I adored this book as a child in the early ‘90s and was excited to reread it with my sons. I still love the magical premise of the story, as did my kids. Being able to bring toys to life is basically every kid’s dream, after all.

When I originally read this book 30 years ago, it was a very different time. I’m not excusing anything as ok; it was just different, and society has since learned better. That said, even though I love the story, I cringed and edited all the way through reading it with my children. It did present opportunities for educational and edifying discussions about racism, stereotypes, and cultural respect and appreciation.

I’d love to see this series rewritten with collaborators of Haudenosaunee heritage and expertise. It would take a full rewrite, though, to scrub all the problematic bits and reframe certain aspects of the story. It has a lot of good in it, but there’s also a lot that would benefit from a heavy update. ( )

Fantasy

Independent Reading Level: Grade 3-4
Awards: California Young Reader Medal 1985 Won
Virginia Young Readers Program Award 1987 Won
Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award 1988 Nominated
Massachusetts Children's Book Award 1988 Won ( )

very good - Ruthie

The boys and I just finished this one. It was great. So nice to read a fun interesting book after the last few we have dragged ourselves through. Everyone begged for the story and sat still and listened which is not always the case.

There was no great message here. I guess you could say that treating each other right no matter how different would be the main lesson. But mostly this was a story that illustrated the magic of childhood. Kids live in a world where things like this seem possible. It is sad to see children grow out of this sense of wonder and possibility. It was a fun story that I am glad to finally read. It was published after I was all grown up alas so I had to wait to read it to my sons.

One caveat. What was up with the names of the boys? Omri? Gillon? Adiel? Those are some everyday type names. ( )