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Theodore the Unfortunate Bear #4
Theodore and The Cat with the Missing Sock
Who is this strange Little Black Cat? He has a coat of sleek beautiful fur, bright charming eyes, and… three white socks. Annabelle and Theodore have never seen this little kitty before in the neighbourhood, and he sure looks rather unusual, with only three white socks. What’s wrong with that? You may ask. Nothing really, but not when all the other pets have a complete set of four. That really makes this poor little kitty stand out, or shall I say... imperfect. No wonder he is a homeless cat!
Annabelle is determined to help her new feline friend. Fortunately, Mum has kept Annabelle’s things from her baby days in an old cookie tin, inside which there is a little white sock—perfect for the Little Black Cat.
Just when all seem well and good, disaster strikes. A misguided pelican breaks in at just the right time and takes off with the old cookie tin, leaving behind a scene of chaos and destruction.
Will Annabelle, Theodore and the Little Black Cat get their little white sock back? Or will they be caught up in yet another adventure of a lifetime? Find out in this fun-filled, captivating story that promises to bring joy and laughter to the whole family, not forgetting the book’s important life lessons about ‘embracing imperfection’ and ‘seeking to understand others’. Or simply be mesmerized by the author’s breathtaking illustrations!
Annabelle is determined to help her new feline friend. Fortunately, Mum has kept Annabelle’s things from her baby days in an old cookie tin, inside which there is a little white sock—perfect for the Little Black Cat.
Just when all seem well and good, disaster strikes. A misguided pelican breaks in at just the right time and takes off with the old cookie tin, leaving behind a scene of chaos and destruction.
Will Annabelle, Theodore and the Little Black Cat get their little white sock back? Or will they be caught up in yet another adventure of a lifetime? Find out in this fun-filled, captivating story that promises to bring joy and laughter to the whole family, not forgetting the book’s important life lessons about ‘embracing imperfection’ and ‘seeking to understand others’. Or simply be mesmerized by the author’s breathtaking illustrations!
77 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2022
26 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Cory Q. Tan
9 books48 followersCory Q Tan is an Award Winning Children’s Book Author who illustrates his own books. Or rather, an illustrator who writes his own stories, for he sees himself first as an artist, then a writer. He graduated from the Slade School of Fine Art (UK), trained in the fine traditions of lithography and etching, and his works have always had a strong illustrative and narrative quality. He has a strong affinity for figurative and surrealist art, and Peter Breughel, Pablo Picasso and Japanese Anime Master Hayao Miyazaki count amongst his favourite artists.
He first came across the idea of becoming a children’s book author when he became a father at the age of 32, but it wasn’t until 11 years later that he finally produced his first children’s picture book– ‘A Very Special Cat’. Since then, he has gone on to produce 7 more books and is enjoying art making and story telling like never before!
Cory’s Children Picture Books had won several awards over the past few years, including The Story Monster Royal Dragonfly Award (Honorable Mention), The Independent Publisher Book Awards (Silver, Children’s Illustrated E-Books) and The Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Winner, Best Illustrations). In 2020, his book ‘Theodore The Unfortunate Bear’ was shortlisted for the prestigious International Rubery Book Awards (UK)! His proudest achievement to date, however, was to attain the Gold Medal for Children’s Illustrated Picture Books (E-Book) in the 2020 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards (USA) for his book ‘Theodore and The Bear from London’!
A former art teacher, Cory has a great passion for art history and had enjoyed teaching it to his students. Now, he infuses numerous elements of art history in his books and through his books, he hopes to promote awareness of well-known and less well-known masterpieces to his readers.
He first came across the idea of becoming a children’s book author when he became a father at the age of 32, but it wasn’t until 11 years later that he finally produced his first children’s picture book– ‘A Very Special Cat’. Since then, he has gone on to produce 7 more books and is enjoying art making and story telling like never before!
Cory’s Children Picture Books had won several awards over the past few years, including The Story Monster Royal Dragonfly Award (Honorable Mention), The Independent Publisher Book Awards (Silver, Children’s Illustrated E-Books) and The Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Winner, Best Illustrations). In 2020, his book ‘Theodore The Unfortunate Bear’ was shortlisted for the prestigious International Rubery Book Awards (UK)! His proudest achievement to date, however, was to attain the Gold Medal for Children’s Illustrated Picture Books (E-Book) in the 2020 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards (USA) for his book ‘Theodore and The Bear from London’!
