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Corduroy
Corduroy
Corduroy is a bear who once lived in the toy department of a big store. Day after day he waited with all the other animals and dolls for somebody to come along and take him home.
So begins Don Freeman's tale about a bear in search of a home and a girl in search of a friend. Since 1968, this charming story has found its way into the homes and hearts of children all over the world, becoming a best-loved classic.
Now, celebrate the anniversary of Corduroy's fortieth year in print with this all-new edition. Packed with never-before-seen material, including original sketches, an early draft of the Corduroy manuscript, and letters between Don Freeman and his publisher from the 1960s, this very special volume is a must-have for long-time fans and new readers alike.
So begins Don Freeman's tale about a bear in search of a home and a girl in search of a friend. Since 1968, this charming story has found its way into the homes and hearts of children all over the world, becoming a best-loved classic.
Now, celebrate the anniversary of Corduroy's fortieth year in print with this all-new edition. Packed with never-before-seen material, including original sketches, an early draft of the Corduroy manuscript, and letters between Don Freeman and his publisher from the 1960s, this very special volume is a must-have for long-time fans and new readers alike.
41 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
515 people are currently reading
65729 people want to read
About the author
Don Freeman
301 books223 followersDon Freeman was a painter, printmaker, cartoonist, children's book author, and illustrator. He was born in San Diego, California, attended high school in Missouri, and later moved to New York City where he studied etching with John Sloan.
Frequent subjects included Broadway theatre, politics, and the circus. He was also a jazz musician, and the brother of circus entrepreneur Randy Freeman.
Frequent subjects included Broadway theatre, politics, and the circus. He was also a jazz musician, and the brother of circus entrepreneur Randy Freeman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,487 reviews
January 26, 2026
Corduroy is a sweet little stuffed animal ready to move to his forever home.
"Corduroy is a bear who once lived in the toy department of a big store."
But it seems like he will never leave his little shelf.
"Day after day he waited with all the other animals and dolls for someone to take him home."
One day a little girl spots him and asks her mother.
And so begins Corduroy's adventure to find a missing button and go home with a family.
"Not today, dear." Her mother sighed. "I've spent too much already. Besides, he doesn't look new. He lost the button to one of his shoulder straps."
Will he find his button? Or will he be stuck in the store forever?
A beautiful classic.
I have read this one over and over - dozens of times - and yet every time I pick it up, I am in love all over again.
Corduroy never says a single word and yet he is just the sweetest little character I ever did see.
And the night watchmen - he is such a fun fella.
This book it truly magical - and responsible for much of my childhood being extra nice to my stuffed animals just in case!
Audiobook Comments
Read by Viola Davis - and she did a wonderful job with this!!
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April 28, 2019
Corduroy, the world's sweetest felon, is the star of two books about breaking and entering. In his debut here, he rambles Mixed-Up Filesianly through a department store at night, breaking shit.
dude let's trash this place
In the sequel, Cor2roy, he hides out in a laundromat after a confusing encounter with a beret-wearing artist who talks like a hillbilly. Once again he leaves the place trashed.
something something watch the world burn
He's caught both times - the first time by a cop, the second time because he traps himself in a laundry basket and falls asleep, nice work Cheech. And why doesn't he end up in jail? Because look at him, all innocent-looking with one strap undone:
Who Wore It Better?
He gets away with all of it.
Anyway this was my kid's favorite book when he was two, and we read it many times. He's over it now; he's moved on to Paddington, so we might be sensing a theme here.
The theme is bears who can't get their shit together, do you realize that the entire plot of every Paddington story is he loses a sandwich? But who am I to judge. I once tried that thing from Breakfast Club where they climb through the space above a drop ceiling. It's much harder than it looks and I got in more trouble than Corduroy did. Maybe I should have tried the one-strap overalls look.
dude let's trash this place
In the sequel, Cor2roy, he hides out in a laundromat after a confusing encounter with a beret-wearing artist who talks like a hillbilly. Once again he leaves the place trashed.
something something watch the world burn
He's caught both times - the first time by a cop, the second time because he traps himself in a laundry basket and falls asleep, nice work Cheech. And why doesn't he end up in jail? Because look at him, all innocent-looking with one strap undone:
Who Wore It Better?
He gets away with all of it.
Anyway this was my kid's favorite book when he was two, and we read it many times. He's over it now; he's moved on to Paddington, so we might be sensing a theme here.
The theme is bears who can't get their shit together, do you realize that the entire plot of every Paddington story is he loses a sandwich? But who am I to judge. I once tried that thing from Breakfast Club where they climb through the space above a drop ceiling. It's much harder than it looks and I got in more trouble than Corduroy did. Maybe I should have tried the one-strap overalls look.
