A pet shop is no place for a cute puppy dog with a waggy tail and green sweater. No no - Ted needs something more. He needs something to do, something to be - a place to belong.
So what does he do? He doesn't lay around moaning - he heads off to seek his fortune (just my kind of dog).
He tries the circus but no one cheers for Ted on his popcorn box as the highly-trained trapeze dogs take centre stage.
He tries the perfect pet pageant but compared to the poodles primped and coiffed to within an inch of their fluff, Ted doesn't get a look in.
His time as a guard dog is not very successful, either, and just as it seems Ted may be on his own forever, he notices something. It's a notice. And the notice wants something furry. Something that enjoy long walks. Ball games . . . oh my - this sounds like the perfect role for Ted!
What could possibly go wrong?
I love this book. Its stunning artwork is reminiscent of the masterful Sue deGennaro's work, and plonks Leila Rudge right up there among my favourite picture book artists. Her use of colour and texture and character charm is beautifully-rendered, and her text is succinct yet gorgeously descriptive - something I really admire.
But what I love most about Ted is its adorable (and funny!) ending that kids will delight in and adults will smile warmly over.
Expect this to be a mega-borrowed book in your school library. Best get your own copy.
Title: Ted
Author/Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Publisher: Walker Books, $27.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 April 2013
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781921977503
For ages: 3 - 10
Type: Picture Book