Corduroy

About This Book

Corduroy by Don Freeman is a tale about a little teddy bear in green overalls. Corduroy waits all day in a department store self for someone buy him and show him love and attention. Finally, one a little wants to buy him but her mother says no and also points out that he doesn’t look new. He didn’t look new because he was missing a button. The night he was rejected by the little’s mother, he went looking for his missing button. He never found his button, but someone showed him love even without his button.

Genre

Corduroy is a fantasy book. The soft colors and simplistic illustrations are comforting and memorable.

Importance

The story of Corduroy shows that even though we may be flawed, we are still worthy of love. What may look damaged or flawed can end up being a diamond in the ruff. This book teaches children that love is not based on appearance.

Discussion Questions

• Why didn’t Corduroy look new?
• Would you buy a toy that doesn’t look brand new?
• Why is important for someone to feel loved and appreciated?

Activities for The Reader

• Have the children draw pictures of Corduroy’s outfit.
• Have the children draw an outfit that they think would attract someone to buy Corduroy.
• Have the children critique their classmates outfit they draw for Corduroy.

If you like Corduroy,  you enjoy other books by Don Freeman.

• Something in The Wind
• Earl the Squirrel
• Hattie The Backstage Bat

Freeman, D. (1976). Corduroy. Penguin.