Melbourne graphic novelist and picture-book author Nicki Greenberg has captured a common childhood scenario and turned it into a triumphant imaginative adventure. When exuberant Dot and her mum return from the market, Teddy is accidentally left behind on the train. But Greenberg cleverly shows readers that life is all in how you look at it: Dot decides that Teddy took the train to a strictly teddies-only affair – the teddy bears’ picnic!

While Dot is at home passing the time with her other toys, Teddy is out in the world having marvellous adventures. Set on the Melbourne train network, with rhythmic rhyming text and gorgeous retro illustrations, this is a delightful story that will allay children’s fears and set their imaginations free.

A brilliant book for kids aged 3-5.

Angela Crocombe is the Children’s Book Buyer at Readings Carlton.