cover image A Christmas Wish for Corduroy

A Christmas Wish for Corduroy

B.G. Hennessy, illus. by Jody Wheeler. Viking, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-670-78550-6

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.)