The Indian in the Cupboard

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What could be better than a magic cupboard that turns small toys into living creatures? Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, so he gives Omri an old medicine cabinet he's found. Although their mother supplies a key, the cabinet still doesn't seem like much of a present. But when an exhausted Omri dumps a plastic toy Indian into the cabinet just before falling asleep, the magic begins. Turn the key once and the toy comes alive; turn it a second time and it's an action figure again.

The Indian in the Cupboard is one of those rare books that is equally appealing to children and adults. The story of Omri and the Indian, Little Bear, is replete with subtle reminders of the responsibilities that accompany friendship and love. For kids, it's a great yarn; for most parents, it's also a reminder that Omri's wrenching decision to send his toy back to its own world is not so different from the recognition of their children's emerging independence.

The Indian in the Cupboard is also available in Spanish (La Llave Magica.) (The publisher recommends this book for children ages 9-12, although younger kids will enjoy hearing it read aloud.)

Book Description

It all starts with a birthday present Omri doesn't even want -- a small plastic Indian of no use to him at all. But when an old wooden cupboard and a special key bring the unusual toy to life, Omri's Indian becomes his most important secret: precious, dangerous, wonderful, and above all, magical.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting story .......2007-08-07

It's Omri's birthday and his brother and his friend have gotten him gifts that don't seem like the best gifts in the world. His brother gave him a cupboard that he found in an alley. And his friend, Patrick, gave him a plastic Indian figure. There's nothing too magical about these items and Omri is less than interested in them until he finds a key among his mother's extra keys that fits the cupboard.

He finds that when he puts a plastic figure in the cupboard and then locks the cupboard with that particular key, the figure comes to life! With a little experimenting, he finds that if he then locks the live figure back in, it returns to its original form.

Now Omri has a live Indian (a very small live Indian) living in his room. Sounds pretty neat, huh? Well, Omri soon finds out that it's not so easy to be responsible for another human being no matter how small they are.

The Indian's name is Little Bear and he makes demands on Omri such as asking for supplies to make a longhouse, paint for decorations and - most importantly - food. Omri has to go to great lengths to help Little Bear while at the same time keeping the Indian a secret from his family and friends. When he finally does tell his friend, Patrick, Omri regrets it.

Patrick wants to play with the cupboard but he doesn't care that the figures are occupied by real human beings with real feelings. This gets both he and Omri in trouble.

This book is an interesting look at what happens when something that seems like it would be the coolest thing can turn out to not be so fun once reality hits. It is also interesting to see the empathy that Omri has for these small beings and how he tries to care for them and show Patrick how to care for them too. It also explores the dynamics of their friendship and touches lightly on the familial interactions between son and parents and brother to brother.

While this is a book about boys, the story is not for boys alone. Girls will enjoy this story about a 'magical' experience. Boys will definitely love this and may even try locking up their action figures in every cupboard in the house to see what happens. It's a quick and interesting read for those who are easily distracted.

I am concerned about the descriptions of all the historical characters especially the Native American (as one reviewer has been specific about the 'racist' nature of it.) So I would not recommend this for someone looking for an accurate description of Native Americans, cowboys or WWI medics but perhaps it could be used to start a discussion about stereotypes. Also I would not recommend this to someone looking for a fantasy novel.

a new dimension.......2007-07-23

It was interesting and exciting because the plot was unexpected. I liked the stories told by the characters from the cupboard and that they had past lives. Their daily lives were interesting such as the food they ate and the risks they faced. It's a good book to read for kids.

The Indian in the Cupboard.......2007-04-12

I discovered the story about the Indian in the Cupboard when I saw the film based on the book. I think the book is quite good, but I would like to have more illustrations, because I'm teacher of English for Spanish students and if you want to use the story for early ages (6-8) you'll need more illustrations. But in general I liked this book very much.

Cornwall, NY Sixth Grader.......2007-03-07

I am a sixth grader who experienced a magical journey after reading the famous book, The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks and illustration by Brock Cole.
The book takes you on a magical journey when Omri, who is celebrating his birthday,receives a plain old cupboard from his family and a plastic indian from his friend, Patrick.
Omri loved cupboards and would find things to put in them. The cupboard however would not lock and his mother gives him a box with keys with all shapes and sizes. He tries them all until he finds the key that open the cupboard.While alone, he wonders what treasure to put in the cupboard.
When Omri puts his plastic indian in the cupboard, he never imagined the magic that would come to life. His indian become the most important secret that he now must keep. Omri is so excited however that he shares his secret with his best friend, Patrick, who then makes things worst because he wants to use the "magical cupboard."
This book really lets you feel the magic of the characters coming to life.
The Indian in the Cupboard was made into a famous and classical movie in 1995. It is one of my favorite movies. Try reading The Return of the Indian, The Secret of the Indian, The Mystery of the Cupboard and The Key to the Indian.

the indian in the cupboard.......2007-01-01

This was one of the best books i have read in my life, it was humourus, sad, and makes you think. I liked the book alot, i only read the first one and i wouldn't mind reading the second!
We read the book in class and we all laughed, and cried. I thought the book was a message, saying be careful of what you think and do.

