The relationship between Corduroy and Lisa is an inspiring one. Their friendship encourages readers to look past a person's flaws and appreciate them just the way they are. Corduroy is grateful to Lisa not only for accepting him but also for making him feel comfortable in his green overalls. The two portray a connection between kid and doll that many readers will relate to.
Positive Messages
some
Corduroy makes the bold decision to leave the comforts of his department store shelf in search for the one thing he believes will change his life for the better. Longing to impress a little girl who had stopped by the store and wished to adopt him, Corduroy encourages readers to keep hope alive and not be afraid to advance beyond their comfort zone in pursuit of something they really want. This children's book also demonstrates the value of unconditional friendship as Corduroy is able to love and be loved despite his flaws.
Educational Value
very little
Shows the basics of a shopping trip -- and a typical scenario where a kid wants something but the parent doesn't buy it on that trip.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a timeless story about brown-skinned girl who wants a teddy bear, and a teddy bear who yearns to be chosen by a child. It's well-suited to young children, with bold, bright, and illustrations, appealing characters and easily graspable and relatable plot. The story speaks to many themes, including friendship, courage, and hope. And it's a great choice for families looking for books with characters of color.
While there's absolutely nothing objectionable or questionable about this story, it's too verbose to be great for a 2-year old, I think. I own this book and read it to my nearly-two year old, but I've shortened the story a bit (kind of summarizing the pictures), and adding sound effects (the lamp goes CRASH!) which keep him engaged in the story. I also think that some of the concepts are better for a slightly older preschooler as I don't think a 2-yr old will grasp that when the bear claims something (like saying that the e store is "a palace"), that he is mistaken. For a 4 year old, who is much more familiar with both stores and palaces (from Disney movies?), the humor is more readily apparent.
Other than that, however, the book is sweet and cute and a nice prelude to the Toy Story ideas where toys have thoughts and feelings too.
What's the Story?
Poor Corduroy! Why won't anyone buy him? Could it be because his overalls are missing a button? Late at night the teddy bear searches the store for his button. He never finds it, but he does find a girl who loves him and gives him a home. Heartwarming and humorous, this is a picture-book classic.
CORDUROY offers children a feel-good storyline, a memorable main character, and charming illustrations. Bright, loosely drawn pictures feature scenes familiar to many children: shelves of toys, department stores, and bedrooms. The characters' facial expressions of sadness, curiosity, and joy are drawn so that even the youngest children can understand much of the story simply by looking at the pictures.
The classic book also offers the added benefit of subtle lessons in good behavior and responsibility. Lisa, the kind little girl who buys and befriends Corduroy, doesn't fuss and cry in the toy department when her mother tells her that she may not buy the bear. When Lisa returns to buy Corduroy the next day, she does so with her mother's blessing and the money from her own piggy bank. Lisa looks past Corduroy's missing button and sees a friend to love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Corduroy is a special bear. Would you have chosen him at the toy store despite his flaws? Do you have a toy that's very special to you?
Have you ever wanted a toy that was a little less than perfect? Do you have toys right now that are missing a part but you still like them and play with them anyway?
Who in your family or among your friends likes you just the way you are?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
