Substance:
On the morning after Christmas,Teddy the Bear and Annie the doll, having been dumped by their kids who received all the newest toys, are rescued from their garbage cans by Chauncey the dog.

Stevenson's witty story of their attempts to get used to being rejected has a happy ending, of course, but is a subtle lesson on the importance to all of us of being loved, and having someone to love.

Style: Stevenson's illustrations, not-quite-realistic watercolors, are perfectly suited to the story.

NOTE: Okay, I'm a Stevenson fan, and can't believe we missed this one when our kids were small, because they loved "The Sea-view Hotel" and "The Worst Person in the World." My favorite is "Could Be Worse!," especially since becoming a grandparent myself. ( )

Genre: Fiction
Media: water color
Review: This is a great fiction book. You believe in these toys and dog and you feel sad for them and want them to find a new home. It makes you wish that you never got rid of your own toys. ( )