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Once I Was Loved

An old toy rabbit finds himself in a box of toys being donated to charity. "But it wasn’t always this way," Tock sadly reflects, "Once I was loved."​​

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A celebration of the timeless nature of love and set against the backdrop of iconic moments in 20th-century history, the heart-warming picture book Once I Was Loved will resonate with anyone who has ever cherished a childhood toy.

ISBN  |  9781925820027

Published  |  23 / 09 / 2019

Binding  |  Hardcover

Pages  |  32

Dimensions  |  10 x 250 x 260mm

Age  |  5+ years

Cover for Belinda Landsberry's Once I was Loved book
Illustrated image of a girl sending rabbit out on a paper boat - for Belinda Landsberry's book, Once I was Loved
Illustrated image of a boy with crutches for Belinda Landsberry's book, Once I was Loved
Illustrated image of a boy dancing to a record player with a rabbit - for Belinda Landsberry's book, Once I was Loved
Illustrated image of a girl with a onesie on holding a rabbit - for Belinda Landsberry's book, Once I was Loved
Illustrated image of a boy riding a toy horse with rabbit- for Belinda Landsberry's book, Once I was Loved

Reviews​​

Bryce Kelly, November 2019                                                                                                                                                             “Once, I was Loved is what some might call an “instant classic.” The premise feels comfortingly familiar and yet the story itself floored me with its ending… My twin sister, my high school best friend, and my boyfriend all gathered around as we took turns reading. I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say that my confused mom walked into a living room full of four weeping young adults as we turned the final page.” – Click here to read in full

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Janet Mawdesley, October 2019                                                                                                                                                         “As the story evolves there are many discussion points to have with children such as what polio was, war, the first lunar landing, and the Rock and Roll craze… Charming and crammed full of love, Belinda’s beguiling illustrations along with the gentle storyline have created a book to be treasured and one that will leave a happy little tear in the eye.” – Click here to read in full

 

Phil Robinson (RuJokingGrandad.co.uk), 2019    

"I love this book…It made me laugh, it made me cry… the book could even be bought as a gift from a grandchild to his/her grandparent/s. (The book covers) many major world events and emotions that make it feel like a potted biography of the world through my life. I would so treasure the book if it was given to me by my grandchildren.”

 

Sue Magee, October 2019                                                                                                                                                              

"I cried, unashamedly…The story will read well at bedtime and will ensure that the child’s own favourite toy will have a special cuddle and be kept very close.” – The Bookbag

 

Barbara Gruener, June 2019                                                                                                                                                             "It’s a tale I enthusiastically recommend you add to your shelves for read aloud or tuck-in time…(This book) discusses important moments in history and all of the dramatic changes over (the) decades…(Once, I was Loved) talks about why sometimes it’s hard – but also really important – to let go.” – The Corner on Character

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Click here to check out an interview from award-winning Belinda Landsberry on Booktopia.

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