They Stole Our Hearts, by Daniel Kraus (illustrated by Rovina Cai), is the sequel to They Threw Us Away. Having read the first book in this proposed trilogy I was more prepared for the darkness of the story and the style of writing, quickly becoming immersed in the teddy bears’ problematic lives. It is marketed as a book for children (middle grade), and many could benefit from reading it, but there is little within these pages that is happy or sweet. There is, however, bravery and loyalty aplenty. Parents should simply be aware that the world depicted is more frightening and complex than some children may wish to cope with.
The story opens with four of the original teddy bears – Buddy, Sunny, Sugar and Reginald – living in a box under the bed of the little girl they were given to, Darling. Although they are regularly played with their existence must remain secret as Darling’s mother is unaware that her ex has given the bears to their daughter, and would not be happy about this. The bears do not understand but know from previous misadventures that humans are often horrifically cruel to teddies. They long for the loving hugs that could put them into Forever Sleep and mull over why this has not happened given they have finally found their little girl.
After many weeks under a dusty bed the bears decide this situation cannot continue. If Forever Sleep is to be attained then Darling’s love must be focused on one of them. The others will leave, but how can such a choice be made?
Events overtake the bears’ best intentions and the survivors end up in a filthy dumpster, on a city backstreet. Knowing part of their backstory, although not why they were thrown away in the first place, they set off for the factory where they were made, Furrington Industries. Here they hope to confront the Suit and demand he fix the teddies he’s ruined.
The outside world is a scary place filled with many dangers but these bears are brave despite the many setbacks they have encountered to date.
Having portrayed a family setup where bears are not welcome a chunk of the remaining story builds a world where bears look after themselves. This is skilfully put together although quite horrific. Bereft of the love for which they were created, nihilism is demanded within this closed community. It is perhaps a depiction of what happens when hope and purpose are taken away.
The protagonists of our story cannot help but be affected, although their fortitude is never entirely suppressed. They are treated with suspicion having arrived from Outside, and soon learn no bear ever leaves although the rare Chosen Ones – aspired to by all – disappear.
The denouement is clever, with much explained along the way as to why certain things happened. There are still many threads to tie up but the book ends with a glimpse of possibility, preparing reader hunger for the final instalment.
I’m not sure this book could be fully appreciated without first reading They Threw Us Away. Having done so I found this second part even more compelling. It is about teddy bears but, so much more than that, it is about human nature. There is much to consider behind the behaviours exhibited.
A story that will be most likely to appeal to those who value such tales as Watership Down. Well written and darkly illustrated, it offers a window into the cruelties of which humanity is capable but also how even the small and soft can take a stand against tyranny, especially when supported by friends.
They Stole Our Hearts is published by Henry Holt.