A former art teacher, Cory has a great passion for art history and had enjoyed teaching it to his students. Now, he infuses numerous elements of art history in his books and through his books, he hopes to promote awareness of well-known and less well-known masterpieces to his readers.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 14, 2021
The artwork is simply gorgeous; detailed and colorful. I found myself lingering on each page to take a close look. The vocabulary is rich and interesting. I can imagine reading this with a child. So many opportunities for discussion! Thanks, Goodreads for the book.
July 15, 2021
Another home run outta the park, from one of my favorite Authors!! It's easy to see why Cory Tan is an award winning author, and Illustrator right out of the gate. His stories feature many adventures and rip-roaring chases, and this one is no exception.
Like past books, this one is rich with vividly detailed images, and an exciting engaging story line. It features not only our favorite characters from past books, but includes the introduction of a new friend, the little black cat. You need not have read the past books to follow this delightful story, but you will sure want to enjoy them since they are just as stunning and delightful. Chock full of fantastical yet realistic worlds that absolutely draw you in.
It's always a treat for me when a new book by Cory is released, they are dear treasures to be read again and again. They are so imaginative and they also make great gifts, to be passed on from generation to generation.
The illustrations in the books hold clues and are just as important as the story itself. The details really give the story that much more depth and take it to the next level. You can really tell how much time, effort, detail, love and thought the author puts into creating the stories and artwork. They are always such stunning masterpieces. All the books he has written can withstand the test of time, and be enjoyed by anyone of any age.
The disposable coffee cup by the rubbish bin was a realistic touch. Just another example of the detail and thought put into the illustrations. Every time I go back I notice some new detail I missed the last time. It was a sweet story, both for the kindness shown by and to the Labrador and the blind girl. I enjoyed the touching and a teachable moment when Annabelle told the cat "You don’t have to be perfect, you are good enough!”. Something we can all remind ourselves of daily.
Additional thoughts and musings...Other elements I really loved about this particular story, was the expression on Annabelle's mum's face (on pg 11). You can really see the shock and astonishment she is emoting. The cookie tins remind me how my family, (even to this day) save the tins to use for sewing kits and holiday ornaments. The kite bird was stunning! I kept thinking that would be an amazing kite to own.
My family has an affinity for Labradors, so it was a fun surprise to see one in the story. Like real life Labradors, he was both mischievous and kind. He was almost just hidden on the bridge, it was like an i-spy book where you had to really look closely to see him.
Being a fan of gargoyles and grotesques, I enjoyed seeing them at the gate posts. That was quite the adventures they had at sea. I was on the edge of my seat thinking, "oh no is this going to end badly with a broken up soggy box with the friends having to swim back to shore". Fortunately that was not the case.
I loved the cat illustration on "the end" page, of him licking his paw at the end. Adorably sweet note to end the story on.
Like past books, this one is rich with vividly detailed images, and an exciting engaging story line. It features not only our favorite characters from past books, but includes the introduction of a new friend, the little black cat. You need not have read the past books to follow this delightful story, but you will sure want to enjoy them since they are just as stunning and delightful. Chock full of fantastical yet realistic worlds that absolutely draw you in.
It's always a treat for me when a new book by Cory is released, they are dear treasures to be read again and again. They are so imaginative and they also make great gifts, to be passed on from generation to generation.
The illustrations in the books hold clues and are just as important as the story itself. The details really give the story that much more depth and take it to the next level. You can really tell how much time, effort, detail, love and thought the author puts into creating the stories and artwork. They are always such stunning masterpieces. All the books he has written can withstand the test of time, and be enjoyed by anyone of any age.
The disposable coffee cup by the rubbish bin was a realistic touch. Just another example of the detail and thought put into the illustrations. Every time I go back I notice some new detail I missed the last time. It was a sweet story, both for the kindness shown by and to the Labrador and the blind girl. I enjoyed the touching and a teachable moment when Annabelle told the cat "You don’t have to be perfect, you are good enough!”. Something we can all remind ourselves of daily.
Additional thoughts and musings...Other elements I really loved about this particular story, was the expression on Annabelle's mum's face (on pg 11). You can really see the shock and astonishment she is emoting. The cookie tins remind me how my family, (even to this day) save the tins to use for sewing kits and holiday ornaments. The kite bird was stunning! I kept thinking that would be an amazing kite to own.
My family has an affinity for Labradors, so it was a fun surprise to see one in the story. Like real life Labradors, he was both mischievous and kind. He was almost just hidden on the bridge, it was like an i-spy book where you had to really look closely to see him.
Being a fan of gargoyles and grotesques, I enjoyed seeing them at the gate posts. That was quite the adventures they had at sea. I was on the edge of my seat thinking, "oh no is this going to end badly with a broken up soggy box with the friends having to swim back to shore". Fortunately that was not the case.
