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Hompimpa #1
Simplemente Ted
El dragón Ted quiere hacer nuevos amigos, pero es difícil porque sus afiladas garras y su aliento humeante asustan a los demás. Por eso toma la decisión de vestirse de oso y asistir a la gran fiesta que éstos organizan en el bosque. Quizá un disfraz pueda engañarlos, o quizá sea él quien descubra que puede hacer amigos siendo simplemente Ted... La autora Lisa Sheehan nos trae un divertido y tierno álbum sobre los prejuicios y la necesidad de aceptarse a uno mismo.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
About the author
Lisa Sheehan
8 books3 followersLisa Sheehan knew from an early age she would have a career in art and drawing. After earning a BA in illustration, she fell into the world of graphic design and become an art director. Raising her two young daughters rekindled Sheehan’s love of illustration, and she pursued an MA in children's book illustration from Cambridge School of Art. Lisa Sheehan lives in Bedfordshire, England, with her husband, two daughters, and a Maine coon cat named Chester.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 7, 2021
Ted is an artistic dragon that loves to create things — from cakes, to painting pictures, and designing costumes. But Ted is lonely because he doesn’t have any friends to share things with. Ted tries his best to make friends, but all the other forest animals are afraid of him. That’s because Ted is different.
Maybe if Ted were like the other forest animals, he would have lots of friends. And so Ted designs a bear costume to wear to a “bears only” party in the hopes that he’ll be accepted and befriended by everyone at the party. But will that be the case? Why can’t everyone accept him for who he is?
Just Being Ted is a wonderful tale that also has a few life lessons for the young ones. Lessons that stress the importance of accepting those that are different and that one should treat others the same as how they would want to be treated.
With adorable illustrations, Just Being Ted is the perfect family-time read for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners.
I received a digital copy of the book from Love Books Tours. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Maybe if Ted were like the other forest animals, he would have lots of friends. And so Ted designs a bear costume to wear to a “bears only” party in the hopes that he’ll be accepted and befriended by everyone at the party. But will that be the case? Why can’t everyone accept him for who he is?
Just Being Ted is a wonderful tale that also has a few life lessons for the young ones. Lessons that stress the importance of accepting those that are different and that one should treat others the same as how they would want to be treated.
With adorable illustrations, Just Being Ted is the perfect family-time read for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners.
I received a digital copy of the book from Love Books Tours. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 27, 2021
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of a book tour via Lovebookstours and the publishers.
Just Being Ted is one of the most adorably sweet books I have ever read! This book completely melted my heart!
Ted is a big dragon who lives alone in the woods. He enjoys making crafty things and baking but he's extremely lonely and longs for a friend. All the other animals are scared of him because he is so much bigger and has smoke coming out of his nose.
One day he discovers a Teddy bears party in the woods and dresses up in disguise as a bear to join in.
This book is not only adorable but it reaches the heart of the reader/audience and makes you think! The moral is to always be exactly who you are and never change or disguise yourself to blend in.
Children and adults will adore this book alike! It's definitely a favourite of mine now!
Just Being Ted is one of the most adorably sweet books I have ever read! This book completely melted my heart!
Ted is a big dragon who lives alone in the woods. He enjoys making crafty things and baking but he's extremely lonely and longs for a friend. All the other animals are scared of him because he is so much bigger and has smoke coming out of his nose.
One day he discovers a Teddy bears party in the woods and dresses up in disguise as a bear to join in.
This book is not only adorable but it reaches the heart of the reader/audience and makes you think! The moral is to always be exactly who you are and never change or disguise yourself to blend in.
Children and adults will adore this book alike! It's definitely a favourite of mine now!
January 9, 2025
Diga Si Naga Yang Apa Adanya [Just Being Diga] || Lisa Sheehan || Penerbit Hompimpa [Bhuana Ilmu Populer] || Penerjemah : A. Hardiyanti N.I || 29 Hlm || Th. 2024 copyright Penerbit BIP
Q : Pernah berpikir atau penasaran ingin melihat naga secara langsung?
Aku sempat penasaran dan ingin melihat naga secara langsung, tapi di satu sisi aku takut. Kenapa takut? Takut kalo naganya nggak jinak dan malah menyemburkan api, itu akan berakibat fatal jika terkena kita, benda atau bangunan di sekitar.
Berbicara soal Naga, aku punya buku anak yang tokoh utamanya adalah seekor naga terbitan Hompimpa yang berkisah tentang DIGA SI NAGA sangat baik dan suka berkreasi, tapi dia hanya tinggal sendiri di hutan dan tidak mempunyai teman. Suatu hari saat berjalan-jalan di kota, Diga melihat poster pesta piknik beruang. Apakah dia bisa datang ke pesta KHUSUS untuk BERUANG itu dan mendapatkan teman baru? Kalo penasaran bisa langsung baca bukunya!!
