Teddy's Snowy Day - Rilegato

In this sequel to his previous story about a little girl named Lily and her bear named Teddy (Home Before Dark, not reviewed), Beck again follows a basic teddy bear lost-and-found plot line. On Christmas Eve day, Lily goes off to play outside, and Teddy, left behind for safekeeping, falls off a windowsill into the snowy outside world. He explores on his own, snowboarding on a spare plank, building a snowbear, and sliding on a frozen pond until, as night falls, he realizes he is lost. To the rescue come a kind voice and a strong pair of arms clad in red with white fur cuffs and red mittens. Teddy is delivered by "a whizzing sleigh" back to Lily, who doesn't seem to notice that her bear was missing. Together, girl and bear wait for the magic of Christmas Eve, with the special connection to Santa shown with a stream of starlight flowing down to Lily's window. Younger preschoolers will like the implied secret of the rescue by Santa, and the simple plot will work well for toddlers who are just moving into real stories. The snowboarding sequence (also shown on the cover) will attract children who are interested in that winter sport, and Beck's charming teddy bear is an appealing character who seems destined for further episodes of getting lost. --Kirkus Reviews, November 1st, 2002

When Teddy is put on the outside window ledge to watch his young owner play in the snow, he gets shut out. At first he has fun as he plops into a snowdrift, uses a plank as a snowboard, and slides on some ice. As time passes, though, the toy bear realizes that he's alone and lost. Just as he's feeling at his lowest, kindly, red-mittened hands reach down, put him in a sleigh laden with red-wrapped packages tied with red bows, and deliver him back to his home. The old-fashioned, framed illustrations reinforce Teddy's moods and experiences. The story incorporates a little bit of everything, including adventure, independence, home, friendship, and fantasy, even if it is a bit hokey.--School Library Journal, October 1st, 2002

Teddy, who got lost in the park and found his way home in Home before Dark (2001), has a similar adventure in this British airport. Left on an outdoor window ledge for safekeeping, Teddy finds himself somewhat improbably catapulted into the air and lands in a snow bank. Soon he's enjoying a little impromptu snowboarding, "snowbear" building, and ice sliding. Still, when he feels cold and lost, the little teddy bear gladly accepts a sleigh ride home, presumably from Santa (or Father Christmas). Subtle shading and sometimes-glowing colors heighten the appeal of the ink drawings. The simple story, childlike character, and appealing artwork make this picture book a natural for young children, who will yearn to play in the snow like Teddy. Those looking for a seasonal read-aloud that de-emphasizes the holiday hoopla will find this an engaging choice.--Booklist, October 1st, 2002
In Teddy's Snowy Day, Ian Beck recasts Teddy and Lily, the toy bear and girl separated and reunited in Home Before Dark, in another tale of bear loses girl (and gets back to her again). This time Teddy is aided by a stranger; the illustrations show only the mysterious helper's red mittens, white cuffs and red sleeves and the interior of his well-laden sleigh.--Publishers Weekly, September 23, 2002

Book by Ian Beck