Corduroy

Corduroy
Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Reprinted Edition: May, 2011
Grade Levels: K- 2
Theme:Friendship/Adventure

Summary: Corduroy is a lonely bear who lives in a department store. One day a young girl comes into the store with her mother and asks to take Corduroy home. Her mother says, "Not today dear, I've already spent too much money already. Besides, he doesn't look new. He's lost a button on one of his shoulder straps." Corduroy decides to explore the department store to find his missing button. Unfortunately, Corduroy does not find his button, but the next day he finds a home and a friend.

 Reflection: This is such a great book for children because they can relate to having a stuffed animal that they love so much. Reading about Corduroy's adventure will keep the children interested. The end is very touching, when Corduroy discovers he has a new friend and a great home.

Pre-Reading Activity: We will talk about what an adventure is. I will tell the children we will be reading a  book about a bear named Corduroy who goes on an adventure. 

Post-Reading Activity: Children will use their imagination and write their own adventure stories using Corduroy as the main character.

About the Author:

Don Freeman was a painter, printmaker, cartoonist, children's book author, and illustrator. He was born in San Diego, California, attended high school in Missouri, and later moved to New York City where he studied etching with John Sloan. Frequent subjects included Broadway theatre, politics, and the circus. He was also a jazz musician, and the brother of circus entrepreneur Randy Freeman.