Corduroy & Company — Don Freeman

Generations have grown up with Don Freeman's picture books, and many of today's parents are reading aloud the same favorite books that they loved as children. In this welcome collection, 11 of Freeman's most appealing tales, including Corduroy, Dandelion, Norman the Doorman, Mop Top, and his Caldecott Honor Book Fly High, Fly Low are collected in one edition. One story, Gayelord the Goat, has never before been published and is seen here for the first time. An introduction by renowned critic Leonard Marcus outlines Freeman's career and contribution, and an afterword tells the story of the artist's incredible life, from trumpet player to theater illustrator to children's book legend. Corduroy & Company is not only a wonderful book to share with children, but also a fascinating look at the career of a man who was one of the most influential writers and artists of his time.

Don Freeman (1908-1978) was born in San Diego, California, and moved to New York City to study art, making his living as a jazz trumpeter. With the loss of his trumpet on a subway train, Freeman turned his talents to art full-time. In 1951, after the birth of his son, Roy, Freeman created his first picture book, Chuggy and the Blue Caboose, which is included in this collection.