Artist Ted

When Ted (who has previously worked as a firefighter and doctor) notices his room lacks a certain je ne sais quoi, he decides to become a True Artiste. Using a palette of chocolate, ketchup, toothpaste, and mustard, the self-assured bear paints a masterpiece on the wall (“Go to school,” says his mother). At school, Ted’s artistic zeal gets him in hot water: he paints a caricature of Principal Bigham and upsets a new student, but a collaborative endeavor helps mend hurt feelings. Readers should find Ted’s unflagging confidence contagious. Ages 4–6. Illustrator’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Feb.)