The Lost Property Office

We are all going to visit Grandpa; me, Mummy and, of course, Teddy. We have to take the train – always a bit of an adventure. But what happens when we have to jump off? Teddy is left behind. Will I ever see him again?

This charming picture book charts what will be for almost every family with a young child a very familiar situation – the loss of a loved teddy bear or toy. Luckily the visit to the Lost Property Office (commendably prompt) provides a happy ending. Emily Rand captures the everyday world to perfection, filling her spreads with the bustle of the station, the diversity of the train carriage, the welcoming space of Grandpa’s living room and the extraordinary contents of the Lost Property Office. Her palette is as colourful and welcoming, encouraging her young audience to dwell on the images and get to know her characters, to talk about what is going on.  It is pleasing to have such a proactive grandfather and there is real warmth in the relationship between the characters which is mirrored in the text and the illustrations. A very welcome addition to any collection.