November 20, 2019
I finally got around to reading this classic beginners book. It was worth checking out. It’s a sweet story about a bear looking for his button and a girl wanting a bear.
I read the 40th anniversary edition and what I really love (I didn’t read this part to the kid) was in the back they have correspondence between the author and his agents. They had a copy of the manuscript and we get to see edits they made. It’s amazing how taking out a few words can smooth out the copy. Editors don’t like adverbs. Some things are crossed off with a note that it can be shown in the picture. It’s fascinating to see. There are several little letters in the back you can open and read. I thought that was so cool.
The nephew thought Corduroy was cute, but he said it was not an exciting book. He said he was too old for this story and it’s true. He still gave it 3 stars and he was glad Corduroy got his button finally.
I read the 40th anniversary edition and what I really love (I didn’t read this part to the kid) was in the back they have correspondence between the author and his agents. They had a copy of the manuscript and we get to see edits they made. It’s amazing how taking out a few words can smooth out the copy. Editors don’t like adverbs. Some things are crossed off with a note that it can be shown in the picture. It’s fascinating to see. There are several little letters in the back you can open and read. I thought that was so cool.
The nephew thought Corduroy was cute, but he said it was not an exciting book. He said he was too old for this story and it’s true. He still gave it 3 stars and he was glad Corduroy got his button finally.
June 28, 2016
Corduory is the tried-and-true story of an outcast toy in search of an owner/happiness. As a sort of allegory for that, he's also missing a button. And at the end he finds them both.
It's well written, well illustrated, but the only adventure Corduroy goes on is up an escalator in a mall--not exactly the most exciting thing. On top of that, it doesn't really have any surprises or twists or ups-and-downs. The Velveteen Rabbit just seems like a much better version of the same story.
It's well written, well illustrated, but the only adventure Corduroy goes on is up an escalator in a mall--not exactly the most exciting thing. On top of that, it doesn't really have any surprises or twists or ups-and-downs. The Velveteen Rabbit just seems like a much better version of the same story.
April 6, 2009
This is my second favorite book ever. It was the first book I ever read that had a lead character that looked like me. (And no, I don't mean the bear.) The little Black girl, (Penny, I think?) was well groomed and cared for, and SO nice.
People out there who've always had characters in books and magazines who look like them won't 'get it'. The significance will be lost on them I fear. But it's instances like that that help establish a child's self-esteem and community worth.
Besides, it was a sweet story, non-religious based, that showed how to be a good person. Oh, and the shopping one-on-one with Mom was pretty significant too... said the girl with three siblings.
People out there who've always had characters in books and magazines who look like them won't 'get it'. The significance will be lost on them I fear. But it's instances like that that help establish a child's self-esteem and community worth.
Besides, it was a sweet story, non-religious based, that showed how to be a good person. Oh, and the shopping one-on-one with Mom was pretty significant too... said the girl with three siblings.
April 8, 2015
I'm not entirely sure why, but when reading this book aloud, I'm always compelled to give Corduroy a (very bad) British accent. I think I mix him up with Paddington in my head. But [SPOILER ALERT], there's no marmalade in this book. Lots of hullabaloo about buttons, though.
August 31, 2021
I remember reading this as a child and now enjoy reading it to my little girl!
September 4, 2019
A lovely simple story about a little girl who sees a bear in a department store that she wants but he is missing a button. The bear tries to find a button and the little girl counts the money in her piggy bank to see if she has enough.
Read on open library
Read on open library
February 14, 2022
I love this classic picture book of a bear that lived in a department store, a missing button, and a girl who wants him. It left me all warm and fuzzy. Why did I not read this when I was a child? So glad I did now.
December 20, 2011
Corduroy was one of my childhood favorites and I still love it! I am struggling to write an adequate review, and since I am pressed for time I will just say for now that I love everything about it! I feel all the emotions are conveyed so well, from Corduroy's loneliness to the girl's sense of finding a "kindred spirit" in the bear, to Corduroy's wish to find the button to make himself more appealing, to his glorious adventure (oh, how I loved that escalator "mountain" and the many fabulous mattresses, and tugging and tugging to get that button off!), to the fright with the night watchman and finally Lisa coming back with her own money to bring Corduroy home and sewing on the button, not because she felt anything was wrong with him, but so he would feel more comfortable. I love the end, with the realization of what it feels like to have a true friend. And the illustrations have always captivated me!
