Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for allowing me to participate in this blog tour and for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Did you have a favorite stuffed animal or childhood toy when you were growing up? I had a large stuffed bunny doll that I used to take along everywhere. I carted that doll around town, she came along on lunch dates with my Gram, and on countless sleepovers. My kids have developed their own feelings of attachment to a couple of their stuffed animals, and they love to bring them along on our outings and adventures. Do you remember Corduroy the bear? He's a well-loved childhood character and has a similar story with a brand new adventure...

We were thrilled to take part in the Blog Tour for Corduroy Takes a Bow, the newest Corduroy adventure, written by none other than the beautiful and talented Viola Davis. I loved reading about Corduroy's adventures when my sister and I were growing up. Corduroy stories were also favorites among the kids I babysat throughout high school and college. He's such a lovable stuffed bear with a kind heart!

B and I absolutely loved this sweet story!

My son is in 2nd grade, and is in a 3rd-grade reading class, so needless to say, he loves to read! The two of us had an evening home together, just the two of us, pretty recently, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity for us to cuddle and enjoy this sweet book together.

B surprised me by asking if he could read the book to me. He made a comfy spot for me on the couch, and invited me to sit with him and be read to. My heart melted just a wee bit!


In this adorable story, our friend Corduroy finds himself at the theatre. He is accidentally left in a row of seats when his family moves closer so they can see the stage and performance better. While Corduroy tries to make his way back to his family, he, too, wants to get a better view of the performance, so he wanders a little closer. In doing so, he finds himself intermixed with all of the amazing things that take place behind the scenes to make a performance come to life!

We find Corduroy crawling through the orchestra pit, placed on a table of props by a stagehand, near the costume rack, and eventually- Corduroy finds himself on stage, accidentally becoming part of the performance!

At the end of the story, of course, the adventurous bear is reunited with his family, and hugged tightly!



B and I really enjoyed this story for a number of reasons...

This cute book introduces kids to the arts in a really fun way! B's dad is a trombonist, and plays with two symphony orchestras, often playing for musicals and other types of performances, so this was right up our alley. It was a lot of fun to read about a bear running into musicians, stagehands, actors, etc. It gives kids (and grown-ups) a look at all of the things that happen behind the scenes to make a performance work!

It was well-written in a lovely tone. I thought Viola Davis did an incredible job of painting a vivid picture of a night at the theatre in a way kids can easily understand. If anyone can speak of the magic of the stage, it's Ms. Davis.

It teaches a lesson... of taking care of the things you love, as not to lose them.

It speaks of adventure! We really loved seeing Corduroy go with the flow, and jump in and take part in something he wasn't necessarily comfortable or familiar with. I think it shows kids that it's okay to try something new, even if it seems a little scary. There's a place for all on the stage or behind the scenes!



About the Book

Fifty years after this lovable, inquisitive teddy bear was first introduced to readers, he’s now the star of the show. Author Viola Davis uses her own experience as an Emmy, Tony, and Oscar Award-winning actress to imbue Corduroy’s adventure with all the magic of the stage. A beautifully illustrated tale with a classic feel, Corduroy Takes a Bow is sure to spark an interest in theater in children of any age.

Hardcover | $17.99
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Sep 04, 2018 | 32 Pages | 9 x 8 | 3-5 years




About the Author

Viola Davis is a critically revered, award-winning actress of film, television and theater. She is the first black actress to win Tony (Fences & King Hedley II), Oscar (Fences) and Emmy (How to Get Away with Murder) awards. Davis is currently starring in the fourth season of “How to Get Away with Murder,” a role for which she became the first African American actress to receive the Emmy Award for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.” In 2012, Davis and her husband founded their production company, JuVee Productions, with its focus being on giving a voice to the voiceless through strong, impactful and culturally relevant narratives. Davis will next star in Steve McQueen’s “Widows,” alongside Colin Farrell and Liam Neeson.


The Tour Continues!

Be sure to follow along as Corduroy Takes a Bow makes appearances on these awesome blogs: