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The Indian in the Cupboard book cover

The Indian in the Cupboard

by Lynne Reid Banks

A boy discovers that a magic cupboard brings his toys to life

1980Fast paceLight

What it is about

For his birthday, Omri receives an old cupboard and a small plastic toy figure. When he locks the toy inside, it comes alive. He has to look after a real, tiny person from another time. The book has been criticized in recent years for its portrayal of Native Americans.

Who will enjoy it

Young readers who like magic and toy stories.

What you will get

A popular children’s classic, but best read with a conversation about its depiction of Native people.

The Indian in the Cupboard Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting

Genre

Children’s Books · Toys · Magic · Responsibility

Length

181 pages · ≈ 5 h

More about this book

Characters

Omri, his friend Patrick and Little Bear.

Setting

A suburban house in England.

What makes it different

A fantasy about the responsibility of caring for another living being.

Feel

Fun, tense and gentle.

About Lynne Reid Banks

Lynne Reid Banks1 book on Tori BooksBritish author. The Indian in the Cupboard appeared in 1980.

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