Book Review: The Indian in the Cupboard

You might be wondering why a 26-year-old women, without any children, would be reading the childrens book "The Indian in the Cupboard." As you might remember from my past book review posts, I hated reading as a child. I didn't pick up reading as a hobby until college, and now it is one of my favorite past times. Because I hated reading, I missed out on reading the classic books that every kid should read. So now, I feel like I have to make up for lost time and educate myself, even though I am a bit old for these type of books.

I bought this book at D.I. because I remember my older brother, Justin, reading it and liking it when I was a kid. I thought I would give it a go.

Summary

Omri sometimes finds his best friend Patrick a little tiresome, but he shows nothing but loyalty to his best friend. When Omri is given a cupboard for his birthday, he’s happy because he likes things that lock with special keys, but he’s overjoyed when the cupboard turns Little Bear, his plastic figurine, into a real live Indian brave. When Patrick finds out, he wants a little man too, and without thinking of the consequences he uses the cupboard on his plastic cowboy. Now the cowboy and the Indian are really trying to kill each other, and the boys have their hands full keeping them a secret.

Review

Just a little story: When I was on my mission, serving on Temple Square, I was giving a tour of Brigham Young's house. During the tour there were a few rooms where we talked about the great relationship Brigham Young and the early members of the church had with the Indians. I had given this tour hundreds of times before and had the information down pat. Then a young lady asked this question, a little annoyed: "I am sorry. But I just cringe every time you say the word 'Indian.' Is there a religious reason why your religion doesn't use the appropriate title 'Native American'?" I was a little embarrassed. I had never thought much about this before and the word "Indian" was how the script to the tour was phrased. I apologized and took the blame for my misuse of the word. Obviously, I never used the word "Indian" again within in this tour, and still to this day only use the title "Native American." In this day and age we are so politically correct; so the use of the word "Indian," when referring to a Native American, seemed a little odd to me and dated the book. I am not sure if they read this book in school anymore, but if they did I am sure they would have to change the title to "The Native American in the Cupboard." Anyways, that really had nothing to do with the book.

I really enjoyed the book. I think it is every child's dream to have their toys come to life. I remember pretending the same thing with my dolls and barbies. The book brought me back to that time in my life, where times were simple and exciting.

The book was loaded with educational facts about the old west and Native American culture. Someday I would like to read this book with my children and really engulf them in the culture as we learn about it in the book. It would be fun to make Native American dishes, make the clothes and the tepees they describe and so forth.

The author made learning fun, but also teaches children about responsibility in various ways.

As for pure enjoyment, there were times where I was getting anxiety over the situations the boy and his "Indian" were put in. What was going to happen?! I could only imagine how exciting a story like this would be for a child.

This is a classic that every child should read. It teaches many facts and good principles, and the reader can even take the information he or she learns and build upon it by exploring even deeper into the culture of the old west and Native Americans.