I will recommend this to my teacher, as a lesson in english, to come and post a review! :)

The Return of the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)

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Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks
Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks
Return of the Indian
Return of the Indian
They came back again!!!

The Return of the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)
Lynne Reid Banks
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0380702843
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Book Description

The Magic Continues . . .

In The Indian In The Cupboard, Omri discovers a wonderful, magical world when a three inch high Indian named Little Bear came to life. Now, in The Return Of The Indian, Omri tries to see his friend Little Bear again, and lands in the middle of a whole new series of astonishing and dangerous adventures -- from which he may never escape!

Customer Reviews:

Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks.......2007-02-14

"The Return of the Indian" is a very good book, and probably a better one than "The Indian in the Cupboard". The story is about a boy(Omri) who finds a locked cupboard in a garbage can in the streets of London. When his mother gives him a key that fits no lock in his house, he tries the key on the cupboard it opens! And the story goes farther when he puts a plastic Indian he got from his friend Patric, in the cupboard, and it comes to life!! That was the "Indian in the Cupboard". In the "Return of the Indian", Omri brings back his Indian(Little Bear) and a cowboy, theres even more fun. But when something Happens to Little Bear, Omri must bring even more plastic figures to life, like a very patient and kind nurse, A marine squad with a howitzer and blazing machine guns, and a load of Iroquois tomahawks that want revenge on the English for burning their homes. I loved the action and suspense in this book. I liked the creative storyline, but I think the Author rushes a certain part of the book. If you have read the fist book in this magical series, you'll love the second!

Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks.......2007-02-14

"The Return of the Indian" is a very good and probably better sequel to "Indian in the Cupboard".
I loved the intense suspense in this book and the creative storyline, but I think the author rushes certain parts that are some of the main points. The summary on the back gives too much away, so don't read it. The story is about a boy with a magical key. When he uses it on a cupboard he found in a street garbage can, the cupboard makes any plastic figure inside the cupboard alive as a mini figure of the real person in time. The people that come alive are really people in time. When something happens to Little Bear, Omri has to call even more figures like a nice nurse, a marine squad with tons of firepower , and a load of angry Iroquois Mohawks who want revenge on the English for burning their homes down. If you have read the first book you'll love the second one to this magical series!

by James Lutz

Return of the Indian.......2007-02-13

"The Return of the Indian" is a very good sequel to "Indian in the Cupboard".
I loved the intense suspense in this book and the creative storyline, but I think the author rushes certain parts. The summary on the back gives too much away, so don't read it. The story is about a boy with a magical key. When he uses it on a special cupboard makes any plastic figure inside the cupboard alive. When something happens to Little Bear, Omri has to call even more figures like a matron, a marine squad, and a load of Iroquois mohawks. If you have read the first book you'll love the second one!

by James Lutz

Return of the Indian.......2007-02-13

"The Return of the Indian" is a very good sequel to "Indian in the Cupboard".
I loved the intense suspense in this book and the creative storyline, but I think the author rushes certain parts. The summary on the back gives too much away, so don't read it. The story is about a boy with a magical key. When he uses it on a special cupboard makes any plastic figure inside the cupboard alive. When something happens to Little Bear, Omri has to call even more figures like a matron, a marine squad, and a load of Iroquois mohaks. If you have read the first book you'll love the second one!

They came back again!!!.......2002-07-01

The Return of the Indian is the second book to the sequel of The Indian in the Cupboard & at the end of the book in The Indian in the Cupboard the toys were not real anymore & Boone the cowboy & Little Bear went back home & in the second book, Omri couldn't believe he would bring them back again.

This book is alright & I enjoy it alot!

A year after Omri first meets his Indian friend, he decides to visit him again, only to find that Little Bear is close to death and in need of help.

I like the chapter called "Chapter 10. Boone's Brainwave" because it just makes me happy because of Boone the cowboy.

