Night of the Living Ted

Night of the Living Ted is the first title in a new series by award-winning author Barry Hutchinson. The title sets the scene for a perfect Halloween fright, with its hilarious humour and quirky fun-loving characters who try to save themselves - and the world - from being stuffed. When Lisa-Maria and stepbrother Vernon take a shopping trip to find the perfect present for their dad's birthday, little did they know that they would end up with a bear who thinks that he is Elvis reincarnated and an evil teddy bear who wants to rule the world. The siblings are drawn to a sign on a well-known shop that is advertising 'Free Halloween Stuff'. Lisa-Marie is familiar with the Create-a-Ted shop, but she does not recognise the new owner Josh who convinces her and Vernon to take a Halloween bear each, as well as their dad's birthday present. As midnight strikes, something strange happens; the bears come to life and a battle between good and evil commences. With their parents zapped by a witch and contained in a jar, Vernon and Lisa-Marie are left to defend the world against Grizz, the demonic bear and his evil army. This fast-paced adventure is jam packed with humour as the battle unfolds and Lisa-Marie and Vernon, along with Bearvis the bear, try to find a way to save humankind. Eventually, Lisa-Marie finds a way to restore normality, but at the cost of losing a true friend and hero. There are many underlying themes within this book that could support the Key Stage 2 curriculum, especially within English. The genre, Lisa-Marie's obsession with vocabulary, the setting and the characters will inspire pupils within their writing as well as their reading. It is a wonderfully illustrated book that will engage the children and enthuse their reading further. 188 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Hayley Summerfield, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 7+