My pick for this week’s Perfect Picture Book Friday is a classic favorite “Corduroy” by Don Freeman.
Title: Corduroy Author/Illustrator: Don Freeman Publisher: The Viking Press a division of Penguin Books (1968) Scholastic Inc.
Ages: 3-7
Synopsis/Opening:
Corduroy is a bear who once lived in the toy department of a big store.
Day after day he waited with all of the other animals
and dolls for somebody to come along and take him home.
This book is about a little toy bear named Corduroy. He longs for a home of his own and a child to love him. He thinks that maybe it’s the missing button on his overalls. So he goes on an adventure inside the store to find a new button. It’s a sweet story of the longing for being loved and belonging somewhere.
From the publisher, Scholastic: Don Freeman’s classic character, Corduroy, continues to stir the hearts and imagination of children and adults around the world. Published thirty years ago, this children’s book, in which a bear leaves the safety of his department store shelf in order to do almost anything to be adopted by a little girl, is one of the most endearing… and enduring in existence. Instilling the theme of hope and compassion, there’s no doubt that this beloved picture book will continue to be a favorite for each new generation awaiting to have their own “Corduroy” experience.
Born in San Diego, California, Freeman moved to New York City in the 1940’s to study art while making a living as a jazz trumpeter. He died in 1978, leaving his beloved audience with a treasury of classic children’s stories. Corduroy is a story that all children can relate to.
Themes: Adventure, belonging, kindness/compassion/generosity, emotions, exploration, friendship, hope, love
Activities:
United Teaching Discoveries has a number of fun activities and guides
Scholastic has a teacher’s guide and activities
An idea for a home project would be to find an old toy and fix it up. Sew new clothes or find new clothes for it. Patch up the places it is worn.
Coloring Pages for Corduroy:
Why I love this book: Well, besides the adorable illustrations, one can’t help but feel sadness for this little bear. We’ve all had favorite toys we’ve cast aside. Whenever I go to a store and see a sad little stuffed bear I always think of Corduroy. And yes, sometimes I do buy it 🙂 It is a wonderful story of love and wanting to be loved. This story has a theme that we all can relate to.
Perfect Picture Book Fridays are a weekly blog event where participants review some of their favorite picture books. The posts are compiled on author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website. They are categorized by theme to help parents, educators and readers find the perfect picture book easily. To learn more, please visit Susanna’s site where you will find the complete PPBF’s library.
Darshana 30/03/2012
I love this book and so do my girls. The 40th Anniversary edition has endpages containing: draft of the story with some editor marks, some early illustrations of the book, and letters between Don Freeman and the editor.
Eric Van Raepenbusch 30/03/2012
Darshana, Thanks for sharing this. It sounds pretty cool! I really like seeing things like this and how the book became a book!
Loni Edwards 30/03/2012
I agree Eric!
Loni Edwards 30/03/2012
Oh that is super cool Darshana! Thanks for sharing that info with us. That would be so interesting!
Patricia Tilton 30/03/2012
Such a wonderful classic that will live in the hearts of so many kids. I read this to my daughter over 20 years ago. It has such a beautiful message. Nice choice.
Loni Edwards 30/03/2012
Yes, I love this book. Thanks for stopping by Patricia.
Julie Hedlund 30/03/2012
It’s hard to believe I’ve never read this book, but my kids have. Nice to see a classic choice.
Loni Edwards 30/03/2012
Hi Julie, you would love it!
Eric Van Raepenbusch 30/03/2012
I like listening to the Corduroy audiobook. The narrator has a great voice.
Loni Edwards 30/03/2012
Oh thanks for the tip, Eric. I will have to look for that!
Stacy S. Jensen 30/03/2012
I look forward to reading this one with my son. I may have read this as a child, but don’t recall it at the moment.
Loni Edwards 30/03/2012
It’s timeless. Your son will love it (and you too!)
Robyn Campbell 30/03/2012
You picked a classic!!!!!!! So cool that you did. And you reminded me to reread it. I have it somewhere in all the books. Great choice! 🙂
Loni Edwards 31/03/2012
Thanks Robyn! Yes, I dug it out of a box also. Love the oldies but goodies 🙂
Erik -This Kid Reviews Books 31/03/2012
I LOVE Corduroy! I have the Courduroy story in a big story of “classics.” Great choice!
Loni Edwards 31/03/2012
Thank you Erik!
Margaret 31/03/2012
I loved this book when I was little. It’s so cool that it is till around, ahem, years later. 🙂
Loni Edwards 31/03/2012
Thank you for your comment, Margaret 🙂
Catherine Johnson 31/03/2012
I don’t think I’ve read Corduroy, it is a sweet theme.
Loni Edwards 31/03/2012
You will love it. It is very sweet and has a good message.
Fats Suela from Gathering Books 01/04/2012
I always see this book, but have never read it yet. Your PPBF post is a sign that I should borrow it from our library! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Loni 28/04/2012 — Post Author
I hope you will be able to read it soon. It is a wonderful book 🙂
Hannah Holt 02/04/2012
Your review brought back fond childhood memories. I love this book. Thanks for the review.
Loni 28/04/2012 — Post Author
I’m so glad. Thanks for your comment Hannah!