Corduroy and Company: A Don Freeman Treasury

Fans of Don Freeman's work get a bang for their buck with Corduroy & Company: A Don Freeman Treasury. This hefty volume contains 1o previously published stories, including his first book, Chuggy and the Blue Caboose (1951), written with his wife, Lydia; Pet of the Met (1953), their second collaboration, drawing on Freeman's roots in the theater; and of course his solo effort, Corduroy (1968), starring the overalls-clad life-like toy bear. The 11th selection is the unfinished dummy and complete text of Gayelord, which Freeman was working on at the time of his death. A foreword by Leonard S. Marcus sheds light on Freeman's enduring contribution to children's literature. (Sept.)