I am so grateful a GoodReads friend alerted me to the 40th Anniversary edition. It is just wonderful! I love the format (with the letters between Don and his editor being "real" letters you can pull out of envelopes, and facsimile versions at that) and the glimpse into the writer-editor relationship. The manuscript draft where his editor makes her comments is so enlightening and would interest anyone who is or is interested in being a writer, I think (it's great to see that even genius authors like Don Freeman needed that collaboration and other insight to make their work truly sparkle). The only thing I didn't really like in the format is that it seemed really jarring to go from the vivid correspondence to turning the page and seeing it covered with newspaper clipping of Freeman's obituary. Though it did provide some great insight into more facets of his life, I guess I would have liked something a bit gentler. I also would have liked to know a bit more about the children to whom he dedicated the book and spoke of in his correspondence (I guess they might be relations of the editor, perhaps?) All in all, though, I highly recommend the 40th Anniversary edition to anyone who is a fan of the book or looking at a bygone era of author-editor relationships.
I am so grateful a GoodReads friend alerted me to the 40th Anniversary edition. It is just wonderful! I love the format (with the letters between Don and his editor being "real" letters you can pull out of envelopes, and facsimile versions at that) and the glimpse into the writer-editor relationship. The manuscript draft where his editor makes her comments is so enlightening and would interest anyone who is or is interested in being a writer, I think (it's great to see that even genius authors like Don Freeman needed that collaboration and other insight to make their work truly sparkle). The only thing I didn't really like in the format is that it seemed really jarring to go from the vivid correspondence to turning the page and seeing it covered with newspaper clipping of Freeman's obituary. Though it did provide some great insight into more facets of his life, I guess I would have liked something a bit gentler. I also would have liked to know a bit more about the children to whom he dedicated the book and spoke of in his correspondence (I guess they might be relations of the editor, perhaps?) All in all, though, I highly recommend the 40th Anniversary edition to anyone who is a fan of the book or looking at a bygone era of author-editor relationships.
April 24, 2025
Why five stars? Because I can, and if you don't like it, I'll see to it that you have a nipple ripped off, and that there's no little girl around to sew it back on you! This book was awesome when I was a kid, and it still is. However, the escalator scared me because I always thought it was going to eat Corduroy. See, even as a child I was fucked up in the head; a great big ball of fear, ha ha. The security guard was a little scary too. Plus, he's a little bear all alone in the mall after closing time. He was all alone, and couldn't find the button for his overalls. This book was traumatizing, but it was still completely AWESOME! It has a feelgood ending to it when he gets his button back, and the little girl takes him home.
I don't have a copy of this book; I need to get one. I've been threatening to do it for over a year now so I can read it to my nieces and nephew, but still haven't done it.
The date finished is a near approximation. I remember reading along on the television, though I really couldn't read then. This was back when TV would show the pictures that were in the book, and a narrator would read what was on that page. I'd sit Indian style in front of the TV, and just watch it. I think I watched/read this book/show several times back then. Maybe it was on Mr. Rogers? I can't remember.
I don't have a copy of this book; I need to get one. I've been threatening to do it for over a year now so I can read it to my nieces and nephew, but still haven't done it.
The date finished is a near approximation. I remember reading along on the television, though I really couldn't read then. This was back when TV would show the pictures that were in the book, and a narrator would read what was on that page. I'd sit Indian style in front of the TV, and just watch it. I think I watched/read this book/show several times back then. Maybe it was on Mr. Rogers? I can't remember.
September 5, 2024
Am I in my 20s? Yes.
Did I just reread my favorite picture book of all time? Yes.
How could I resist? It's a cute little story about a teddy bear who wants a home. Ugh, the nostalgia trip. I wish I had a physical copy
Did I just reread my favorite picture book of all time? Yes.
How could I resist? It's a cute little story about a teddy bear who wants a home. Ugh, the nostalgia trip. I wish I had a physical copy
June 8, 2016
I think I've found a new favorite book.
What is this stuff falling from my eyes? YES, I'M CRYING.
My heart breaks and melts for stuffed animals and dolls, "You must be a friend". <3 <3 <3
Corduroy, the cutest teddy bear, and a lonely one too, meets a little girl who will be her friend, and it was love at first sight.
TEARS <3
pd: My heart can't take this.
What is this stuff falling from my eyes? YES, I'M CRYING.
My heart breaks and melts for stuffed animals and dolls, "You must be a friend". <3 <3 <3
Corduroy, the cutest teddy bear, and a lonely one too, meets a little girl who will be her friend, and it was love at first sight.
TEARS <3
pd: My heart can't take this.
