’s Book Council of Australia
Kristen Schroeder grew up in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. Some of her best childhood memories involve discovering a new favorite book or author at her local library. Books introduced her to other countries and worlds. Kristen loves to travel and lived in Australia for 11 years. She returned to Minnesota with an Aussie husband, two children, and dual citizenship. She began writing for children in 2014 in between running a business and raising her kids.
Congrats again on this warm-hearted picture book, Kristen! Get your copy from these retailers or your local indie: The Quarto Group, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Target.
Be sure to say hi to Kristen Schroeder on her website, Twitter, and Instagram!