trish_araiz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kendranicole28's review against another edition
4.0
Omri’s birthday gets off to a disappointing start when his best friend Patrick gives him nothing but a castoff Indian figurine as a present. But it quickly becomes a birthday to remember when Omri places the figurine in an old metal cupboard, reopening it the next day to discover the Indian has come to life! Omri and his tiny warrior, Little Bear, soon form a cautious friendship, but keeping Little Bear hidden from Patrick, his brothers, and his teachers proves difficult. Then a cowboy figurine named Boone is also brought to life, setting the scene for mayhem and animosity the likes of which Omri’s bedroom has never seen!
I remember LOVING this book as a child! My own stuffed animals and dolls were very much alive for me (even into my adolescence), and I enjoyed seeing the figurines of this series ACTUALLY brought to life (long before Toy Story made lifelike toys a household staple). As with so many childhood favorites, this reads a little differently as an adult. The magic is still there, but I was uncomfortable with the dated (and unfavorable) portrayal of the Iroquois warrior and had SO MANY questions about the nature of the fantasy elements that I wish were explained further in the text.
Digging a little deeper, there are some discussable themes of responsibility, secrecy (when is it healthy and when these secrets can become destructive), human dignity, friendship, loyalty, and expectations. There are also some fun cultural elements to explore, thanks to the 1980 British setting and the historical figurines who reference their lives in nineteenth century America. Best of all, my kids all liked this one a lot.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Charleston’s Rating: 4.5 Stars // Book Format: Print
I remember LOVING this book as a child! My own stuffed animals and dolls were very much alive for me (even into my adolescence), and I enjoyed seeing the figurines of this series ACTUALLY brought to life (long before Toy Story made lifelike toys a household staple). As with so many childhood favorites, this reads a little differently as an adult. The magic is still there, but I was uncomfortable with the dated (and unfavorable) portrayal of the Iroquois warrior and had SO MANY questions about the nature of the fantasy elements that I wish were explained further in the text.
Digging a little deeper, there are some discussable themes of responsibility, secrecy (when is it healthy and when these secrets can become destructive), human dignity, friendship, loyalty, and expectations. There are also some fun cultural elements to explore, thanks to the 1980 British setting and the historical figurines who reference their lives in nineteenth century America. Best of all, my kids all liked this one a lot.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Charleston’s Rating: 4.5 Stars // Book Format: Print
finalefile's review against another edition
3.0
This book has an interesting premise and plot. I don't feel qualified to speak on the racial issues, aside from saying that the plot comes across as a white child "owning" a Native American adult, which does not feel good at all. My main issue with this book is that most of the characters are so mean and violent! The Indian almost killing the cowboy, the kids repeatedly threatening to "bash" one another...I didn't find anyone to be very likeable.
beardedbarista's review against another edition
4.0
Great book to read with my daughter. A bit outdated on some cultural appropriation. Explaining to her that we dont call indigenous people Indians anymore and for good reasons. Also dealing with some of the slurs in the book by Boone was a good exercise in teaching race and ethnicity to her. The book had some other problematic things. But overall it was pretty wholesome. THE MOVIE fixed a lot of these problems. Even the choice of little bear to not make a wife was really great in the movie. Unlike most evaluation the movie was better than the book.
sarful's review against another edition
4.0
My mom read this to my brother and me when I was a kid. It was magical, and I always remember how much I loved it. But, I’d forgotten some as the years went by. A few weeks ago, I found a free copy in a little library at someone’s house and immediately grabbed it. Guess now was the time I revisit a childhood gem.
And I gotta say, it actually retains that magic.
Omri is wide eyed and excited to have this little Iroquois man. Ok he’s referred to Indian the whole time, but the author does make a concerted effort to inform the reader this man is Iroquois and that Omri’s limited knowledge of Native Americans from movies westerns aren’t real depictions. And that this man is a warrior makes for some really funny moments as he stabs Omri in a heroic effort to defend himself from a giant. Or when he bosses Omri around for food and home to sleep.
Things get complicated when Omri’s friend Patrick gets involved and makes his cowboy figurine into a real man. But, even that was fun as the two spar. That they’re real men from a real time and place gives the story and these men a kind of depth that was, well, magic.
I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of Omri and his Iroquois. I appreciated the friendship the two created as well as peace was made between the Indian and the cowboy. And that while they all go back to their times, it sets up that future may hold more time between the men, giant and little men.
Glad I revisited it.
And I gotta say, it actually retains that magic.
Omri is wide eyed and excited to have this little Iroquois man. Ok he’s referred to Indian the whole time, but the author does make a concerted effort to inform the reader this man is Iroquois and that Omri’s limited knowledge of Native Americans from movies westerns aren’t real depictions. And that this man is a warrior makes for some really funny moments as he stabs Omri in a heroic effort to defend himself from a giant. Or when he bosses Omri around for food and home to sleep.
Things get complicated when Omri’s friend Patrick gets involved and makes his cowboy figurine into a real man. But, even that was fun as the two spar. That they’re real men from a real time and place gives the story and these men a kind of depth that was, well, magic.
I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of Omri and his Iroquois. I appreciated the friendship the two created as well as peace was made between the Indian and the cowboy. And that while they all go back to their times, it sets up that future may hold more time between the men, giant and little men.
Glad I revisited it.
wombat_88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
katrina_ingram's review against another edition
4.0
I remember watching the film as a child so it was great to read the book as an adult. Such a magical tale with great themes like friendship, understanding and opposing cultures. The audio was great i’m disappointed the rest of the series is not available as audio in my library or on audible as I’d love to continue In that format
cogsofencouragement's review against another edition
5.0
The kids and I really enjoyed this adventure. There were lessons of respect and putting others first.