A Christmas Wish for Corduroy (Corduroy)

Based on characters created by the late Don Freeman, this prequel to 1968's Corduroy reveals how the bear acquired his familiar green overalls and name. Sitting on a store shelf listening to children chatter about what they want for Christmas, the stuffed bear concludes that he won't make anyone's wish list without clothing or a name. After hours, he goes in search of the store Santa to "ask him for a little girl or boy to take me home." The bear puts on the shop elves' uniform--green corduroy overalls--which inspires Santa to bestow him with a name; soon after, Corduroy catches the eye of a girl, who claims him as her own. As they provide a lovely bit of backstory for Corduroy fans, the creators of Corduroy Lost and Found again show their prowess at recreating Freeman's inviting narrative and scratchboard art. Ages 3-5. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2--Sure to become another favorite, this prequel tells the story of how the character Corduroy, created by Don Freeman in the 1960s, found his green overalls and how the button on the overalls got loose. As the tale begins, the little stuffed bear has no name or clothes. Upon hearing that Santa grants Christmas wishes and that one should wear something special when they meet the famous man in red, the little bear goes on his first journey to meet Santa and finds the perfect outfit for the occasion. Readers will have an "A-ha" moment when the little bear finds his outfit as well as when Santa first calls him "Corduroy." Wheeler works her magic in the illustrations, bringing the adorable bear to life. A charming addition to the "Corduroy" series (Viking) and holiday collections.--Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library, CA