Corduroy takes a bow

Don Freeman's endearing bear-character Corduroy returns in a charming theater-themed tale, here written by award-winning actress Viola Davis. Accompanied by her mother, Lisa and her stuffed-bear, Corduroy, are heading to see a play. But after taking their seats, and music starts, Corduroy, inadvertently and unnoticed, falls from his perch on Lisa's lap. Thus begins Corduroy's unexpectedly eventful journey to see the show too, from orchestra pit, to backstage, to actually being part of the play, before happy reunion with Lisa. While young ones will likely recognize and enjoy the Mother Goose references the performed play features like Bo-Peep or Rock-A-Bye-Baby Corduroy's adventures also provide an inviting look at what happens offstage. Throughout, the activities and excitement of his experiences, including behind-the-scenes crew members, scenery changes, props and more are well-captured and conveyed in both text and Wheeler's expressive scratchboard and colored-ink illustrations, which are in the stylistic manner of Freeman's own, providing a sense of cohesiveness and continuity to the original books. Ultimately, a delightful new act for ever-curious Corduroy and an entertaining introduction to the theater.--Shelle Rosenfeld Copyright 2018 Booklist

Don Freeman's beloved Corduroy experiences an unforgettable night at the theater in this debut picture book from Tony- and Academy Award-winning actress Davis with co-author Hennessy and illustrator Wheeler.When Corduroy accompanies Lisa and her mother to the theater to see a dramatization of nursery rhymes, mischief and fun inevitably follow. After he's accidentally dropped before the curtain goes up, the ever curious bear ambles through the theater, eager to find the perfect vantage point from which to view the production. Corduroy's adventures take him from the orchestra pit to the costume room and finally onto the stage itself! The author's simple text conveys both her love of theater and the magical experience of a child who's brought to see a show for the first time. Lisa may be sitting in the plush red seats enjoying the show, but the real production is backstage, which readers experience through Corduroy's eyes. One of Wheeler's talents as an illustrator is facial expressions, and she captures Corduroy's elation, trepidation, and fearlessness as he freewheels from adventure to adventure even as she successfully mimics Freeman's style. Perhaps the book's most valuable visual aspect is featuring people of color in all elements of the theater, from Lisa and her mother, of course, to the orchestra pit, stage manager, and actors. Even Lisa's doll, shown at the end, is of color, providing much-needed representation.A sweet story that will have children clamoring to see a show, perhaps with their own bears. (Picture book 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.