I loved the cat illustration on "the end" page, of him licking his paw at the end. Adorably sweet note to end the story on.
July 12, 2021
Another impressive book by Cory Q Tan. Just by looking at the front cover you know you are in for a treat.
A simple true-life observation turned into a thrilling chase story. Revolving around four central characters, Annabelle, Theodore, The Cat and a Labrador this book is definitely full of more adventure than previous books and embedded with a valuable message in regards to not needing to be perfect to be loved.
The illustrations are most certainly an important part of this story as there seem to be a few clues now and then when you look ever so closely.
As for the illustrations themselves, I believe Cory Q Tan has outdone himself. Visually vivid in its colour and complexity, every minute detail is encountered for to deepen the level of the story. The many 'artsy' effects used all comes together beautifully. I am no art expert myself but I can say this will not stop anyone from appreciating the sheer work that this artist puts into his illustrations.
I would highly recommend this truly exciting and lively book to all ages. Without a doubt everyone will enjoy and should welcome this imaginative artistic book into their homes on their bookshelves.
A simple true-life observation turned into a thrilling chase story. Revolving around four central characters, Annabelle, Theodore, The Cat and a Labrador this book is definitely full of more adventure than previous books and embedded with a valuable message in regards to not needing to be perfect to be loved.
The illustrations are most certainly an important part of this story as there seem to be a few clues now and then when you look ever so closely.
As for the illustrations themselves, I believe Cory Q Tan has outdone himself. Visually vivid in its colour and complexity, every minute detail is encountered for to deepen the level of the story. The many 'artsy' effects used all comes together beautifully. I am no art expert myself but I can say this will not stop anyone from appreciating the sheer work that this artist puts into his illustrations.
I would highly recommend this truly exciting and lively book to all ages. Without a doubt everyone will enjoy and should welcome this imaginative artistic book into their homes on their bookshelves.
August 19, 2022
Annabelle and Theodore find a cat who's missing a sock. They have the perfect solution: they'll give him one of Annabelle's baby socks. But it seems the whole city is conspiring to keep this cat three-socked. They journey through city streets, hedge mazes, and even the wide open sea, but instead of reclaiming the sock, they discover something even more important.
The illustrations for this one are absolutely stunning. I love all the textures and colors and the facial expressions are simply priceless. The story itself is well-paced and just a little quirky. The writing style leans toward over-explaining, and there is some ... creative use of punctuation. I think with a bit of copy editing, this one could be a true gem.
The illustrations for this one are absolutely stunning. I love all the textures and colors and the facial expressions are simply priceless. The story itself is well-paced and just a little quirky. The writing style leans toward over-explaining, and there is some ... creative use of punctuation. I think with a bit of copy editing, this one could be a true gem.
August 5, 2022
The illustrations are beautiful in this book, I really like the amount of details. The story it self was really cute, a little cat has only three "socks" and has to find its forth one. It's quite a journey from getting the sock, losing it and finding out that maybe someone else needs the item more than you do, and that you are perfect the way you are. My 4 year old loved looking at the art, and the story was able to keep his attention. I look forward to reading more from this author. My only complaint is the kindle version is unreadable on the paperwhite, the text was extremely fuzzy, but on the kindle app it was perfect, and the colors were beautiful.
August 17, 2021
The illustrations are gorgeous as always with Cory Q. Tan’s books. The car with the missing goes looking for a fourth sock so that his legs match. Along the way a lab dog finds the sock and wants to take it home for his mistress. The cat learns that being exactly as you are is perfect and sometimes it’s best to let others have what you don’t really need. Like a white sock.
September 10, 2021
I won this book on goodreads for an honest review
I wanted this book to review and then share with my grand daughters. I am so glad I read it and will be going back to look at the others by this author. I feel this was a fun and exciting story to read and that it had a nice flow. It is cute and just suitable for my grand daughters.
I wanted this book to review and then share with my grand daughters. I am so glad I read it and will be going back to look at the others by this author. I feel this was a fun and exciting story to read and that it had a nice flow. It is cute and just suitable for my grand daughters.
November 4, 2022
not your typical picture book
Picture books usually come with limited text . But how can it not be a picture book when it has such fascinating illustrations? Both story and text are so intriguing they can keep a reader engrossed for hours. So let’s call it a picture storybook. Whatever, it’s unusual and worth the time.
Picture books usually come with limited text . But how can it not be a picture book when it has such fascinating illustrations? Both story and text are so intriguing they can keep a reader engrossed for hours. So let’s call it a picture storybook. Whatever, it’s unusual and worth the time.
