Every child (and even some adults) has something that he or she is afraid of.  This story deals not only with how three children face these fears, but also with the nature of love.

This story has been read aloud successfully in classrooms all over North America and the UK. Children love the tale, and the fact that they must wait an entire week to find out what happens next adds to the excitement!  We have received drawings from all over the United States and encourage you to send more to us by e-mail or snail mail.

The author will be pleased to do "interviews" as noted below. We have also suggested some activities that you can use to follow up the story.
 

Artwork

We welcome drawings and paintings from students (and teachers, too!) and will do our best to post them in our Art Gallery.

There is also our Big Art Contest. Anyone is welcome to enter regardless of age.  The contest began in 1997 and will run until 30 days after  a total of 2000 entries are received.  Your entire class can enter!
 

Interviews with the Author
 
Your class can send questions to the author of Teefr, Edward Summer, in one of two ways:
 
e-mail or IRC Chat
 
By e-mail, your class can make a list of questions and e-mail them to: Teefr E-Mail The e-mail will be answered within a few days and returned to your address. Try to limit to 15 questions or less, but if you have an enthusiastic class, use your judgment.

IRC Chat: If you would like to arrange an on-line chat, you must schedule in advance and have access to an IRC client such as MIRC or PIRCH as well as an IRC server that can connect you to UNDERNET. These chats can last for up to an hour, and the author can answer questions in real time. At the time of the interview, there must be at least one person who is a good typist to ask the questions. Please feel free to e-mail for further information. E-Mail

Any other ideas or suggestions?

DISCUSSION and ACTIVITY IDEAS
 
1. Teefr is a fairy tale in the classic European tradition: The Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson. In what ways is it similar to these stories? In what way is it different?
2. In what ways does the story discuss "good and evil?"
3. Is Teefr really a hero? Is Reon really a villain?
4. Who was Theodore Roosevelt? What really happened at San Juan Hill?
5. How do Tony and Ginger and Fred grow as characters? How do they change? What do they learn?
6. What is the most important lesson that Mrs. Seel has to teach?
7. What was the fourth wish?
8. Who is the bravest character in the story? Why do you think so?
9. Which character shows the most love? How?
10. How should parents treat their kids? What should kids be included in? What should adults do alone?
11. Do your students find this story scary? Why? How do they deal with being frightened.
12. Is there a purpose in life to "fear?"
13. How many of your kids still own Teddy Bears? Why? Do they ever bring them to school?
14. How do the students relate to "imaginary friends?"

WRITING and DRAWING Activities

15. Have you students write their own story about the characters in the book.
16. Have you students write their own story about their own stuffed animals.
17. Have them write about how they overcame the scariest thing that ever happened to them.
18. Do drawings of the characters. What does Reon really look like? What does a "demon soldier" look like?
 

Can you think of other questions? Please let us know and we'll put some of them here! E-Mail

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created 4/1/97
updated 9/29/97