August 29, 2022
Remember reading to our children and have enjoyed reading to my grandson numerous times already, albeit an abbreviated version suited to his attention span. Soon I will be taking it to Arkansas to read to granddaughter. Sweet story.
August 31, 2019
Originally published in 1968, this adorable picture-book was one of the reading staples of my early childhood, so I was simply delighted when it was chosen as one of our December selections, over in The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme for the month is "toys." This gave me the opportunity to revisit an old favorite, which I greatly enjoyed! The story of a teddy bear who longs for a home, and the little girl who falls in love with him on first sight, Corduroy follows its eponymous ursine hero as he sets out, late one night, to find a button to replace the one he had lost, sitting on a department store shelf for so long. Eventually returned to his shelf, still sans button, Corduroy is confronted the following morning with a wonderful surprise...
There are so many things I love about this book, that it's difficult to know where to begin! Freeman's artwork is charming, and his story engaging. It taps into some common childhood fantasies, from the idea that toys come alive, when the humans leave the room, to the wish-fulfillment scenario in which one wanders through a normally crowded locale - a store, a museum, a busy street - late at night, free to explore in ways that one usually wouldn't be. Although I can't say I thought about it much as a kid, when I simply took it for granted, as part of the story, I love the fact that Lisa, the little girl who eventually takes Corduroy home, thereby fulfilling all his dreams, is an African-American child. I love that this is a matter-of-fact reality, rather than an important part of the story, as so much of the multicultural literature being produced for children nowadays feels more "issue" driven to me. This is just a delightful story about a bear and a girl, in which the girl happens to be black. I can't think of too many vintage children's titles (excepting the work of Ezra Jack Keats) where this is the case.
I'm so happy to have reacquainted myself with this beloved title from my childhood - it more than lived up to my memory of it! - which I read and reread as a little girl. I think I will hunt down the sequel, A Pocket for Corduroy , which I didn't read as a child, and see if it is just as good...
There are so many things I love about this book, that it's difficult to know where to begin! Freeman's artwork is charming, and his story engaging. It taps into some common childhood fantasies, from the idea that toys come alive, when the humans leave the room, to the wish-fulfillment scenario in which one wanders through a normally crowded locale - a store, a museum, a busy street - late at night, free to explore in ways that one usually wouldn't be. Although I can't say I thought about it much as a kid, when I simply took it for granted, as part of the story, I love the fact that Lisa, the little girl who eventually takes Corduroy home, thereby fulfilling all his dreams, is an African-American child. I love that this is a matter-of-fact reality, rather than an important part of the story, as so much of the multicultural literature being produced for children nowadays feels more "issue" driven to me. This is just a delightful story about a bear and a girl, in which the girl happens to be black. I can't think of too many vintage children's titles (excepting the work of Ezra Jack Keats) where this is the case.
I'm so happy to have reacquainted myself with this beloved title from my childhood - it more than lived up to my memory of it! - which I read and reread as a little girl. I think I will hunt down the sequel, A Pocket for Corduroy , which I didn't read as a child, and see if it is just as good...
March 8, 2018
Got to read one of my old favorites to the kids at work today :)
January 24, 2013
I’ve fallen in love with Corduroy. Just like Lisa, the little girl in Don Freeman’s children’s book, who buys Corduroy from the toy department with her piggy bank savings.
Corduroy sadly believes that his missing button is why he’s still on the shelf instead of at home with the little girl so he goes on a search to find his button.
Lisa reappears and buys Corduroy anyway, loving him whole, despite his missing button. Once at home with Lisa, she sews a new button for Corduroy but says “I like you the way you are but you’ll be more comfortable with your shoulder strap fastened.”Truly moved by this loving statement, I emphasized for my daughter the message that Corduroy is perfect just the way he is. The button will only make life a little easier for him.
I feel this message is so important, for parents to love themselves as they are and extend a wholistic love to their children, particularly in a world where we are inundated with messages attempting to convince us that we are deficient and marketing that sells us things to fill the hole.
A second empowering message in this wonderful book is the concept of home. On his button-finding-journey, Corduroy believes he has found a palace (the second floor of the department store) but when Lisa shows him his new room, although much smaller than the palace, he knows he has found a home, something he’s always wanted.
Corduroy sadly believes that his missing button is why he’s still on the shelf instead of at home with the little girl so he goes on a search to find his button.
Lisa reappears and buys Corduroy anyway, loving him whole, despite his missing button. Once at home with Lisa, she sews a new button for Corduroy but says “I like you the way you are but you’ll be more comfortable with your shoulder strap fastened.”Truly moved by this loving statement, I emphasized for my daughter the message that Corduroy is perfect just the way he is. The button will only make life a little easier for him.
