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Module 2: Corduroy



Summary:  Corduroy is a department store teddy bear who searches for a button that he can use on his overalls.  He searches for the button because he thinks that the button will make him complete and attractive to buy.  Earlier a young girl wanted to buy him, but her mother said that they hadn't any more money and besides the bear was missing a button.  Unfortunately, Corduroy is prevented from obtaining a button and finds himself placed back on the toy shelf by the store's overnight security guard.  The next day, Corduroy is excited to see that the girl came back and used her own money to buy Corduroy and was also able to give Corduroy a new button.

Reference: Freeman, D. (1976) Corduroy. New York, NY. Puffin Books.

Impression: Corduroy is a children's book that touches the heart.  The way Corduroy is drawn by Don Freeman's, with simple yet endearing qualities, helps the reader to remember their own personal teddy bears or favorite stuffed animal. When Corduroy is initially passed over, you can't help but feel for the toy bear especially when Lisa's mom insinuates that Corduroy is defective because of his missing button.  Corduroy's rejection should resonate within all readers, wanting us to reach out and console the small bear.  Then when Lisa comes back to the store with her own money to buy Corduroy and later adds on a button, you can't help but feel happy for the bear because you know how much he is wanted and how much he will enjoy being Lisa's friend.

Professional Review:
A small teddy bear named Corduroy sits on the shelf of a department store and longs for someone to buy him. One afternoon, a little girl spots him and instantly decides he is the bear she has always wanted. Despite her excitement, the girl's mother refuses to buy Corduroy, pointing out that his missing button on his overalls makes him look old. Upon hearing this, Corduroy decides to search the store that night in hopes of finding the button. He encounters many new sights, including the store's escalator and furniture department. After Corduroy's failed attempt to remove a sewn-on button atop a mattress, the store's security guard finds him and places him back on his original shelf. The next day, Corduroy awakes to find himself greeted by the smiling face of the girl from the previous day. She buys Corduroy and takes him home where she then replaces his lost button. As Corduroy looks at his new surroundings, he rejoices in the realization that he now has a home and a loving friend to take care of him. Don Freeman's use of a character like Corduroy who appears to be flawed because of a broken overall strap conveys a valid moral lesson that even though something is not perfect, it is no less special. Freeman's illustrations also help add to the story's sense of adventure as the little teddy bear explores the sights and sounds of the world around him. By utilizing a sense of childlike innocence and curiosity, Freeman creates a character with the kind of charm and sincerity that children and adults alike will find hard to resist. 2004 (orig. 1968), Viking Press, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6.

Wiley, J. (2011). [Review of Corduroy]. Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD). Retrieved from
http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:3574/index.php/jbookdetail/jqbookdetail?page=1&pos=4&isbn=9780670013111

Library Uses: I think this book would work great as an introduction to a Show & Tell assignment for elementary kids, especially at the beginning of the year, as a way to "break the ice."  Students could bring their own favorite stuffed animal or toy and share why it means so much to them or even how they came about it.  Librarian could ask questions like, "Do you think your toy was waiting for you to take it home? or "Do you think your toy likes being your friend?"



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