Ted is one prepared bear. After bumping his knee one morning he wants a doctor, but with none in sight, he becomes one himself. Though he satisfactorily treats his booboo, his Doctor Ted persona is none too popular with the people around him. His offers to cure the principal’s bad breath and his teacher’s mumps (actually just chubby cheeks) are met with annoyance. However, the next day his services are required, when there’s a playground accident involving his teacher. Feeling quite heroic, Doctor Ted is entirely satisfied upon getting into bed that night. Ted is ready the next morning—not to become a doctor again, but rather a fireman. Lemaitre’s illustrations are bright, bold and childlike. They effectively show the variety of responses Ted receives during his attempts to heal the sick (and not so sick). The colors are vivid and add to the mood of each section of text. Kids will be anxious to see what kind of fireman Ted becomes. (Picture book. 4-7)