I feel this message is so important, for parents to love themselves as they are and extend a wholistic love to their children, particularly in a world where we are inundated with messages attempting to convince us that we are deficient and marketing that sells us things to fill the hole.
A second empowering message in this wonderful book is the concept of home. On his button-finding-journey, Corduroy believes he has found a palace (the second floor of the department store) but when Lisa shows him his new room, although much smaller than the palace, he knows he has found a home, something he’s always wanted.
June 1, 2012
I accidentally ran into this book on the goodreads homepage and it brought the tears of joy to my eyes!
This was probably my favorite picture book when I was a child! Since it's in English, my mother had to read it to me because I didn't learn English until I was 10. It had the most beautiful pictures ever, and the story was so beautiful.
During the recent house cleaning I re-discovered this book again, and I read it on my own, probably for the first time in my whole life! I have put it safe and sound on my book shelf, where it will stay until I have children or nephews of my own to read this wonderful book to.
This was probably my favorite picture book when I was a child! Since it's in English, my mother had to read it to me because I didn't learn English until I was 10. It had the most beautiful pictures ever, and the story was so beautiful.
During the recent house cleaning I re-discovered this book again, and I read it on my own, probably for the first time in my whole life! I have put it safe and sound on my book shelf, where it will stay until I have children or nephews of my own to read this wonderful book to.
October 24, 2017
I love this cute little book about a bear in green corduroy overalls. It is definitely on my list of books to get for my own child (if I have one). I'd also want to get a Corduroy bear, too.
May 26, 2021
This was a cute story. It will fill you with sadness and hope at the same time.
November 9, 2008
A classic sweet tale of a little bear that finds a home in a little girl's heart.
September 6, 2018
Nice, warm and fun.
December 1, 2021
I loved Corduroy when I was a kid and had wanted to revisit this old favorite. It's such a sweet story!
September 14, 2017
Another classic children's story that I have never read before. It was originally published in 1968 & to me it has undertones that reflect that time in our history with such great honesty & simplicity. Even though there is a cute little adventure that Corduroy goes on through the dept. store I feel that the main story is Lisa the little girl who sees him & loves him the way he is, so much so that she counts her money to go back and buy him. She takes him home to love & care for because she feels a connection to him. I feel like at that time a lot of groups of people had felt that way~ minorities & women especially- that were looking for a friend. A good story for children to learn about the meaning of friendship & responsibility & finding a bond for friendships.
July 4, 2019
5 shiny stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this to my 2mth old and she loved it lol. This was so cute!! Reminded me of The Velveteen Rabbit which was a childhood favorite of mine, but I think I liked this even better! A heart-warming tale perfect for the holidays!
Read this to my 2mth old and she loved it lol. This was so cute!! Reminded me of The Velveteen Rabbit which was a childhood favorite of mine, but I think I liked this even better! A heart-warming tale perfect for the holidays!
January 6, 2017
My mother raised me on Corduroy and now I am continuing tradition with my little one. This book will absolutely always have a special place in my heart.
September 6, 2020
have read this thrice to my four month old nephew and he listens patiently each time and it’s an absolute joy to read this story about a sweet bear to him
February 21, 2012
Corduroy has an wholesome, old time feel to it. My toddler daughter and I enjoyed reading this together. I liked seeing things happening through Corduroy's eyes. I was rooting for the little guy to find a home and for someone to look past the fact that he wasn't in perfectly new shape. If we owned this one, I could see my daughter requesting it over and over.
This was a Children's Picture Book Club read for the month of December:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
This was a Children's Picture Book Club read for the month of December:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
February 12, 2024
Last night, after musing over plot points, Vanessa and I read Corduroy! It was a favorite of hers as a little one and I wasn't sure if I had ever read it. I remembered something about a button being stuck on a mattress.
I'm still not sure if I had actually read the whole thing before last night, but it was wonderful to peek into the joy of Vanessa's childhood together!
We both loved how Corduroy often begins sentences with "I've always wanted to...!" It was so sweet. A wonderful story to share in our "Bedtime Booktime" club!
I'm still not sure if I had actually read the whole thing before last night, but it was wonderful to peek into the joy of Vanessa's childhood together!
We both loved how Corduroy often begins sentences with "I've always wanted to...!" It was so sweet. A wonderful story to share in our "Bedtime Booktime" club!
January 1, 2022
Offering beautiful friendship and scathing critique of consumer capitalism, shopping mall culture, and regressive policing, this book’s timeless! Thank u goodreads 2021!
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