Young children are known for their curiosity. They may ply their parents with questions about why the sky is blue, how birds fly, and where babies come from. For Teddy Lou, a boy who is fascinated by bells of all sorts, the question driving him is: Do bells have smells? He loves the noise they make and is eager to learn everything he can about the music-makers, but the question of bells’ smells persists. After all, he knows what to expect with a stinky skunk or fresh, gooey pizza, but a bell? He embarks on a trek where he enjoys bells in his town and names bells from afar, finally deciding to climb the church tower to sniff its giant bell. However, to get close enough to catch the scent, he finds himself precariously perched on the bell. And he doesn’t have much time because its powerful chime is about to erupt in a deafening boom. Alone on the bell, he gets scared and wonders what to do. “Oh dear! This is bad! Where’s Mom and where’s Dad?” Will Teddy’s recollection of scientific principles enable him to escape the distressing position he’s found himself in?
Author Chris Demeropolis uses her love of storytelling to spin a melodious tale that will keep even the most easily distracted kids entertained. The poetic narration features words familiar to young readers and an energetic, irregular meter that contribute to a conversational feel. There is even a bit of suspense for first-time readers as they ask themselves what a bell might actually smell like. While audiences might expect the sensory adventure to lead Teddy Lou to getting stuck atop a giant bell, perhaps the greatest surprise is the supplemental list and application of Newton’s laws of motion. Younger children may not fully comprehend these laws, but their appearance in the story allows parents to turn a lighthearted story into an educational opportunity. The musical terms and soothing illustrations add whimsy to each page, presenting a variety of charming images that showcase familiar landmarks and amusing expressions as young Teddy Lou searches, discovers, ponders, and wonders. Whether scouring the pages to find Teddy’s bluebird friend or letting imaginations run wild as they gaze upon the quirky variety of details in each scene, even the youngest of kids will love these dreamlike illustrations. An attractive rhyming picture book with a sturdy science lesson as a foundation, Teddy Lou, Bell Guru will strike a joyful chord with curious young minds everywhere.
