by Don Freeman
First published 1997
This anthology brings together classic children's stories that have shaped generations of young readers. A teddy bear named Corduroy wanders through a department store at night, determined to find his missing button so a little girl might take him home. Ferdinand the bull refuses to fight in the arena, choosing instead to sit peacefully under his favorite cork tree and enjoy the scent of flowers. A curious boy finds himself in one scrape after another, learning important lessons along the way. Each tale in this collection presents characters who face challenges that mirror the experiences of childhood. The stories explore themes of belonging, staying true to yourself, and finding your place in the world. Freeman has assembled these narratives to help children navigate their own growing up while entertaining them with memorable adventures and gentle wisdom.
Genres: fiction, classic-literature, childrens-classics
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-challenges
375 pages · Hardcover · Dutton Children's Books