Corduroy

This classic picture book follows a small teddy bear waiting patiently on a department store shelf, hoping someone will choose him despite his missing button. When a young girl named Lisa spots the bear and wants to bring him home, she demonstrates remarkable responsibility by saving her own money to make the purchase. The story beautifully captures the longing for belonging through the bear's nighttime adventures through the store. Young children will connect with the gentle quest for friendship and the joy of finding where you belong.

Freeman's timeless illustrations give the department store a magical quality after hours, making ordinary escalators and furniture departments feel like vast landscapes for exploration. The narrative subtly teaches lessons about perseverance, unconditional acceptance, and the value of what makes us unique—even a missing button. Parents seeking stories about kindness, responsibility, and the special bond between children and their first cherished toys will find this friendship story resonates across generations. The emotional warmth of this childhood classic continues to comfort young readers with its message that everyone deserves a home.