Parents' Guide to

Corduroy

By Mary LeCompte, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Sweet, heartwarming picture-book classic.

Book Don Freeman Picture Book 1968
Corduroy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 8 parent reviews

Katherine R.
Katherine R. Parent of 8, 10, 14, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
March 24, 2024
age 3+

Batfan7
Batfan7 Parent of baby and 1-year-old
April 13, 2017
age 4+

Gentle and cute

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.
See all 8 parent reviews

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (6 ):

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?

Book Details

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