Melihat cuplikan buku ini di web BIP aku jadi penasaran dengan kisah Diga. Kisah si Diga ini related dengan kehidupan sehari-hari kita. Baca kisah Diga membuatku flashback ke masa kecilku di mana aku dulu nggak punya teman karena aku jarang ke luar dari rumah. Setiap mencoba untuk memulai berteman dengan teman-teman di sekitar rumah, mereka malah menghindar karena mengira aku teman yang nggak asyik, teman yang nggak bisa diajak bermain jauh, dsb.
Selama baca buku ini, aku jadi paham banget apa yang dirasakan oleh Diga. Ingin rasanya aku masuk ke dalam cerita dan puk puk si Diga. Aku kagum sama kemampuan si Diga ini, ingin rasanya minta si Diga untuk ngajarin aku berkreasi apalagi belajarnya di rumah Diga yang bagus itu.
Ilutrasi buku bilingual ini tuh menghadirkan vibes yang hangat karena pemilihan warnanya yang menghadirkan perasaan warm itu dan menurutku sangat cocok untuk kisah si Diga ini. Aku betah banget melihat ilustrasi halaman per-halaman di buku ini, apalagi di salah satu halaman aku berasa seperti melihat animasi anak dari film luar negeri karena aku belum nemu bangunan-bangunan tersebut di Indonesia.
Buku berbentuk hard cover ini bisa menjadi media bagi para orang tua untuk menanamkan self love dan menumbuhkan sikap percaya diri kepada anak-anak. Buku ini memang tertulis untuk pembaca B3 atau mulai usia 6+, tapi menurutku anak di bawah 6 tahun juga perlu diajarkan self love dan sikap percaya diri juga.
Buku ini juga masih sangat cocok dibaca oleh pembaca dewasa karena topik yang dibahas buku ini juga bisa menjadi bahan kita untuk berintropeksi diri. Kita (anak dan orang dewasa) memang perlu belajar untuk menerima orang lain tanpa melupakan kalo kita juga perlu menerima dan mengenal diri sendiri. Jangan karena ingin mendapatkan teman atau perhatian, kita malah menjadi orang lain yang artinya nggak menjadi diri sendiri. Dan berpura-pura menjadi orang lain itu begitu melelahkan, lebih nyaman menjadi diri sendiri atau apa adanya.
Q : Pernah berpikir atau penasaran ingin melihat naga secara langsung?
Aku sempat penasaran dan ingin melihat naga secara langsung, tapi di satu sisi aku takut. Kenapa takut? Takut kalo naganya nggak jinak dan malah menyemburkan api, itu akan berakibat fatal jika terkena kita, benda atau bangunan di sekitar.
Berbicara soal Naga, aku punya buku anak yang tokoh utamanya adalah seekor naga terbitan Hompimpa yang berkisah tentang DIGA SI NAGA sangat baik dan suka berkreasi, tapi dia hanya tinggal sendiri di hutan dan tidak mempunyai teman. Suatu hari saat berjalan-jalan di kota, Diga melihat poster pesta piknik beruang. Apakah dia bisa datang ke pesta KHUSUS untuk BERUANG itu dan mendapatkan teman baru? Kalo penasaran bisa langsung baca bukunya!!
Melihat cuplikan buku ini di web BIP aku jadi penasaran dengan kisah Diga. Kisah si Diga ini related dengan kehidupan sehari-hari kita. Baca kisah Diga membuatku flashback ke masa kecilku di mana aku dulu nggak punya teman karena aku jarang ke luar dari rumah. Setiap mencoba untuk memulai berteman dengan teman-teman di sekitar rumah, mereka malah menghindar karena mengira aku teman yang nggak asyik, teman yang nggak bisa diajak bermain jauh, dsb.
Selama baca buku ini, aku jadi paham banget apa yang dirasakan oleh Diga. Ingin rasanya aku masuk ke dalam cerita dan puk puk si Diga. Aku kagum sama kemampuan si Diga ini, ingin rasanya minta si Diga untuk ngajarin aku berkreasi apalagi belajarnya di rumah Diga yang bagus itu.
Ilutrasi buku bilingual ini tuh menghadirkan vibes yang hangat karena pemilihan warnanya yang menghadirkan perasaan warm itu dan menurutku sangat cocok untuk kisah si Diga ini. Aku betah banget melihat ilustrasi halaman per-halaman di buku ini, apalagi di salah satu halaman aku berasa seperti melihat animasi anak dari film luar negeri karena aku belum nemu bangunan-bangunan tersebut di Indonesia.
