They Threw Us Away (The Teddies Saga #1)

Gr 4-6-Buddy is a teddy bear, and he wakes up to find himself far from his cozy box in the toy store. He's in the middle of a garbage dump, and he has no idea how or why he's there. He quickly finds and aligns himself with a few other teddies, and the more they learn and explore, the more sinister things become. The garbage dump is crawling with things that want to eat and/or destroy the teddies, but the world outside the dump isn't much better. In order to find what they're convinced will save them-children-they're going to have to venture beyond the dump and brave the city streets. This unique book begins in a seemingly innocent way, but there are many underlying, more ominous plot lines in the works. It's definitely creepy, has moments of violence, and could easily scare sensitive readers. Those seeking a dark story, however, will find just that. The illustrations are appropriately dark and add to the creep factor. The writing leaves a bit to be desired and contains a number of subject/verb disagreements. There is also an unnecessary and blatant nod to a big fast food chain. VERDICT An additional purchase for larger collections or where middle grade horror is very popular.-Jessica Trafton, Skidompha Lib., Damariscotta, ME.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The life of a Furrington Teddy ought to be simple: wait patiently in one’s box until purchased and presented to a child, resulting, upon the "child’s first loving hug" in the fabled Forever Sleep. When blue teddy Buddy awakens frightened and disoriented in a landfill, he and a band of four other discarded Furringtons of varying colors and dispositions slip into an adventure that pits them against gulls, vermin, and dismal creatures bred by negligence. The Furringtons trudge through the muck and fog of urban environs beyond the garbage heap in search of a child to hug and the truth behind why they were cast aside. Employing a spare, somber tone threaded with moments startling and poignant, Kraus (Bent Heavens) keeps the tale moving at a brisk pace amid its heavy themes. Wispy black-and-white illustrations by Cai (Elatsoe) add to the sense of creeping fear and grim uncertainty. By turns swashbuckling and reflective, touching and disturbing, this existential work of fantasy and horror considers what one is willing to sacrifice when utterly lost. 

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.


"Fans of Toy Story or The Velveteen Rabbit might be aghast, but readers who knew there was always something a little off about their playthings will appreciate this uniquely horrific take." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books