Corduroy is the story of a teddy bear in a store who goes on an adventure and finally finds a friend, a home, and a button. Don Freeman writes and illustrates this charming story, which was published in 1968.
Corduroy is a teddy bear who wears corduroy overalls. His overalls are missing a button, however, and that keeps a girl’s mother from taking him home. Corduroy is determined to replace the button and embarks on his journey in the department store. He fails to find the button but the girl returns the next day with her piggy bank money, takes him home, replaces his button, and they begin a lovely friendship. All children can relate to misplacing things and trying to recover them, to experiencing new and sometimes scary things, and to the inexpressible joy at finding a new friend.
The illustrations maintain a simple and consistent color palette. The day is designated by a yellow background and the night is overwhelmingly blue. Blue and yellow are also used as accent colors throughout. Another distinct color duality can be found in the ethnicities of the characters. Corduroy is ethnic neutral because he is a bear. The girl and her mother are African American and they are the only ones. All of the people in the background appear to be upper-middle class and Caucasian. I like that the African American girl is in the forefront and gives Corduroy friendship and a home.
I hadn't thought about the ethnic or racial representation in this classic until I read your post. I love the idea that all children can relate to Corduroy because he is neutral. In that sense, children can transfer their own qualities onto him as they listen to the story. Perhaps students might relate being the last one picked to Curduroy's experience as well.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how many children's books make the use of color to create a tone and establish a setting in the story. I have a personal connection with this book since I used to read it to my niece when she was younger. I plan on reading this book to my students as well when I start teaching.
ReplyDeleteLike Mrs. Daughtry, I had never noticed the racial representation before. This would be a great book to read as it does promote African Americans and has them as the stars of the book. This book is a classic, one that every child needs to hear a few times during their childhood!
ReplyDelete