Buku berbentuk hard cover ini bisa menjadi media bagi para orang tua untuk menanamkan self love dan menumbuhkan sikap percaya diri kepada anak-anak. Buku ini memang tertulis untuk pembaca B3 atau mulai usia 6+, tapi menurutku anak di bawah 6 tahun juga perlu diajarkan self love dan sikap percaya diri juga.
Buku ini juga masih sangat cocok dibaca oleh pembaca dewasa karena topik yang dibahas buku ini juga bisa menjadi bahan kita untuk berintropeksi diri. Kita (anak dan orang dewasa) memang perlu belajar untuk menerima orang lain tanpa melupakan kalo kita juga perlu menerima dan mengenal diri sendiri. Jangan karena ingin mendapatkan teman atau perhatian, kita malah menjadi orang lain yang artinya nggak menjadi diri sendiri. Dan berpura-pura menjadi orang lain itu begitu melelahkan, lebih nyaman menjadi diri sendiri atau apa adanya.
June 17, 2021
Just Being Ted is a very lovely book for children but also for grown ups because it’s a story that reminds you that you have to stay true to yourself and show everyone who you really are.
Ted is a dragon that looks so friendly, but unfortunately he scares everyone because he is a dragon until one party … It’s a very important story to read to our little ones to remind them that being yourself is the most important thing ever because people will love you for who you truly are.
Full review on the blog - https://bookmesometime.wordpress.com/...
Ted is a dragon that looks so friendly, but unfortunately he scares everyone because he is a dragon until one party … It’s a very important story to read to our little ones to remind them that being yourself is the most important thing ever because people will love you for who you truly are.
Full review on the blog - https://bookmesometime.wordpress.com/...
June 16, 2021
We’ve been really enjoying Just Being Ted over the past few weeks.
Ted is a lonely but loveable dragon who decides to party crash the bears picnic!
This is a sweet story of finding friends & it’s beautifully illustrated. This will be a firm favourite for a while I think!
Thank you so much @lovebookstours for including me on the blog tour for this gorgeous book and thank you to the author @lisa.sheehan_illustration
Ted is a lonely but loveable dragon who decides to party crash the bears picnic!
This is a sweet story of finding friends & it’s beautifully illustrated. This will be a firm favourite for a while I think!
Thank you so much @lovebookstours for including me on the blog tour for this gorgeous book and thank you to the author @lisa.sheehan_illustration
June 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With help from my wee trooper nephew Mr. T who is recovering well in hospital, we think that this is a beautifully written children’s book highlighting , ultimately, that it is ok to be who you are and not to change for anyone. The right people will accept you and the rest don’t matter! A great lesson to teach children from a young age!! Lovely story with beautiful illustrations to match 🥰.
#justbeingted #AD #Gifted
Blurb
Ted the dragon lives all alone in a big house, deep in the woods. He LOVES making things, spending his days baking cakes, painting pictures and creating costumes. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have anyone to share his amazing creations with. Ted tries so hard to make friends with the other animals, but there’s something about his fiery breath and fearsome-looking claws that keeps putting them off. One day Ted notices a sign for a summer picnic party in the forest. The only trouble is that it's for BEARS ONLY. Perhaps if he dresses up as a bear for the day they'll let him in and he'll make lots of new friends. What could possibly go wrong? Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are.
Author Bio Lisa Sheehan is an illustrator, graphic designer and all-round image maker. Graduating from Kingston University with a degree in graphic design, Lisa went on to become an art director for the Financial Times, before embarking on the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. Since graduating she has illustrated two picture books: The Find It Book by Margaret Wise Brown, which was shortlisted for the AOI awards, and Lionel and the Lion’s Share with Lou Peacock. Just Being Ted is the first title Lisa has both written and illustrated.
#bookblog #bookreadersofinstagram #bookcommunity #bookreview #bookaddict #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #girlsthatread #scottishreader #bookchallenge #bookgeek #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookobsessed #readingisgood #scottishbookstagrammer #bookaholic #whatiread #readerssupportingauthors #pageturners #booklife #bloggergirl #themagicofbooks #turnthepage #bookwormsunited #childrensbookstagram
With help from my wee trooper nephew Mr. T who is recovering well in hospital, we think that this is a beautifully written children’s book highlighting , ultimately, that it is ok to be who you are and not to change for anyone. The right people will accept you and the rest don’t matter! A great lesson to teach children from a young age!! Lovely story with beautiful illustrations to match 🥰.
#justbeingted #AD #Gifted
Blurb
Ted the dragon lives all alone in a big house, deep in the woods. He LOVES making things, spending his days baking cakes, painting pictures and creating costumes. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have anyone to share his amazing creations with. Ted tries so hard to make friends with the other animals, but there’s something about his fiery breath and fearsome-looking claws that keeps putting them off. One day Ted notices a sign for a summer picnic party in the forest. The only trouble is that it's for BEARS ONLY. Perhaps if he dresses up as a bear for the day they'll let him in and he'll make lots of new friends. What could possibly go wrong? Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are.
