A Christmas Wish for 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.)