Published more than 25 years ago, Lynne Reid Banks's The Indian in the Cupboard (Doubleday, 1980) broke new ground in the genre of fantasy, earned critical kudos and numerous awards, and was wholeheartedly embraced by young readers. The book even inspired a live-action movie (1995) directed by Frank Oz.
The story features nine-year-old Omri, whose rather ordinary life is transformed into a remarkable adventure when he receives a secondhand plastic action figure for his birthday, places it inside an old metal cabinet, and turns the lock with a mysterious key that once belonged to his great-grandmother. Opening the door, Omri is astounded to discover that the toy has magically come to life and is in fact a living man from another time and place. As the boy gets to know Little Bear, an Iroquois from the 18th century, the two gradually forge a bond. Aware of the importance of keeping these incredible events secret from all grownups, Omri faces the awesome responsibility of caring for his new companion's safety and well being, while exploring the boundaries of this magical occurrence. Things become even more complicated-and dangerous-when his best friend Patrick finds out about the cupboard and insists on bringing his own plastic figure, a cowboy named Boone, into the present time. Omri and Little Bear's adventures continue in several sequels penned by Banks through the years, including The Return of the Indian (1986) and The Secret of the Indian (1989).
Yearling has published paperback editions of the first three volumes of this well-known series with handsome new cover art. Michelle Poploff, vice president and executive editor at Delacorte Press, believes that the titles have certainly stood the test of time. She identifies The Indian in the Cupboard as a "precursor to the great fantasy books of today" and counts it "among the early works in that genre that have influenced the writers of the past decade."
With their enticing presentation of magical and fantastical elements, the books have remained consistently
popular through the years, and Poploff is sure that they will continue to "capture kids' imaginations." Youngsters will also be drawn to Banks's vivid (often sophisticated) language, the fast-paced and convincingly portrayed action, and themes of friendship, responsibility, and burgeoning independence.
The new covers have been painted by Tristan Elwell, whose work has adorned numerous fantasy and sci-fi titles, including Ridley Pearson's "Kingdom Keepers" series (Hyperion). The illustrations place a close, crystalline focus on the miniature protagonists, with other characters and images looming large and slightly soft-edged in the background, underscoring the books' blend of fantasy and realism while hinting at the fraught-with-danger action. The texts remain the same, and the volumes feature the original pen-and-ink interior illustrations by Brock Cole (Indian in the Cupboard), William Geldart (Return), and Ted Lewin (Secret).
According to Poploff, the reissues have been designed to encourage today's readers to "rediscover the magic" of these tried-and-true titles. Filled with "motion and vibrant colors," the covers infuse "the classic quality of the books with fresh new appeal." The paintings "hone in on one or two details or symbols that indicate what will happen in the book," while creating a mood that accentuates "elements of magic and fantasy." The repackaging presents the titles as an easy-to-identify set. A close-up image of Little Bear clipped from the cover of the first volume has been placed in the corner of the other two volumes, and "read more about" teasers appear on the inside back covers, helping kids to make a connection between the offerings and encouraging them to carry on with the series.
With their updated and alluring cover art, these new editions will be standouts on paperback racks. Check your shelves and replace missing or tattered copies of this still worthy trio.
Pub Info
BANKS, Lynne Reid. The Indian in the Cupboard. illus. by Brock Cole. ISBN 978-0-375-84753-0.
_____. The Return of the Indian. illus. by William Geldart. ISBN 978-0-375-85523-8.
_____. The Secret of the Indian. illus. by Ted Lewin. ISBN 978-0-375-85524-5.
I truly wish this book would just go away. Banks clearly did no research when creating the Little Bear character--he is described as Iroquois (which is another inaccuracy in and of itself), but dresses like a Plains Indian and speaks in grunts and speech patterns that are inaccurate at best, and would be considered racist or stereotypical by any sane person.
Jan LaBonty wrote an excellent article in the Journal of American Indian Education (vol 34/no 2 - Winter 1995) about the problematic inaccuracies and racism in this book, and I feel like it should be required reading for anyone who works with or selects children's materials. The full text of the article is available online at the JAIE website.
Propagating negative stereotypes of maligned and opressed people has no value for anyone.
Posted by Elle on August 18, 2010 10:37:46AM
I, too, wish this book had not been republished! Indian reviewers - including members of the American Indian Library Association (an affiliate of the American Library Association) have been telling educators for years that the book in inaccurate, full of stereotypes and insulting. Publishers: you need to start listening and not reissuing stereotypical books! School Library Journal: You need to include both pro and con reviews in your articles on reissues! Elle is right about the propagating of negative Indian stereotypes - how long should a people wait for respect?!
Posted by Betsy McEntarffer on August 18, 2010 11:02:13AM
I heard Joseph Bruchac discuss the inaccuracies of this book at a children's lit conference last year and as I read this article I expected that at least some of the issues surrounding this book would be mentioned, as they are quite well known.
@SLJ: How would you not have realized this?
Posted by Lisa Silverman on August 19, 2010 06:54:14PM
If my students are going to pick up a book with an Indian or Native American as a featured character, I want them to read Bruchac, Erdrich or someone who has real knowledge of Native American culture. I won't be buying this re-issued book for my library.
Posted by Christine Cahill on August 20, 2010 03:51:13PM
I don't know if people want to make movies about "The Return of the Indian" and "The Secret of the Indian", but, do you think you'd just stick with only reading the book "The Indian in the Cupboard" and the movie "The Indian in the Cupboard"?
Posted by William MacLeod on September 24, 2010 01:51:44AM
Ah, but it is a special book. Satisfies the dreams of many a child and encourages reading.
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