 | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 10/01/2018 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. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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