This is one heck of a sequel & that book The Return of the Indian reminds me of anything like Oliver Twist & Black Beauty or Son of Black Beauty.

Book Description

These endearing little emissaries personify and spread the spirit of the diverse native people from across North America and into the arctic reaches of Canada. Whether made for childrens' play or as tourists' souvenirs, their colorful dress, ornamentation, and materials are enjoyed by doll collectors and Indian buffs alike. Here more than a hundred different dolls are grouped according to their geographical origins, including Iroquios, Seminole, Cheyenne, Navajo, and Eskimo Indian dolls, shown along with early photographs of the people and places they represent. Also, Skookum dolls, which were made as commercial items, are presented. Together, the dolls make an inspiring group and display the diversity of mankind. Value references are provided for some of the dolls.

Customer Reviews:

Visual feast only.......2005-06-03

This book is a visual feast and has lots of interesting information. I wish the author would have put more info about prices and less about Seminole dolls. I did enjoy it and will use it for reference in the future. Good book in a field that is lacking information (Indian doll collecting).

A waste of good money.......2001-06-01

This was a waste of time and money for me. The Title says for collectors and the cover says with prices. I found it to be a loose collection of pictures with VERY little information on any of the dolls. The vast majority of dolls have no priceing and the few that do have, in my opinion, unrealistic prices. Wondered how a publisher would put money into such a waste until I looked. Self published.

Following the Sun and Moon: Hopi Kachini Tradition

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BRILLIANT, THE ONLY BOOK YOU NEED ON THE HOPI KACHINI
Excellent Book Written By A Hopi

Following the Sun and Moon: Hopi Kachini Tradition
Alph H. Secakuku
Manufacturer: Northland Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0873586441

Customer Reviews:

BRILLIANT, THE ONLY BOOK YOU NEED ON THE HOPI KACHINI.......1999-07-30

ON A TRAVEL OF MINE, I WAS VERY, VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE MET ALPHA AND HIS NEICE ON THE HOPI RESERVATION. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THIS MEETING WOULD BRING AND HERE'S HOPING IT BRINGS MORE DELIGHTS..... THEY ARE THE BEST OF PEOPLE, TRULY A CULTURE THAT LIVES THEIR TRADITIONS, ONE THAT SHOULD BE RESPECTED. I WAS GIVEN A SEED OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THAT FIRST VISIT AND WAS ANXIOUS TO READ THIS BOOK, WHICH I DID THE WHOLE DAY! IF YOU WANT A BOOK REGARDING THE HOPI KACHINI TRADITION THIS IS IT! THIS BOOK TRULY GIVES US A GOOD PEAK INTO THEIR "RELIGION" AND BELIEFS, ONE THAT I BELIEVE WE CAN NEVER REALLY KNOW FULLY, BUT ALPH HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO GIVE US A FEW SEEDS. IF YOU MAKE A TRIP TO THE S.W. MAKE SURE YOU STOP AT THE HOPI CULTURE CENTER AND PAY A VISIT. BRING THEM SOME GOOD COFFEE!

Excellent Book Written By A Hopi.......1997-11-08

You can read all the Kachina books you want, but take them all with a grain of salt until you read this one. This is the first book about the Kachina (actually "Katsina") tradition written by a Hopi. That is significant because of the secrecy around the religion. This book was suggested to me by a man who lives on Second Mesa of the Hopi Reservation. He said, "After years of bad books about Kachinas written by white guys, finally there's one written by a Hopi." This book gives the reader a clear understanding of the basics of the Hopi calendar and the Hopi religion. This is not a book about Kachina dolls, although it has photos of approximately 200 old style dolls. It is about the spirits those dolls represent. Buy this book as an indispensable reference. The Heard Museum in Phoenix deserves credit along with the author for presenting this great collection of dolls and descriptions.

Average customer rating:

A Valuable Resource

A Guide to Hopi Katsina Dolls
Kent McManis
Manufacturer: Rio Nuevo Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1887896171

Book Description

Hopi katsinam and the dolls that represent them have fascinated Indian arts trader and author Kent McManis since he was a little boy. In A Guide to Hopi Katsina Dolls, McManis shows how the eternal spirit of the katsinam manifests itself in the works of some of the most skilled and inspired Hopi carvers working today.

For the Hopi-a communal farming people who reside in stone and adobe villages on and near three Mesas in northeastern Arizona-everything in life is imbued with the sacred. The Hopi attribute their very survival as a people to the katsinam, inhabitants of the spiritual realm who convey prayers to the gods and respond with blessings in the form of rain, bountiful harvests, and plentiful game.

