cover image I’m Afraid Your Teddy Is in Trouble Today

I’m Afraid Your Teddy Is in Trouble Today

Jancee Dunn, illus. by Scott Nash. Candlewick, $15.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-7636-7537-0

The mischievous antics of a teddy bear and his stuffed friends draw the attention of the police in this raucous story, the first children’s book from adult author Dunn (How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids). Addressing readers directly, one of two police officers on hand reconstructs the crime scene: “As near as we can figure, the party started shortly after you left for school,” the female officer explains. She goes on to delineate how—among other things—the teddy bear and some two dozen stuffed friends broke the bed jumping on it, drew all over the walls, “pour[ed] bubble bath all over the floor for a sliding contest,” and threw a dance party, complete with 100 balloons. Energetic digital artwork by Nash (Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp) captures the toys’ unleashed joy as they make the most of their unsupervised freedom. The officer lets the bear off with a scolding, but his wink on the final page suggest that he’s far from reformed. With Dunn and Nash as guides, readers will revel in the vicarious, rule-breaking fun. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)