September 15, 2014
Based on characters created by the late Don Freeman, this prequel to 1968’s Corduroy reveals how the bear acquired his familiar green overalls and name. Sitting on a store shelf listening to children chatter about what they want for Christmas, the stuffed bear concludes that he won’t make anyone’s wish list without clothing or a name. After hours, he goes in search of the store Santa to “ask him for a little girl or boy to take me home.” The bear puts on the shop elves’ uniform—green corduroy overalls—which inspires Santa to bestow him with a name; soon after, Corduroy catches the eye of a girl, who claims him as her own. As they provide a lovely bit of backstory for Corduroy fans, the creators of Corduroy Lost and Found again show their prowess at recreating Freeman’s inviting narrative and scratchboard art. Ages 3–5.
September 1, 2014
A prequel to the beloved classics Corduroy (1968) and A Pocket for Corduroy (1978), this story tells how Corduroy found his green overalls (and his name). When the story opens, Corduroy is just a brown teddy bear on a department-store shelf, sitting next to a stuffed rabbit and a doll. He's waiting to be chosen as a child's desired Christmas gift. The bear hears customers talking about visiting Santa and wearing special outfits, and he notices the other toys are requested by name. The bear searches for clothing in the store, finally finding a small pair of green corduroy overalls in the Santa display section. He falls asleep on Santa's chair, and it's Santa himself who gives him the name of Corduroy, suggested by his overalls. The story ends with Lisa's familiar dialogue: "Look! There's the very bear I've always wanted!" The story's language and pacing match the tone of the original story, and the illustrations are a close match to Freeman's original work. Purists may object to extending the franchise, but this is a story that can stand next to the original two Corduroy tales without apology. A pleasurable and satisfying back story for the beloved bear named Corduroy. Not too long, not too hard-just right. (Picture book. 3-6)
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October 1, 2014
PreS-Gr 2-Sure to become another favorite, this prequel tells the story of how the character Corduroy, created by Don Freeman in the 1960s, found his green overalls and how the button on the overalls got loose. As the tale begins, the little stuffed bear has no name or clothes. Upon hearing that Santa grants Christmas wishes and that one should wear something special when they meet the famous man in red, the little bear goes on his first journey to meet Santa and finds the perfect outfit for the occasion. Readers will have an "A-ha" moment when the little bear finds his outfit as well as when Santa first calls him "Corduroy." Wheeler works her magic in the illustrations, bringing the adorable bear to life. A charming addition to the "Corduroy" series (Viking) and holiday collections.-Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library, CA
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