November 17, 2022
👏👏
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
August 14, 2022
A splendid read!
This book not only has amazing illustrations, but beautifully descriptive language. I was searching for a book to read to my Kindergarten students and was fortunate to discover Cory Q Tan. Thank you! I cannot wait to read more by this author/illustrator!
This book not only has amazing illustrations, but beautifully descriptive language. I was searching for a book to read to my Kindergarten students and was fortunate to discover Cory Q Tan. Thank you! I cannot wait to read more by this author/illustrator!
September 12, 2022
A nice book with a sweet message about there being someone for everyone, not needing to be perfect, and understanding the motivations of others. I found the 30's style soft colour style pictures didn't grab the littlest one's attention, but the older of the grandkids liked the kitty a great deal.
October 14, 2022
a heart touching story
Won this on goodreads giveaways. This is a warm touching book to read to kids . Teaches kindness , caring morals. I highly recommend this book
Won this on goodreads giveaways. This is a warm touching book to read to kids . Teaches kindness , caring morals. I highly recommend this book
July 17, 2021
Cory sent me a copy of this book, Thank you!
This book is incredible! Cory doesn’t disappoint. The pictures are simply stunning.
Always look forward to reading his work and seeing his pictures.
This book is incredible! Cory doesn’t disappoint. The pictures are simply stunning.
Always look forward to reading his work and seeing his pictures.
January 29, 2022
2021 Best Indie Book Award Children’s Illustrations: Whimsical/Stylized Winner!
September 29, 2022
Things are not always what they seem. A sad cat and a sock creates a story of tenacity and compassion. I was really moved by the story and was happy for the cat in the end.
October 2, 2022
Great book
September 18, 2022
Amazing illustrations!
I was drawn to this story about a black and white cat ( like mine!) and a little girl. The illustrations are amazing!
I was drawn to this story about a black and white cat ( like mine!) and a little girl. The illustrations are amazing!
September 23, 2022
Cute
This was a delightful little book about a little girl who shows great kindness to a cat and a little girl she has never met before. My granddaughters will love this book. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a delightful little book about a little girl who shows great kindness to a cat and a little girl she has never met before. My granddaughters will love this book. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
September 25, 2021
This is a children's book that has just the right amount of text/story, accompanied by really nice illustrations. The story here is something that children could imagine/follow along with, & then look for the story in the unique drawings....which are detailed & fun to search thru, & brightly colored to make even more enjoyable! This would be a fun book to read to/share with a little person....maybe fits in the 4-8 y/o range?
I received an e-copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program, listed by the author, for review purposes & these opinions are my own.
I received an e-copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program, listed by the author, for review purposes & these opinions are my own.
May 9, 2023
My 5 yr-old son and I were browsing for a book on Amazon and were captivated by this book's beautiful cover. And it doesn't disappoint! The story is unusual, unlike your typical children's book with a predictable linear plotline. Each page of writing is flanked by a full page picture which in itself surpasses some of the best book covers. The rich vocabulary and intricate illustrations make you want to come back again and again, each time discovering something new. There was a surprise twist in the end which was also very moving, and I was able to discuss issues with my boy like gratitude and being happy with what you have. Great book!
October 17, 2022
Rambling story but awesome pictures
I didn't realize I was coming into the middle of a series, so I was baffled as to who Theodore was at first. The story had a very off-the-cuff feel, like it was improv story time. The pictures are beautiful, though! 3 stars for the story, 5 for the art, averaged to 4 stars.
I didn't realize I was coming into the middle of a series, so I was baffled as to who Theodore was at first. The story had a very off-the-cuff feel, like it was improv story time. The pictures are beautiful, though! 3 stars for the story, 5 for the art, averaged to 4 stars.
September 18, 2025
The illustrations are beautiful and trying to find Annabelle in some pages was a fun challenge. I had a gray cat with 3 white socks and one gray one and we called him Three Sox or Three for short. We lost him in April 2025 😥. He was my beloved companion and your book brought back memories.
September 3, 2022
Ridiculously whimsical with similes I don't think make sense? Storm clouds like mushrooms? Raindrops like rubber bullets??? So glad the cat found a home in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
I am not quite sure how I came across this book but I most definitely chose to give it a chance without having read the prior three books beforehand thus have no history of the series beforehand.
