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.
The Indian in the Cupboard
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
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.)
Review
"A Superb Fantasy" -- --Los Angeles Herald Examiner
"A wondeful Story" -- --Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Lynne Reid Banks touches a nerve in young people-adults,too-and touches it with wit, excitement, and poignancy." -- -- Lloyd Alexander
"A wondeful Story" -- --Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Lynne Reid Banks touches a nerve in young people-adults,too-and touches it with wit, excitement, and poignancy." -- -- Lloyd Alexander
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I read the book The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks. I liked how Omri changed during the book, because of the Indian. