Are the Teddy Books by Ryan Cohen Worth It? An Honest Guide for Parents
Quick answer: The Teddy books by Ryan Cohen are worth it if you read aloud with a child and want a simple start on saving, work, friendship and responsibility. Skip them if your child wants long, complex stories or early-reader practice. We sell them; the best value is a five-book set ($69.99, free US shipping), and Volume 1 is the usual starting point.
Quick answer: The Teddy books by Ryan Cohen are worth it if you read aloud with a child and want a simple starting point for everyday topics like saving, work, friendship and responsibility. Skip them if your child wants long, complex stories or independent early-reader practice, or if you expect a detailed money curriculum. To test the fit, start with one book, such as Teddy and the Piggy Banks ($14.99).
We sell these books, so weigh our view accordingly. We are a small family-run store in South Florida, and we wrote this page to help you decide, including when the answer is no.
In short, Teddy works best as a conversation starter for families who already read together. It will not suit every child.
A low-cost first book to try
Teddy and the Piggy Banks
By Ryan Cohen · Illustrated hardcover · $14.99
One everyday topic, saving toward a goal, is an easy way to see whether the series clicks with your child.
View this book →
If you already know you like them
Teddy Complete Collection, Volumes 1 & 2
By Ryan Cohen · 10 illustrated hardcovers · $129.99
All ten stories for about $20 less than buying ten single books.
View the collection →At a glance
| Verdict | Worth it for shared reading and everyday conversations; skip it for independent reading practice or a money curriculum |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families and grandparents who read aloud together |
| May not suit | Children who want long, complex stories; readers looking for award-winning literary picture books |
| Ages | We suggest them for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8 |
| Price | $14.99 single book · $69.99 five-book set · $129.99 complete collection (10 books) |
| Disclosure | We sell these books |
What are the Teddy books?
Teddy is a series of 10 illustrated hardcover picture books in English by Ryan Cohen, the founder of the pet retailer Chewy and CEO of GameStop. They are published by Teddy Publishing and were first published in 2022.
The books were inspired by Cohen's father, Ted, and the everyday lessons he taught. The stories follow Grandpa Teddy and his grandsons, Princeton and Kingston. Each book centers on one everyday topic: saving, work, community helpers, other places, words and feelings, wants versus needs, earning, friendship, caring for a puppy, and chores before play.
They come as singles, as two five-book sets, or as the Complete Collection of all ten. There is more on our page about Ryan Cohen and the Teddy books.
Who are the Teddy books a good fit for?
- Families who read aloud together. The books are meant for an adult and a child to share. We suggest them for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8.
- Parents who want a way into everyday topics. Saving, work, friendship and responsibility come up at home all the time. A story gives you a shared example to point back to later.
- Grandparents. The stories center on a grandfather and his grandsons, a natural fit for a grandparent reading aloud.
- Gift-givers who want a non-toy present. One clear topic is easy to match to a moment, like a new puppy.
Who may want something else?
Here are honest reasons to skip Teddy, or to add other books alongside it.
- Children who want long, complex stories. Each Teddy book focuses on one everyday idea. A child who craves plot twists may lose interest.
- Independent early-reader practice. We recommend Teddy for shared reading, not as leveled practice books. For decoding practice, choose books labeled for beginning readers.
- Readers looking for award-winning literary picture books. If you choose books mainly for literary prizes or poetic language, Teddy is not the series we would point you to. Its aim is plainer: one topic and something to talk about.
- Anyone expecting a detailed financial-literacy curriculum. Several books touch on money, but they open conversations rather than teach money math. Pair them with hands-on practice; see how to teach kids about money by age.
What do reviewers and critics say about the Teddy books?
Read online opinions with care. Ryan Cohen is a well-known and sometimes polarizing businessman, and some of what you will find about Teddy is really about him. Some online commentators have been dismissive of the books because of who wrote them.
That reaction is understandable, but it doesn't tell you whether a four-year-old will enjoy a story about saving for a goal. The same goes for praise that comes mainly from admiration for the author.
Because we sell the books, we are not a neutral source for a review roundup. Our suggestion is simpler: judge the books on how your child responds.
A simple way to judge for yourself
- Read one book together, then read it again a few days later.
- Notice whether your child asks for it, lingers on the pictures or brings up the topic on their own.
- If it lands, add a set. If it doesn't, you have tried one book rather than ten, and our store offers 30-day returns (see our returns policy).
What are the pros and cons of the Teddy books?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One clear everyday topic per book | Not for children who want long, complex plots |
| Made for reading aloud and talking afterward | Not designed as independent early-reader practice |
| A grandfather at the center, which suits grandparents | Opens money conversations but does not teach money math or investing |
| Illustrated hardcovers that work well as gifts | The author's public profile can distract some adults from the stories |
| You can start with one book before committing to a set | Each book carries a lesson, which not every family wants |
Should you buy a single book, a set or the complete collection?
| Option | What you get | Price | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single book | One story on one topic | $14.99 | You want to try the series or match one moment |
| Volume 1 or Volume 2 set | Five stories, five topics | Volume 1: $69.99 · Volume 2: $69.99 | Your child liked one book and wants more |
| Complete Collection | All ten stories | $129.99 | You want every topic; about $20 less than ten singles |
Not sure which volume fits? Our Teddy Volume 1 vs Volume 2 guide compares the topics side by side.
How do you get the most out of the Teddy books?
The books do their best work after the last page. We suggest one habit: ask one question after reading, then let your child talk.
- Read the story all the way through first. Save the lesson for the end.
- Ask one open question. Just one.
- Connect it to real life that week: a jar for coins, one chore before play, a note to a friend.
One question to ask after each book
- Teddy and the Piggy Banks: "What would you like to save up for?"
- Teddy Goes to Work: "What work did you see someone doing today?"
- Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry: "What makes someone a good friend?"
- Teddy Gets a Puppy: "What would a puppy need from us every day?"
- Teddy Plays in the Snow: "What's one job we can finish before we play?"
Prices
- Teddy and the Piggy Banks: $14.99 USD.
- Teddy Volume 1, 5-Book Hardcover Set: $69.99 USD.
- Teddy Volume 2, 5-Book Hardcover Set: $69.99 USD.
- Teddy Complete Collection, Volumes 1 & 2, 10 Books: $129.99 USD.
Prices checked September 24, 2026; see each product page for current pricing and availability. Age suggestions are our editorial recommendations for shared reading.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Teddy books good for toddlers?
We suggest them for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8. Younger toddlers may enjoy the pictures, but we think the conversations fit better from about age 3.
Are the Teddy books religious?
No. The stories focus on everyday topics such as saving, work, friendship, feelings and responsibility.
Do the Teddy books teach investing?
No. Despite the author's business background, the books deal with everyday money habits like saving, earning, and wants versus needs. They open conversations rather than teach money math.
Where can I buy the Teddy books?
Our store sells singles, both sets and the Complete Collection, shipped within the US from Florida. Orders leave in 1–2 business days, and shipping is free on orders over $69. The books are also sold by other booksellers.
Our honest recommendation
If you read aloud with a child about 3 to 8 and want an easy way into everyday topics, Teddy is worth trying, and one book is enough to find out. If your child wants complex stories or independent reading practice, spend your book budget elsewhere first.
Try Teddy and the Piggy Banks · See all ten Teddy books
Keep reading: our Volume 1 vs Volume 2 guide, Teddy books about money and more about the author.
The Teddy sets
Give the whole set
Each volume is a boxed set of five illustrated hardcovers by Ryan Cohen, 32 pages each, for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8. One set covers a whole season of bedtime stories, and every set ships free in the US.
Volume 1 · 5 books
Saving, work, community helpers, a trip to China, words and feelings
$69.99
See the set →
Volume 2 · 5 books
Wants and needs, earning, friendship, a new puppy, chores before play
$69.99
See the set →
Complete Collection · 10 books
Both volumes: every Teddy story in one gift
$129.99
See the set →