A sweet, poignant story about the passing of time and an enduring friendship between a girl and her teddy bear. Katie and Edward do everything together.

They especially love to play in the old summer house in the garden. Katie and Edward listen as the adults around them talk about an impending war but in the summer house it all seems far away. One day Mother comes hurrying down to the summer house and grabs Katie by the hand. Katie has no time to grab Edward.

Edward sits and watches as the planes buzz and whine overhead and bombs drop on London, including one that lands in the garden.

When it all stops Edward falls asleep and dreams of Katie. The noise of machines wakes him; men are mowing the lawn and children are dancing in the garden. An old lady picks Edward up, it is his Katie, finally come back. The old lady introduces Edward to her granddaughter who is also called Katie. Edward is given a much-needed bath before he and the new Katie have a tea party.

Suitable for: Younger children (7-12 years).

Details: Children's book, non-fiction, published 2022.

Format: Hard cover, illustrations, 32 pages.

Dimensions: 24.5 cm (h) x 24.5 cm (w) x 1.27 cm (d) / 360 grams.