Corduroy Summary & Key Insights

Don Freeman's beloved children's book, Corduroy, tells the heartwarming story of a teddy bear with one button missing and his yearning for a home. The main character, Corduroy, is a well-loved but slightly worn teddy bear residing on a department store shelf. He’s not perfect; one of his buttons is missing, a detail that makes him feel less desirable than his perfectly pristine counterparts. This missing button becomes a central element shaping his narrative and the story’s overarching themes.

Corduroy's world is limited to the department store's toy section. He observes the hustle and bustle of the shoppers and longs for companionship and a loving home. One day, a little girl named Lisa sees Corduroy amidst the other toys. She is immediately drawn to him despite his missing button, recognizing a kindred spirit in his slightly imperfect state. Lisa’s empathy and acceptance are pivotal to the plot.

Lisa’s attempts to buy Corduroy are thwarted because her mother believes she doesn’t have enough money. This sets Corduroy on a small, but significant, adventure. He embarks on a journey through the department store, exploring unfamiliar and often daunting places, searching for a button to replace the missing one. He navigates the escalators, navigates the busy aisles and even gets briefly lost in the linen department, highlighting the vulnerability of a small, unaccompanied toy within a large and bustling environment.

His journey through the store emphasizes his bravery and resilience. He faces various challenges and even encounters a helpful elevator operator who assists him. This journey isn't merely a physical one; it represents Corduroy's internal journey toward self-acceptance and his unwavering hope for a home. Finally, he finds a button, albeit a slightly different colour, and carefully sews it on.

This repaired button represents more than just a physical restoration. It symbolizes Corduroy's readiness to be loved, despite not being “perfect”. His restored appearance, however slight, makes him more confident. When Lisa returns, she’s delighted to see Corduroy and immediately asks her mother to buy him. The ending depicts a tender reunion between Lisa and Corduroy as she takes him home, and the story ends on a note of complete and happy contentment.

Corduroy explores several significant themes. The most prominent is the theme of self-acceptance and the beauty of imperfection. Corduroy’s missing button initially hinders his self-worth, emphasizing that societal standards of perfection are often unrealistic and can lead to feelings of inadequacy. However, his journey shows that flaws don't diminish one's worth; instead, they add to one's unique charm. The story also emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy, as demonstrated by Lisa's unwavering affection for Corduroy despite his imperfection. Finally, the book highlights the simple yet profound joy of finding a loving home and belonging. The heartwarming ending perfectly captures the fulfillment and happiness that come from acceptance and unconditional love.