ReadItDaddy's Second Book of the Week - Week Ending 13th July 2018: "Loved to Bits" by Teresa Heapy and Katie Cleminson (David Fickling Books)

Our second picture book of the week remembers that just about everyone will have (or have had) a favourite toy that went absolutely everywhere with them...
C always had a tiny little bunny that was the first cuddly toy she was ever bought, and in "Loved to Bits" by picture book lovelies Teresa Heapy and Katie Cleminson you'll meet a little boy who shares his amazing adventures and soaring imagination with his beloved striped teddy bear.

Being a kid's favourite toy isn't an easy job though, and slowly poor Ted ends up "in the wars" (a favourite phrase of my Nan whenever I'd bring one of my favourite toys to her for a nifty bit of sewing or repair).

No matter how bashed up, worn out, limb-lost or tatty the boy's bear becomes, it's still his best friend and there's rather a bittersweet moment at the end of this tale when poor Bear really is nothing more than a body and a head.

We love the message here though, that it doesn't matter what you look like, you can still be loved to bits by someone and be considered as their most favourite thing in the world. Rather a special book this, I don't think I ever recall a children's story that treats a poor beloved toy quite so roughly, but you can't fault the core sentiment here, a beautiful and positive message that adults will nod and reminisce about and kids will fully identify with.

C's best bit: The fabulous adventures the boy and bear embark on together.

Daddy's favourite bit: A lovely heartwarming core message, beautifully lyrical storytelling and wonderful illustrations.

"Loved to Bits" by Teresa Heapy and Katie Cleminson is out now, published by David Fickling Books.