Magical. Not everyone will fall under its spell, but I did. The combination of dialogue in the pictures and narrative between them works marvelously, by these creators. For example don't miss the wordless spread that's all white except for one small picture that shows the three little ones in abject despair, their backs to us.

I love that Red Ted is brave, despite one bout of tears, and that Crocodile is inspired to be brave by Red Ted, and that the cat is courteous, but becomes helpful when she scents a promise of cheese. I love the quest. I love that the girl, Stevie, can still 'hear' the small characters' voices, even though she is too old to believe fully in magic. I love that the cat has her own song:
I'm a cat, and I do as I please.
I'm a cat, and I love cheese."

And I love how all this is so concisely done that the book can (and should) be shared over and over again." ( )

I loved this title so much that after reading the library copy I bought one for myself. A determined little teddy bear, accidentally left on a train, finds himself in the lost-and-found room. He is befriended by a toy crocodile. Determined to get back to his beloved little girl, Stevie, Red Ted leaps off the shelf, and accompanied by Crocodile, sets out to find her.

After a few adventures, and assisted by a cat who is hoping for a cheese reward, Red Ted is reunited with Stevie. Stevie is able to understand the language of toys and cats, and Crocodile gets a new home with her, and Cat gets cheese.

The drawings are wonderful, and very clear. The cavernous lost-and-found area is rather poignant. The drawings are quite expressive.

I would like to see more works by these two authors. ( )

This story has been recommended to me by several sources (sorry, I've forgotten what they were). A beloved red teddy, owned by a cheese-loving little girl, has been lost. Unlike the sad and depressed other lost things, Red Ted is determined to find his beloved Stevie again and takes a few friends along with him. Together, they brave dangers and explore the outside world until there is a joyous reunion for Red Ted and Stevie, a new home for Crocodile and cheese for the singing cat.

This graphic novel picture book is presented in panels and dialogue, although most panels are wordless. It's best suited for one-on-one reading, but I'm going to read it in storytime anyways, because I want to sing the cat's little song! The panels are in soft, washed-out colors, while the characters stand out brightly, which I think will make it easier for storytime listeners to follow the action.

Verdict: Recommended. A sweet story with intriguing illustrations

ISBN: 978-0763645373; Published November 2009 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library; Added to the library's wishlist

A very simple story about a teddy bear, left behind on a train by his owner, who finds his way home with the help of a stuffed crocodile and a cat.

The text is simple enough for an older 1st grader-2nd grade, and the images - rich colors and dark lines for the characters against a faded, washed out background - may help those unfamiliar with graphic novels to follow the characters through the story. ( )

When a teddy bear is accidentally left on the seat of a train, he uses his ingenuity - and some new friends - to search for the little girl who lost him. ( )