In A Guide to Hopi Katsina Dolls, more than seventy of the most prominent and intriguing katsinam who appear during the Hopi ceremonial year are described and depicted in full color photographs of both contemporary and historic katsina dolls.

Customer Reviews:

A Valuable Resource.......2000-09-16

If you have an interest in Hopi katsina dolls, this is the right book at a price everyone can afford. Having been in contact with the author several months prior to the book's publication, it was eagerly anticipated. The finished product does not disappoint. As a collector, judge at several major juried shows and owner of a Native American Trading Company, Kent McManis knows his stuff! I have only one complaint ... I wish the book were at least twice it's size. At 56 pages, I hope the author will consider another book on the subject as he had with Zuni fetishes. This is the first book I have discovered which traces the katsina cycle and includes the corresponding doll on the page where it is discussed. This aspect alone makes the book a "keeper". Robin Stancliff is to be commended for 70 beautiful photographs of both contemporary / action pieces and historic / traditional katsinam as well. If you have never seen the work of modern masters like Brian and Ronald Honyouti, Cecil Calnimptewa, Ros George, Loren Phillips and Dennis Tewa ... add this book to your library. Thank you, Mr McManis, for sharing such a valuable resource with your readers.

Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls

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EXCELLENT GUIDE FOR ANYONE PLANNING TO BUY KACHINA DOLLS

Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls
Barton Wright
Manufacturer: Northland Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 087358161X

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT GUIDE FOR ANYONE PLANNING TO BUY KACHINA DOLLS.......1999-05-06

This is the perfect place to begin to learn about Kachina dolls. Whether you are a novice or an experienced collector, this guide will be of great help. The detailed descriptions and information are a must for any collector. For those planning to buy a kachina doll, I highly recommend THE NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN ARTIST DIRECTORY. It will enable you to find the kachina carver you are looking for. When you find a kachina you like in one of the Jacka or other fine Southwest Indian art books, check the name and then find it in the directory - along with mailing address and phone # ! Call the artist directly, make an appointment, take along your COMPLETE GUIDE TO COLLECTING KACHINA DOLLS and have a great time!

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Best Friends by Loretta Krupinski

Best Friends

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786803320

Customer Reviews:

Best Friends by Loretta Krupinski.......2000-04-01

In this depiction of what could have happened between one ranching family and the Nez Perce Indians in the late 1800's, a young girl shows how a simple but courageous act of kindness and concern can change the lives of many. The illustrations are a mix of paintings along with black and white pictures showing artifacts from the time period.

Southwest Indian Girl and Boy Paper Dolls (Boys & Girls from Around the Globe)

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Southwest Indian Girl and Boy Paper Dolls (Boys & Girls from Around the Globe)
Yuko Green
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486427714

Book Description

Youngsters will have a great time dressing these two little Native Americans in traditional ceremonial costumes of the Kiowa-Apache, Navajo, Hopi, Pima, Yuma, and other tribes. Wardrobes include brilliantly ornamented shawls, tunics, and dresses, as well as costumes for a warrior and chieftain, dancers, hunters, and other figures. Captions. 2 dolls, 32 costumes.

Little Indian Girl Paper Doll (Dover Little Activity Books)

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Historic Costumes

Little Indian Girl Paper Doll (Dover Little Activity Books)
Tom Tierney
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486270041

Book Description

Charmingly rendered paper doll and 8 distinctive, carefully researched American Indian costumes. Traditional outfits for the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Pawnee, Sioux, Apache, and Arapaho tribes and the Acoma pueblo. Also, full-color accessories and tribal artifacts: basketware, jewelry, blankets, toys and footwear. 1 paper doll. 8 full-color costumes.

Customer Reviews:

Historic Costumes.......2000-12-17

Suzy, the Indian girl, wears the different costumes of the Southwest Indians. The book includes a Sioux ghost dance dress, a Hopi dress with her hair done in large buns on each side, and many more. The dresses are lovely, and this is the perfect book for young children, as the material is very durable. They will need help cutting it out, though, because the paper is so thick. But this would be a perfect stocking stuffer, or a nice birthday present for a small girl. I'd say the age range would be from 3-8.

Little Plains Indian Girl Paper Doll (Dover Little Activity Books)

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Little Plains Indian Girl Paper Doll (Dover Little Activity Books)
Kathy Allert
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486284271

Book Description

Dress 1 doll in 8 fringed and beaded costumes of the Sioux, Blackfoot, Crow, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Osage, and Dakota.

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