Red Ted and the Lost Things
on Goodreads (290)
What’s inside...
One day, a little bear named Red Ted is accidentally left on the seat of a train by his owner Stevie and ends up in the place for lost things. He doesn't despair, however - he puts his mind to work! With the help of his new friends, a pessimistic crocodile and a cat with a fondness for cheese, Ted finds his way home to the little girl who loves and misses him. A sweet graphic storybook about pluck, persistence, and the pure comfort of home at the end of a long journey full of adventure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Red Ted was feeling when he got lost? How would you feel in his place?
Why is it important to help others, like the characters in the story helped Red Ted find his way back?
What does this story teach us about friendship and helping each other?
Can you think of a time when you lost something important? How did you try to find it?
What would you have done differently if you were in Red Ted’s place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you lost something important to help your child connect with the theme.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the characters' emotions and actions.
Encourage empathy by discussing how Red Ted might have felt during his adventure and how they might feel in a similar situation.
Link the story’s themes to real-life situations your child may encounter, fostering practical understanding.
Praise your child’s responses to instill confidence in their ability to analyze and relate to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Red Ted remains determined to find his owner despite various setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Red Ted learns to understand and sympathize with other lost things he encounters on his journey.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to consider the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Red Ted and his companions use their wits and creativity to navigate through the challenges they face to find their way back.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use imaginative thinking to solve problems, boosting their cognitive flexibility and resourcefulness.
Example Lesson: The significance of teamwork
Explanation: Red Ted teams up with other lost objects, and together they help each other on their quest to find their homes.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, enhancing cooperative skills in a child's daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of belongings and dealing with loss
Explanation: The story conveys the emotional attachment to personal belongings and the sadness associated with losing them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and care for their possessions and develop coping strategies for dealing with loss and change.