The Indian in the Cupboard - by Lynne Reid Banks

About the Book

A nine-year-old boy receives a plastic Indian, a cupboard, and a little key for his birthday and finds himself involved in adventure when the Indian comes to life in the cupboard and befriends him.

Book Synopsis

Adventure abounds when a toy comes to life in this classic novel!

It's Omri's birthday, but all he gets from his best friend, Patrick, is a little plastic warrior figure. Trying to hide his disappointment, Omri puts his present in a metal cupboard and locks the door with a mysterious skeleton key that once belonged to his great-grandmother. Little does Omri know that by turning the key, he will transform his ordinary plastic toy into a real live man from an altogether different time and place! Omri and the tiny warrior called Little Bear could hardly be more different, yet soon the two forge a very special friendship. Will Omri be able to keep Little Bear without anyone finding out and taking his new friend away?

Review Quotes

"Skyhigh fantasy that will enthrall readers."--Publishers Weekly

"Best novel of the year (1981)."--The New York Times.

Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award, California Young Reader Medal, Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award, A Virginia Young Readers Award.

About the Author

Lynne Reid Banks was evacuated from England to Canada during World War II, and she then returned to England in 1945 to study for the stage. She later became a freelance journalist and playwright and in 1955 became the first female TV news reporter. She has written many books for children, teenagers, and adults, including the bestselling The Indian in the Cupboard adventures.