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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake) | EASY DAV | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | EASY DAV | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | EASY DAV | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | PICTURE BOOK DAV | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Celebrate 50 years of America's favorite teddy bear with a brand-new, classically illustrated picture book by Academy Award winner Viola Davis.
When Lisa takes Corduroy to the theater for the very first time, it's so magnificent and exciting that he just can't help heading out on his own to explore. From the orchestra pit to the prop table to the dressing rooms, Corduroy sees it all. Could there be a place for Corduroy on stage, too?
Fifty years after this lovable, inquisitive teddy bear was first introduced to readers, he's now the star of the show. Author Viola Davis uses her own experience as an Emmy, Tony, and Oscar Award-winning actress to imbue Corduroy's adventure with all the magic of the stage. A beautifully illustrated tale with a classic feel, Corduroy Takes a Bow is sure to spark an interest in theater in children of any age.
Author Notes
VIOLA DAVIS is a critically revered, award-winning actress of film, television, and theater. She is the first black actress to win Tony ( Fences and King Hedley II ), Oscar ( Fences ) and Emmy ( How to Get Away with Murder ) awards for acting. In 2012, Davis and her husband founded their production company, JuVee Productions, with its focus being on giving a voice to the voiceless through strong, impactful and culturally relevant narratives.
DON FREEMAN (1908 - 1978) was a celebrated children's book author and illustrator. His many popular titles include Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy .
JODY WHEELER is the illustrator of over forty books for children. She lives in New York City.
Reviews (2)
Kirkus Review
Don Freeman's beloved Corduroy experiences an unforgettable night at the theater in this debut picture book from Tony- and Academy Award-winning actress Davis with co-author Hennessy and illustrator Wheeler.When Corduroy accompanies Lisa and her mother to the theater to see a dramatization of nursery rhymes, mischief and fun inevitably follow. After he's accidentally dropped before the curtain goes up, the ever curious bear ambles through the theater, eager to find the perfect vantage point from which to view the production. Corduroy's adventures take him from the orchestra pit to the costume room and finally onto the stage itself! The author's simple text conveys both her love of theater and the magical experience of a child who's brought to see a show for the first time. Lisa may be sitting in the plush red seats enjoying the show, but the real production is backstage, which readers experience through Corduroy's eyes. One of Wheeler's talents as an illustrator is facial expressions, and she captures Corduroy's elation, trepidation, and fearlessness as he freewheels from adventure to adventure even as she successfully mimics Freeman's style. Perhaps the book's most valuable visual aspect is featuring people of color in all elements of the theater, from Lisa and her mother, of course, to the orchestra pit, stage manager, and actors. Even Lisa's doll, shown at the end, is of color, providing much-needed representation.A sweet story that will have children clamoring to see a show, perhaps with their own bears. (Picture book 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Don Freeman's endearing bear-character Corduroy returns in a charming theater-themed tale, here written by award-winning actress Viola Davis. Accompanied by her mother, Lisa and her stuffed-bear, Corduroy, are heading to see a play. But after taking their seats, and music starts, Corduroy, inadvertently and unnoticed, falls from his perch on Lisa's lap. Thus begins Corduroy's unexpectedly eventful journey to see the show too, from orchestra pit, to backstage, to actually being part of the play, before happy reunion with Lisa. While young ones will likely recognize and enjoy the Mother Goose references the performed play features like Bo-Peep or Rock-A-Bye-Baby Corduroy's adventures also provide an inviting look at what happens offstage. Throughout, the activities and excitement of his experiences, including behind-the-scenes crew members, scenery changes, props and more are well-captured and conveyed in both text and Wheeler's expressive scratchboard and colored-ink illustrations, which are in the stylistic manner of Freeman's own, providing a sense of cohesiveness and continuity to the original books. Ultimately, a delightful new act for ever-curious Corduroy and an entertaining introduction to the theater.--Shelle Rosenfeld Copyright 2018 Booklist
