This companion story to the original Corduroy has all the charm of the original: a gentle but lively story line and highly descriptive pictures. Added to this story's charm is its urban neighborhood setting, as well as a host of friendly illustrations featuring a backdrop of multiethnic characters.

As in the original, author Don Freeman's watercolor illustrations are irresistible. The detail and vivid facial expressions will enable even the youngest in the recommended age group to understand the text simply by looking at the pictures. One three year-old "read" the book using just the pictures as a story-line guide.

Older kids can't resist Corduroy's charm, either. A group of six-year-olds loved it, and they unanimously voted the scene "when Corduroy slid down the soap slide" as their favorite part.

Corduroy fans may also want to try Don Freeman's Bearymore, about a circus bear who has trouble hibernating and dreaming up new acts at the same time. For a delightful and humorous read-aloud about a bear with a different problem, check out Bernard Waber's Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party.