Author Bio Lisa Sheehan is an illustrator, graphic designer and all-round image maker. Graduating from Kingston University with a degree in graphic design, Lisa went on to become an art director for the Financial Times, before embarking on the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. Since graduating she has illustrated two picture books: The Find It Book by Margaret Wise Brown, which was shortlisted for the AOI awards, and Lionel and the Lion’s Share with Lou Peacock. Just Being Ted is the first title Lisa has both written and illustrated.
#bookblog #bookreadersofinstagram #bookcommunity #bookreview #bookaddict #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #girlsthatread #scottishreader #bookchallenge #bookgeek #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookobsessed #readingisgood #scottishbookstagrammer #bookaholic #whatiread #readerssupportingauthors #pageturners #booklife #bloggergirl #themagicofbooks #turnthepage #bookwormsunited #childrensbookstagram
June 1, 2021
#JustbeingTed
authored and illustrated by #LisaSheehan
My daughter is on the ADHD spectrum and there are times she struggles with making friends. People find her ‘different’. She coped with it well through school but now as she is on the threshold of starting a new phase she is overcome by the same anxiety of ‘not being accepted’.
#JustBeingTed couldn’t have come into our lives at a better time. Often children’s’ stories effortlessly and reassuringly convey a message which, as adults, we are unable to communicate.
The story:
Ted, a dragon, lives deep in the woods enjoying making things, baking cakes, painting pictures and creating costumes. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have anyone to share his amazing creations with. Ted tries so hard to make friends with the other animals, but there’s something about his fiery breath and fearsome-looking claws that keeps putting them off. One day Ted notices a sign for a summer picnic party in the forest. The only trouble is that it's for BEARS ONLY. Perhaps if he dresses up as a bear for the day they'll let him in and he'll make lots of new friends. What could possibly go wrong? Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are.
My daughter smiled and said: Mom, we should be ourselves. People will love us for who we are.
She may have been saying it as much to herself as to me, but I know both our hearts sang.
The author:
Being Ted is the first title Lisa has both written and illustrated. The idea came from a teddy bears’ picnic at her daughter’s school, at which only teddy bears were allowed. Lisa thought this was very unfair on any other stuffed animals that wanted to attend, too, and the idea for Ted was born.
A beautifully illustrated book, I received a digital copy as part of the #booktour organised by @lovebooktours.
#AD
#gifted
authored and illustrated by #LisaSheehan
My daughter is on the ADHD spectrum and there are times she struggles with making friends. People find her ‘different’. She coped with it well through school but now as she is on the threshold of starting a new phase she is overcome by the same anxiety of ‘not being accepted’.
#JustBeingTed couldn’t have come into our lives at a better time. Often children’s’ stories effortlessly and reassuringly convey a message which, as adults, we are unable to communicate.
The story:
Ted, a dragon, lives deep in the woods enjoying making things, baking cakes, painting pictures and creating costumes. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have anyone to share his amazing creations with. Ted tries so hard to make friends with the other animals, but there’s something about his fiery breath and fearsome-looking claws that keeps putting them off. One day Ted notices a sign for a summer picnic party in the forest. The only trouble is that it's for BEARS ONLY. Perhaps if he dresses up as a bear for the day they'll let him in and he'll make lots of new friends. What could possibly go wrong? Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are.
My daughter smiled and said: Mom, we should be ourselves. People will love us for who we are.
She may have been saying it as much to herself as to me, but I know both our hearts sang.
The author:
Being Ted is the first title Lisa has both written and illustrated. The idea came from a teddy bears’ picnic at her daughter’s school, at which only teddy bears were allowed. Lisa thought this was very unfair on any other stuffed animals that wanted to attend, too, and the idea for Ted was born.
A beautifully illustrated book, I received a digital copy as part of the #booktour organised by @lovebooktours.
#AD
#gifted
June 7, 2021
༒•𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒆𝒅•༒꧂
☆꧁🐝 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖🤩꧂☆
☆༒💭 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛 💭༒☆
Ted the dragon lives all alone in a big house, deep in the woods. He LOVES making things, spending his days baking cakes, painting pictures and creating costumes. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have anyone to share his amazing creations with. Ted tries so hard to make friends with the other animals, but there’s something about his fiery breath and fearsome-looking claws that keeps putting them off. One day Ted notices a sign for a summer picnic party in the forest. The only trouble is that it's for BEARS ONLY. Perhaps if he dresses up as a bear for the day they'll let him in and he'll make lots of new friends. What could possibly go wrong? Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are.
꧁☬𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒆𝒅
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: 𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒂 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒏
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝/5 ☬꧂
🐝✿☆𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰☆✿🐝
When an author of a children’s book provides such an important message through amazing illustrations and rich, thought provoking vocabulary, offering the perfect atmosphere in time to share through open discussion with young inquisitive minds, it is a very clever and inspirational writer. This is how Lisa Sheehan made my own class (including the two adults in the room) feel. Just Being Ted is such a heartwarming story about being accepted and cherished as you are. What makes it so special is how the children wanted to read it over and over, retelling Ted’s tale through their role play, working collaboratively, sharing each other’s ideas and suggestions. Without doubt, this wonderful book has touched the hearts and minds of so many both young and old and will continue to do so wherever ‘Just Being Ted’ is read out loud!
Thank you to @lovebooktours for my gifted copy and Lisa Sheehan for such an inspirational, enjoyable book. This is my honest review.
☆꧁🐝 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖🤩꧂☆
☆༒💭 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛 💭༒☆
Ted the dragon lives all alone in a big house, deep in the woods. He LOVES making things, spending his days baking cakes, painting pictures and creating costumes. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have anyone to share his amazing creations with. Ted tries so hard to make friends with the other animals, but there’s something about his fiery breath and fearsome-looking claws that keeps putting them off. One day Ted notices a sign for a summer picnic party in the forest. The only trouble is that it's for BEARS ONLY. Perhaps if he dresses up as a bear for the day they'll let him in and he'll make lots of new friends. What could possibly go wrong? Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are.
꧁☬𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒆𝒅
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: 𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒂 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒏
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝/5 ☬꧂
🐝✿☆𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰☆✿🐝
When an author of a children’s book provides such an important message through amazing illustrations and rich, thought provoking vocabulary, offering the perfect atmosphere in time to share through open discussion with young inquisitive minds, it is a very clever and inspirational writer. This is how Lisa Sheehan made my own class (including the two adults in the room) feel. Just Being Ted is such a heartwarming story about being accepted and cherished as you are. What makes it so special is how the children wanted to read it over and over, retelling Ted’s tale through their role play, working collaboratively, sharing each other’s ideas and suggestions. Without doubt, this wonderful book has touched the hearts and minds of so many both young and old and will continue to do so wherever ‘Just Being Ted’ is read out loud!
Thank you to @lovebooktours for my gifted copy and Lisa Sheehan for such an inspirational, enjoyable book. This is my honest review.
May 10, 2021
Just Being Ted is a fun and colourful story about the importance of being yourself and accepting others for who they are. The woodland aesthetic and colour palette are beautiful. Most of all, it gives a wonderful message of not letting appearances get in the way of your judgement of somebody else, as well as the importance of kindness to others.
Not only is it a tale of inclusivity regarding appearances, but it's also about understanding that not everybody has the same interests or hobbies but that there are many other things that people can have in common with each other. Because of this, Just Being Ted is the perfect book to be reading my four-year-old at the minute as we are getting ready for him to start going to primary school. It has helped us to open up a discussion around all of the new friends that he will be able to make and to help him understand that not everybody will like the same things that he does.
Useful for parents and teachers alike, there's a lot to take away from this book, and it's definitely going to be one that we return to frequently.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Tiny Tree Books for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not only is it a tale of inclusivity regarding appearances, but it's also about understanding that not everybody has the same interests or hobbies but that there are many other things that people can have in common with each other. Because of this, Just Being Ted is the perfect book to be reading my four-year-old at the minute as we are getting ready for him to start going to primary school. It has helped us to open up a discussion around all of the new friends that he will be able to make and to help him understand that not everybody will like the same things that he does.
Useful for parents and teachers alike, there's a lot to take away from this book, and it's definitely going to be one that we return to frequently.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Tiny Tree Books for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2021
Just Being Ted is a heartwarming tale of a dragon who is feared and lonely making friends and being accepted.
This book has a lovely message of inclusivity, being yourself, and not having to be like everyone else. It teaches children not to judge others on looks, it is the person inside that counts (quite literally when Ted dresses up as a bear).
My 3-year-old loved the story and learnt from it, at the start he said ‘Oh, scary dragon’ but soon said ‘poor dragon’ and by the end realised that Ted isn’t all that scary and found him funny and friendly. He loved the unicorn costume at the end!
I enjoyed that this is a proper story, as it has a beginning, middle, and end. Lots of books for young children can be quite lighthearted and sing-songy (not that it is a bad thing), but I do like a real story with a message and something to take away from reading with my children.
The illustrations are beautiful, I like the fact that every bear is unique, showing that whilst they are all have something in common (that they are bears) they too are all individual and have differences to each other. This is a lovely visual addition to the message in the story.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours for the copy to review and for inviting me to take part in the tour.
This book has a lovely message of inclusivity, being yourself, and not having to be like everyone else. It teaches children not to judge others on looks, it is the person inside that counts (quite literally when Ted dresses up as a bear).
My 3-year-old loved the story and learnt from it, at the start he said ‘Oh, scary dragon’ but soon said ‘poor dragon’ and by the end realised that Ted isn’t all that scary and found him funny and friendly. He loved the unicorn costume at the end!
I enjoyed that this is a proper story, as it has a beginning, middle, and end. Lots of books for young children can be quite lighthearted and sing-songy (not that it is a bad thing), but I do like a real story with a message and something to take away from reading with my children.
The illustrations are beautiful, I like the fact that every bear is unique, showing that whilst they are all have something in common (that they are bears) they too are all individual and have differences to each other. This is a lovely visual addition to the message in the story.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours for the copy to review and for inviting me to take part in the tour.
May 23, 2025
Diga Si Naga yang Apa Adanya is a translated children's storybook. Its original title is Just Being Ted. Ted? Diga? "Ted" and "Diga" refer to the name of the main character. Ted is the name of Diga in the original English version. I don’t know the exact reason why Ted’s name was changed. If I were to guess, maybe it’s to make the name easier for Indonesian children to read and pronounce.
Lisa Sheehan offers a fresh perspective on social life through children's storytelling. Diga’s experience could be a shared one. Some people feel insecure, some lack confidence, and others isolate themselves by building walls. Just as Diga feels alienated because of his large body and less-than-appealing appearance, similar experiences happen in the human world too.
A children’s story which is both written and illustrated by the same person creates such a uniqueness. On one hand, the author can bring the story to life more freely through their own illustrations, and on the other hand, the illustrations themselves carry more soul.
Here you can read the full review on my blog:
https://pustakasiwi.blogspot.com/2025....
Lisa Sheehan offers a fresh perspective on social life through children's storytelling. Diga’s experience could be a shared one. Some people feel insecure, some lack confidence, and others isolate themselves by building walls. Just as Diga feels alienated because of his large body and less-than-appealing appearance, similar experiences happen in the human world too.
A children’s story which is both written and illustrated by the same person creates such a uniqueness. On one hand, the author can bring the story to life more freely through their own illustrations, and on the other hand, the illustrations themselves carry more soul.
Here you can read the full review on my blog:
https://pustakasiwi.blogspot.com/2025....
May 4, 2021
Just Being Ted is a sweet, heart-warming story about the importance of being yourself and being accepted for who you are. The idea for the story came from a teddy bears’ picnic at the author’s daughter’s school, at which only teddy bears were allowed. Lisa thought this was very unfair on any other stuffed animals that wanted to attend, too, and the idea for Ted was born. Everything about this book is lovely, from the beautiful story with the message that being you is perfect, to the gorgeous illustrations. I read this book to my reception class of four and five year olds and they loved it. The children thought the story was sad because his friends didn’t like him but that it had a happy ending. They thought the pictures were lovely and liked that it was all about making friends. This book was perfectly pitched to this age group, with the right amount of text and detailed pictures that prompted lots of discussion and opportunities for using rich language.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book. It made me feel lots of things.
Yes, being the odd one out and having to watch the world from the outside is a common theme for children’s books, but Lisa Sheehan found a fresh twist for her story, helped enormously by her lovely illustrations that make you feel everything right alongside Ted.
Ted is a creative, sensitive dragon who is well aware nobody wants him around, but he keeps trying. There’s lots to appreciate in each illustration, especially where the opposite is shown in the image of what we’re being told on the page. This is where author/illustrators are such an asset to picture books, but it’s rare to find one who’s equally as good at both things.
I loved it when Ted put on his disguise to go to the shop – he thought he wouldn’t scare anyone like that.
I also loved the bit where his identity is revealed. I genuinely felt for him when he tried to slink away again.
And the mouse got a couple of genuine laughs out of me!
A wonderful book I borrowed from the library, but one so good I’ll buy a copy of my own.
Yes, being the odd one out and having to watch the world from the outside is a common theme for children’s books, but Lisa Sheehan found a fresh twist for her story, helped enormously by her lovely illustrations that make you feel everything right alongside Ted.
Ted is a creative, sensitive dragon who is well aware nobody wants him around, but he keeps trying. There’s lots to appreciate in each illustration, especially where the opposite is shown in the image of what we’re being told on the page. This is where author/illustrators are such an asset to picture books, but it’s rare to find one who’s equally as good at both things.
I loved it when Ted put on his disguise to go to the shop – he thought he wouldn’t scare anyone like that.
I also loved the bit where his identity is revealed. I genuinely felt for him when he tried to slink away again.
And the mouse got a couple of genuine laughs out of me!
A wonderful book I borrowed from the library, but one so good I’ll buy a copy of my own.
February 22, 2023
Okay: Wie süß ist dieses Kinderbuch bitte? Allein die Illustrationen verzaubern einen und wenn man Ted traurig sieht möchte man gefühlt einfach nur anfangen zu weinen.
Ted ist nämlich ein sehr kreativer Drache, dem es allerdings schwer fällt Freund*innen zu finden, weil alle Angst vor ihm haben. Aber eines Tages sieht er ein Plakat zur Einladung auf eine Bärenfeier. Wo allerdings nur Bären zu eingeladen sind. Er denkt sich: Da kann ichbauch teilnehmen und bastelt sich ein Bärenkostüm.
Wie es allerdings immer so ist, fällt es durch ein Niesen am Ende auf das er kein Bär ist, aber die Pointe ist, dass dies gar nicht schlimm ist, weil alle ihn mochten und noch mehr Tiere verkleidet als Bären bei der Party waren.
Schöne Message, wunderschöne Geschichte und vor allen Dingen sollte man die Details auf dem einzelnen Seiten nicht außer Acht lassen. Es gibt einiges zu entdecken.
Absolute Empfehlung!
Ted ist nämlich ein sehr kreativer Drache, dem es allerdings schwer fällt Freund*innen zu finden, weil alle Angst vor ihm haben. Aber eines Tages sieht er ein Plakat zur Einladung auf eine Bärenfeier. Wo allerdings nur Bären zu eingeladen sind. Er denkt sich: Da kann ichbauch teilnehmen und bastelt sich ein Bärenkostüm.
Wie es allerdings immer so ist, fällt es durch ein Niesen am Ende auf das er kein Bär ist, aber die Pointe ist, dass dies gar nicht schlimm ist, weil alle ihn mochten und noch mehr Tiere verkleidet als Bären bei der Party waren.
Schöne Message, wunderschöne Geschichte und vor allen Dingen sollte man die Details auf dem einzelnen Seiten nicht außer Acht lassen. Es gibt einiges zu entdecken.
Absolute Empfehlung!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2021
This book was absolutely lovely, it was a delightful tale of Ted the dragon who is lonely as everyone he wants to play with seems too scared of him. He decides to find his own way to fit in with the animals and disguises himself in order to be included.
It is a heart warming tale of inclusivity and the fact that we should not judge others by appearance but accept people for who they are on the inside. It is great for parents and teachers alike as it will create much discussion from the text and encourage children to think about the message behind it.
The illustrations are beautiful and the writing pitched at just the right level to keep younger pre schoolers engaged and provoke discussion with those a little older.
I received a copy of this book for free from Love books tours, this has in no way influenced my review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is a heart warming tale of inclusivity and the fact that we should not judge others by appearance but accept people for who they are on the inside. It is great for parents and teachers alike as it will create much discussion from the text and encourage children to think about the message behind it.
The illustrations are beautiful and the writing pitched at just the right level to keep younger pre schoolers engaged and provoke discussion with those a little older.
I received a copy of this book for free from Love books tours, this has in no way influenced my review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 2, 2021
Everything about this book was gorgeous. The book is beautifully written and illustrated and carries an important message for children of all ages (and adults!) about the importance of being yourself and not trying to conform to fit in.
I read this to my 5 and 9 year old daughters who both loved it. Dragons are a favourite of theirs so it was the perfect book for them! They thought the story was very sweet and were sad for Ted at the start when he was struggling to fit in. My youngest daughter started school this year so related to how he felt and how it can be tricky to make friends. They loved the ending and were happy for Ted when he could just be himself.
This book has become a fast bedtime favourite and I’d recommend it to anyone with children. I’ll definitely be buying copies of this for gifts for my friends’ children.
I read this to my 5 and 9 year old daughters who both loved it. Dragons are a favourite of theirs so it was the perfect book for them! They thought the story was very sweet and were sad for Ted at the start when he was struggling to fit in. My youngest daughter started school this year so related to how he felt and how it can be tricky to make friends. They loved the ending and were happy for Ted when he could just be himself.
This book has become a fast bedtime favourite and I’d recommend it to anyone with children. I’ll definitely be buying copies of this for gifts for my friends’ children.
June 16, 2021
What a cute, adorable and beautifully illustrated read! Both Ada and I loved it! A story to remind us never to be something we are not and to be truly loved, we are to let others see who we really are. Ada had lots of questions reading this, but also made lots of comments like, “I’d be the dragon’s friend”, “I feel sad for the dragon!” “They’re just being mean!” Ada loved the illustrations, making this a firm favourite on her bed each night.
Synopsis:
This is a story about Ted, a dragon, that just seems to scare everyone and nobody wants to be friends with him. Upon seeing an advert for a Picnic party for bears, he comes up with a cunning plan to try and fit in, but when the bears realise what he’s done, will they be quick to forgive him and befriend him?
Synopsis:
This is a story about Ted, a dragon, that just seems to scare everyone and nobody wants to be friends with him. Upon seeing an advert for a Picnic party for bears, he comes up with a cunning plan to try and fit in, but when the bears realise what he’s done, will they be quick to forgive him and befriend him?
June 19, 2021
I liked where this book was going, the overarching theme of accepting yourself. However I feel the main character needed to come to that point himself... to realise that he wasn't comfortable (his internal experience), and i felt he needed to developed the courage, or to take that step, to remove it himself. I felt that would have been a far more empowering message for children to show them that it's ok to be yourself, AND you can do it. I don't think it should take an accident (in this case sneezing) for someone to take the costume off and be themselves. I found the pictures of this book to be AMAZING and so incredibly beautiful, I like the message too, but the text/language/writing style didn't really excite me.
May 31, 2021
This was such a sweet light hearted book full of wonderful illustrations!
Ted just wants to have friends and have people like him , he tries so hard to prove he isn't big and scary but nothing would work. This is something that a lot of young readers will identify with this when starting a new school. The morale of the story is one that should help anyone struggling making friends which is just be yourself and others like you will want to be your friend.
This book is beautifully written and the illustrations help keep hold of the readers attention and help their imagination to see them and see whats happening. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with young children!
Ted just wants to have friends and have people like him , he tries so hard to prove he isn't big and scary but nothing would work. This is something that a lot of young readers will identify with this when starting a new school. The morale of the story is one that should help anyone struggling making friends which is just be yourself and others like you will want to be your friend.
This book is beautifully written and the illustrations help keep hold of the readers attention and help their imagination to see them and see whats happening. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with young children!
June 10, 2021
What a book for the kids! We are always looking for new books that all the kids will love and this definitely ticks all the boxes!
We were very lucky to be gifted a copy of this book and in a short time it has become a new favourite, especially with the youngest 😀
This beautiful story is about Ted who just wants to go to the Teddy Bear picnic but as he is a dragon he cannot. This books centers on the importance of accepting yourself for you and the importance of being yourself at all times.
It is an easy story for the younger ones to get involved with but keeps the older ones interested, a huge job well done! Amazing book!
We were very lucky to be gifted a copy of this book and in a short time it has become a new favourite, especially with the youngest 😀
This beautiful story is about Ted who just wants to go to the Teddy Bear picnic but as he is a dragon he cannot. This books centers on the importance of accepting yourself for you and the importance of being yourself at all times.
It is an easy story for the younger ones to get involved with but keeps the older ones interested, a huge job well done! Amazing book!
June 16, 2021
Emma 7
Emma rated the book 10/10 she said her favourite part was when Teds clothes burnt off revealing his true self. She said it’s important to always be yourself.
Selena 4
She loved the part where he dressed up as a bear. She laughed a lot during this story and her favourite picture is the last one where Ted is dressed as a unicorn.
This is such a lovely children’s book with a very well thought out message. The illustrations are beautiful and we loved reading it.
Emma rated the book 10/10 she said her favourite part was when Teds clothes burnt off revealing his true self. She said it’s important to always be yourself.
Selena 4
She loved the part where he dressed up as a bear. She laughed a lot during this story and her favourite picture is the last one where Ted is dressed as a unicorn.
This is such a lovely children’s book with a very well thought out message. The illustrations are beautiful and we loved reading it.
June 29, 2021
Just Being Ted by Lisa Sheehan
My Grandson loved this book 📖 Such a beautifully written and illustrated book which held my grandsons attention from start to finish. It's teaches children to accept who they are and not let others influence them otherwise.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with young children.
My Grandson loved this book 📖 Such a beautifully written and illustrated book which held my grandsons attention from start to finish. It's teaches children to accept who they are and not let others influence them otherwise.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with young children.
April 22, 2026
Petualangan Diga mencari teman hingga dia pun harus berpura-pura menjadi hewan lain. Walaupun akhirnya happy ending, temanya agak mengarah adanya segregasi sosial ya di dunia hewan, atau hewan mistis (naga).
April 28, 2025
Arme Ted, ik vond de dieren in het bos maar gemeen. Ik vond zijn plannetje om naar het feest te gaan briljant en was nieuwsgierig hoe het zou gaan. Leuk einde, toffe illustraties.
April 1, 2026
aiix una preciositat, me l'ha regalat la meva mare per explicar-lo a les criatures però podria ser perfectament per llegir-me'l jo i prou hihi tantes lectures que se'n poden fer... (tan queer)
February 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. Cute and fun for the kids!
May 19, 2023
3,5⭐️ kjoet!!
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