They Threw Us Away
#1 of 3 in The Teddies Saga Series
What’s inside...
Welcome to The Teddies Saga, a gripping new middle grade trilogy by Daniel Kraus and illustrator Rovina Cai. The story follows Buddy, a teddy bear who wakes up in a garbage dump, realizing something has gone terribly wrong. He meets other discarded teddies, and together, they embark on a perilous journey to return to the Store and fulfill their destinies. Facing ravenous rats and screeching gulls, the teddies must overcome great challenges in this tale that combines elements of Toy Story and Lord of the Flies.
Character compass
Buddy
Sugar
Reginald
Horace
Sunny
Discussion points
What do you think the Teddies felt when they realized they were thrown away? How would you feel in their situation?
The Teddies go on a big adventure in the book. What do you think is the most important thing they learn about themselves?
Why do you think friendship is important for the Teddies? How do you help your friends when they are in trouble?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the Teddies?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place, like a city or a jungle?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their emotions and viewpoints to build confidence.
Ask your child to relate the experiences of the Teddies to their own life, which can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discuss the qualities of a good friend with your child and explore how the Teddies' relationships with each other exhibit these traits.
Use predictive questioning, like asking your child what they think will happen next or how a character might react to foster critical thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or create a continuation of the story. This can help develop their creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The teddy bears in 'They Threw Us Away' demonstrate resilience as they navigate through challenging and often scary situations after being discarded.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and courage, understanding that resilience is key in overcoming difficult situations in life.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the group of teddy bears must work together to survive and find safety. Their success often hinges on their ability to cooperate and support each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the value of teamwork in achieving goals, encouraging children to collaborate and appreciate the strengths of others in group settings such as school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: The value of searching for truth
Explanation: The teddy bears are driven by a desire to uncover the truth about why they were discarded, leading them on a journey filled with discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to seek truth and ask questions about their surroundings, fostering a sense of curiosity and understanding about the world they live in.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As the teddy bears encounter various other toys and characters, they learn to understand and share the feelings of others, often showing compassion.
Real-World Application: This promotes empathy in children, teaching them to be considerate and kind towards others, which is essential for building strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Facing numerous dangers, the teddy bears exemplify courage, especially in situations where they are scared or unsure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of confronting their fears and the role of courage in overcoming obstacles, which helps build self-confidence and personal growth.