Rediscovering Corduroy: A Cozy Bedtime Classic
There’s something incredibly special about settling down for bedtime stories after what feels like a whirlwind of the day. Recently, as my little ones nestled into their blankets, I decided it was time to revisit one of my childhood staples: "Corduroy" by Don Freeman. I remember the cozy feelings it gave me as a child, and I couldn’t wait to share that magic with my own kids. Plus, with December’s theme of "toys" in our Picture-Book Club, it was the perfect excuse to bring this beloved teddy bear back into our lives.
"Corduroy" is a heartwarming tale of a teddy bear who longs for a home and a little girl named Lisa who falls in love with him at first sight. The story unfolds in a department store, where Corduroy, missing a button, goes on a nighttime adventure to find what he’s lost. When he’s returned to the shelf, he’s met with a surprise that warms any reader’s heart. The themes jump off the page—friendship, belonging, and the pure magic of toys coming to life after hours, which captured my children’s imaginations just as it did mine many moons ago.
As we snuggled together, my kids were instantly captivated by Freeman’s charming illustrations, with their bright colors and whimsical details. They loved pointing out the little nuances in the pictures—“Look, Mom! That bear has a missing button!”—and for a moment, we were all transported into Corduroy’s world. The sweet simplicity of the writing made it easy for them to follow along, but it was the genuine emotion woven into the story that sparked our deepest conversations.
It was hilarious when my youngest, trying to relate to Corduroy’s plight, exclaimed, “Mom, do I need to find my missing toy, too?” I couldn’t help but chuckle as we both rifled through the toy bin looking for his favorite car! It was moments like these—full of laughter and warmth—that reminded me why I love reading to my kids so much. And I found myself grinning as we reached one of my favorite pages, where Corduroy discovers the joy of being loved despite imperfection—a message that resonates well beyond childhood.
Reflecting on our reading, I was struck by the quiet brilliance of Lisa being an African-American girl, which is often overlooked in vintage literature. Watching my kids relate to her so naturally felt like an important, beautiful moment—a reminder that diversity and representation can be woven seamlessly into stories without being treated as a “big deal.”
I wholeheartedly recommend "Corduroy" to anyone with little listeners, ideally around ages 4-8, particularly those who love stories about toys, friendship, and adventure. It’s perfect for bedtime reading, sparking both giggles and deep thoughts. I can say with certainty that this isn’t just a one-time read in our house; it’s already becoming a family favorite, much like it was for me growing up.
As we tuck into these cherished pages, I find comfort in knowing that Corduroy’s story continues to resonate through generations. It’s not just about reading—it’s about creating shared moments, sparking curiosity, and nurturing the love of stories in my children’s hearts. I think it’s time to chase down that sequel, A Pocket for Corduroy—after all, what adventures await our beloved bear next?