For a series book this one can most definitely be read as a a standalone without any prior reading of the other books although as a warning you won't truly get any idea who Annabelle or Theodore are as characters. There is very little character development and at times I felt like Theodore was just thrown in for another face as well as the fact that his name is on the series. Is it by fact that he is unfortunate, which is the reason why this book was such a misadventure or was it just a series of events that didn't seem to work out so well? And if the misadventure occurred because of him then why did the box hold up so well?
Anyway the writing wasn't too bad with some parts of it most definitely shining a lot better than other parts such as the really descriptive portions versus the rest of the story. Although the book is a children's book I would categorize it as Juvenile Young Adult just since occasionally there were thrown in some bigger words that most children wouldn't have come across in their own reading attempts in this day and age.
The best part of the book and the reason that I added another star was the fact the illustrations were at times quite gorgeous as they were unique. The book delved into giving the readers not only the bright colors but also different perspective points in the story and the details so that you just at times wanted to stare at the page to see what all was going on.
What I didn't like besides the inclusion of Theodore was the fact that this book felt like it strongly borrowed elements from a lot of children's books and films, most especially at times from Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. As such the book had a bit of a fantastical feel while still being rather strongly grounded in a modern outtake.
Another point I had an issue with was the fact that the Little Black Cat was considered odd for having only three white socks and this blemish was pronounced time after time thus making him rather the perfect imperfect cat there was. Why couldn't this just be a story about a cat who was just trying to find another sock so he could have a perfect set?
All in all it was rather decent read and I may have rather enjoyed it more if I had been a much younger reader or if I had had a chance to read the other books. As for now it is just a meh read instead for me.
For a series book this one can most definitely be read as a a standalone without any prior reading of the other books although as a warning you won't truly get any idea who Annabelle or Theodore are as characters. There is very little character development and at times I felt like Theodore was just thrown in for another face as well as the fact that his name is on the series. Is it by fact that he is unfortunate, which is the reason why this book was such a misadventure or was it just a series of events that didn't seem to work out so well? And if the misadventure occurred because of him then why did the box hold up so well?
Anyway the writing wasn't too bad with some parts of it most definitely shining a lot better than other parts such as the really descriptive portions versus the rest of the story. Although the book is a children's book I would categorize it as Juvenile Young Adult just since occasionally there were thrown in some bigger words that most children wouldn't have come across in their own reading attempts in this day and age.
The best part of the book and the reason that I added another star was the fact the illustrations were at times quite gorgeous as they were unique. The book delved into giving the readers not only the bright colors but also different perspective points in the story and the details so that you just at times wanted to stare at the page to see what all was going on.
What I didn't like besides the inclusion of Theodore was the fact that this book felt like it strongly borrowed elements from a lot of children's books and films, most especially at times from Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. As such the book had a bit of a fantastical feel while still being rather strongly grounded in a modern outtake.
Another point I had an issue with was the fact that the Little Black Cat was considered odd for having only three white socks and this blemish was pronounced time after time thus making him rather the perfect imperfect cat there was. Why couldn't this just be a story about a cat who was just trying to find another sock so he could have a perfect set?
All in all it was rather decent read and I may have rather enjoyed it more if I had been a much younger reader or if I had had a chance to read the other books. As for now it is just a meh read instead for me.
June 9, 2023
Review in English and Spanish / Reseña en Inglés y Español
____________________________________
[ENGLISH]
This is the first book I have read by the author and I can say that I love it!
The concept and illustrations made me enjoy it a lot. In this, the author touches on topics such as the difference that we can all have and that makes us unique and loved for that reason.
I look forward to reading the entire series to learn more about Theodore and his owner Annabelle.
Recommended for children.
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]
Este es el primer libro que leo de la autora y puedo decir que me encanta!
El concepto y las ilustraciones hacen que lo disfrute mucho. En este, el autor toca temas como la diferencia que todos podemos tener y que nos hace únicos y amados por eso.
Espero poder leer toda la serie para saber más sobre Theodore y su dueña Annabelle.
Recomendado para niños.
____________________________________
[ENGLISH]
This is the first book I have read by the author and I can say that I love it!
The concept and illustrations made me enjoy it a lot. In this, the author touches on topics such as the difference that we can all have and that makes us unique and loved for that reason.
I look forward to reading the entire series to learn more about Theodore and his owner Annabelle.
Recommended for children.
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]
Este es el primer libro que leo de la autora y puedo decir que me encanta!
El concepto y las ilustraciones hacen que lo disfrute mucho. En este, el autor toca temas como la diferencia que todos podemos tener y que nos hace únicos y amados por eso.
Espero poder leer toda la serie para saber más sobre Theodore y su dueña Annabelle.
Recomendado para niños.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews