Belinda Landsberry is a children’s author and illustrator. She brings an ideal combination of talents to her work, having formerly trained as a primary school teacher and graphic designer. Mother to four children — two grown-up and two teenagers — Belinda will hold the impressive record of having made school lunches for 30 years straight when her youngest daughter finishes school in 2018!

Anzac Ted has made the shortlist for West Australian Young Readers’ Book Award 2016 in the category of Best Picture Book.

The Award operates by inviting young readers to nominate, through their libraries, books that they have enjoyed. These nominations are then considered by the WAYRBA committee.

We love this book and it is good to know that the audience for whom they were written loves them too.

Congratulations to Belinda Landsberry and EK Books publisher Anouska Jones!

LoveFourLearning 
“I love this book for introducing children to the concept of Anzac Day.”

Magpies Magazine
“This book will be enjoyed by school children studying Anzac Day and World War I, as well as those who have a heart for teddy bear stories”

RSL WA, May 2018
“It’s easy to see why so many teachers have chosen this book as their preferred ANZAC Day read. Anzac Ted is a beautiful piece of literature and the perfect way to introduce children to the ANZAC Legend.” – Click here to read in full

The Area News, May 2018
“Anzac Ted is about a teddy bear who is looking a bit torn and tattered, but he has a pretty special history” – Click here to read in full

Downtown Sight & Sound / ABC Centre Ballina, March 2016
“It’s so beautiful!!! The BEST children’s ANZAC book I’ve ever seen!”

Boomerang Magazine, April 2015
“Perfect for reading aloud with someone you cherish or soaking up the atmospheric sepia illustrations alone”

Yours Magazine, April 2015
“every time it is read it lets the soldiers who are no longer with us live on, gives those serving their due”

The Haven Magazine, April 2015
“As we celebrate the centenary of Anzac Day this month, here’s a story to share with the kids”

Practical Parenting, April 2015
“A poignant picture book with stunning watercolour illustrations”

Parenting without Tears Blog, April 2015
“a very special kind of book”

The Cove, April 2015
“Anzac Ted may look scary, but this old bear is an unsung hero”

Jigsaw Magazine – Family Day Care Australia, April 2015
“I thoroughly enjoyed the book, as did the children and after reading it we talked about the Anzacs and what it meant for us”

The Book Chook Blog – Review, March 2015
“Children will love the detailed pictures of the teddy hero – battle scarred, patched and missing bits. I am sure they will remember their own loved teddies and connect with the story even more”

Tots and Teens, March 2015
“Anzac Ted is a spectacular story that both adults and children will enjoy reading time and again.”

Literacy Blog, March 2015
“This is a lovely picture book for children aged 4-6 years that will allow very young children to access just as little of the Anzac legend.”

Sydney Morning Herald, March 2015
“…this is another fitting tribute to one family’s experience of war and to the war stories and memorabilia that are handed down from generation to generation.”

Scan Magazine, March 2015
“Told in rhyming verse, this picture book provides a gentle introduction to the ANZAC story”

Reading Time, March 2015
“A simple verse story with powerful evocative illustrations…especially suitable for upper primary children as they learn about the ANZAC event and other elements of World War , and indeed all wars”

The Pregnancy Centre, March 2015
“A heart rending story, touching the depths of spirit of the Anzacs”

Review – Coast Magazine, March 2015
“This superb book is filled with beautiful watercolour illustrations and is sure to win hearts old and young”

Ladies in Racing, February 2015
“this battered old bear is an unsung hero.”

Buzzwords, January 2015
“Anzac Ted is a poignant and touching book … visually striking … a beautiful and important book: especially as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War 1 and in particular the Gallipoli campaign.”

Playground Queensland Book Review – January 2015
Anzac Ted is a unique children’s book, including stunning watercolour illustrations … Anzac Ted’s themes of love, acceptance and the importance of family will resonate with adult readers … and with older readers for whom the war themes and illustrations will be touching  and nostalgic.”

Totline – January 2015
“This is a heartfelt and beautifully illustrated book encompassing hope in the face of fear, a family’s heritage and our national legacy.”

The Mummy Project,  December 2014

‘There’s no doubt that war and conflict can be hard concepts for children to understand. Anzac Ted helps to explain the Anzac legacy to the younger generation. The book, written and illustrated by Belinda Landsberry starts with a description of a raggedy scary-looking teddy bear Anzac Ted that is the object of disdain at Show and Tell at school……………………………………………….. Focusing on themes of war, conflict, family and love, this is a very special children’s book. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign next April, share the story of Anzac Ted and the Anzacs and remember their sacrifice.’ – Read full review here.

Mother & Baby, November 2014
‘…..Reading picture books is also a great way to help your children understand this complex side to our history.  Anzac Ted is a beautiful story that gently teaches children about the sacrifices that Australians had to make during war, in a way that they can understand…….’

Kids’ Book Review, November 2014
‘…….As we approach 2015 and the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first Anzacs, Anzac Ted offers parents and teachers a very age-appropriate way of sharing the story of Australia’s First World War soldiers with children………..’ – Read full review here

Today Show Channel 9 – Thursday 6th November 2014

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