Product ReviewsCorduroy Ser.: Corduroy by Don Freeman (1968, Hardcover)

Nearly 40 Years Later, "Corduroy" Still Wears Well

I first read "Corduroy" in elementary school during the 1970s, and remember relating to it on a personal level: like the girl in the story, I wanted to buy a shopworn toy but was discouraged from doing so by my mother, even with "my own" birthday money. (Perhaps needless to say in an eBay review, I grew up to be a vintage/antique collector and occasional restorer!)

"Corduroy" may be a story about a girl and a stuffed bear, but its cuddly elements are balanced with adventure and humor. While still on display in a department store's toy department, Corduroy loses a button on his overalls and goes to search for it, a hunt that leads him to another floor and the mattress department. Soon after he mistakes a mattress button for one of his own and tries to pull it off, a night watchman finds him and returns him to his previous place on the toy shelf.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, "Corduroy" was especially notable because its heroine is an Afro-American girl. Many more books featuring Afro-American children are available today, but "Corduroy" still stands out because its story is likely to strongly appeal to all children, including boys.

"Corduroy's" illustrations were never as good as the story, and nearly 40 years after publication the pictures have the additional drawback of being somewhat dated. For example, the girl appears to wear a crinoline slip under her skirt, a style that was outmoded even when I first read the book. Overall, however, this concern is about as significant as a missing button!

I purchased multiple copies of this book for one hospital pediatric library, one hospital-based children's literacy program, and one family shelter. Many of the children served by all three are Afro-American, and I believe it is important for children to "see themselves" in books, especially when they are first learning to read. Also, stories like "Corduroy" may help children living with illness and/or financial hardships (or just too much screen time!) maintain a sense of positive innocence.

As a final note, "Corduroy"'s sequel, "A Pocket for Corduroy," is also a good book, but beware of the "Corduroy" board books which are based on the original but not written by Don Freeman. "Corduroy" is naturally sweetened; the board books are flavored with heavy saccharine syrup.Read full review...

Sweet

Loved this book as a child. My ex got rid of my copy, so happy to replace it!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: jensonbooksinc

Corduroy, what else can you ask for?

Ages 3-8, my son got this book in kindergarden in 2004, from his teacher as a gift. He is almost 10 and still has it. This is a really good book for kids when they are learning how to read, or love to see pictures and try to interpret what is trying to be introduced. I fell in love with this book, I use to read it to my son all the time. Now, I read it to my 15 month old daughter. 5 STARS!Read full review...

Absolutely Perfect!

I bought this book because my daughter loves bedtime stories. This was my favorite book as a child. So I was very excited to find the book so I can read it to her! I absolutely love this buy! It was great prices and in excellent condition! My daughter loves this book also and picks it almost every night to be read to her. For a book that is as ok as it is and everything, it is perfect to me!Read full review...

Love this book

So fun to read. Cute and innocent

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: polar_bear_24

Corduroy

Such a cute book

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: your_online_boo...

This is a wonderful tale!!

I'm writing this review from a memory. This was one of my favorite books in gradeschool (2nd grade, I think). I didn't have a copy of my own, but I would check this book out from the school library ALL the time so I could bring it home with me! I loved it, and it is a classic!! It is a very touching story with nice illustrations. I am happy to know they are still printing this title for children to enjoy.Read full review...

Excellent

Excellent book for children

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: betelgeuse-2

Purchased as a gift

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: alphabetsoupbooks

Corduroy a Pleasure for kids and adults

Corduroy Is a lovable book. Great story about an unloved and un purchased teddy bear that finally finds a home when a girl comes back to buy Corduroy with her own money the day after she first sees the bear with her mom. Great illustrations and a great bed time book.

If this review was helpful Please check yes at the bottom thank you for reading.Read full review...