From School Library Journal
POPPreS-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
Review
* "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*
* "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.... After Bren-Da’s leg falls off, Teddy’s mother mistakenly throws her away.... 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." ― Publishers Weekly, December 2017, *STARRED REVIEW*
"Knuffle Bunny is reimagined with dialogue and a dash of suspense. . . . Trimmer's simple story of a universal experience will captivate young readers and have them rooting for Teddy's reunion with Bren-Da. Teddy's problem-solving abilities also serve as a useful model. Valentine's illustrations bring the story to life with creative depictions of orange-haired, pink-skinned Bren-Da's style and humorous portrayals of Teddy's and his mother's actions. . . . The story gently pushes gender norms by showing a doll as Teddy's favorite toy and Teddy's mom as nothing short of a superheroine as she tries to get Bren-Da back. A heartwarming story that uses an everyday occurrence to push the envelope on many fronts." -- Kirkus Reviews ― 11/15/17
"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”.... With a triumphant text declaring 'Yas, queen,' this is a very modern take on the lost and retrieved favorite toy." ― School Library Journal
"The story’s implicit messages—that it should be unremarkable when boys play with dolls; that parents can become superheroic to do right by their children—ring loud, true, and (in a book full of comical flourishes, particularly in the mixed-media illustrations) funny...in terms of presenting gender nonconformity as perfectly normal, it’s ahead of the curve." ― Horn Book Magazine, March/April 2018
About the Author
Christian Trimmer is a children’s book editor and writer. He is the author of Simon’s New Bed, Mimi and Shu in I’ll Race You!, Teddy’s Favorite Toy, and Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his partner. Learn more about him, his books, and lots of other things at ChristianTrimmer.com.
Madeline Valentine grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and received a BFA from Pratt Institute in 2007. She has illustrated five children’s books, including Teddy’s Favorite Toy by Christian Trimmer. She is also the author-illustrator of George in the Dark and The Bad Birthday Idea. She currently lives in Queens. Visit her online at MadelineValentine.com.
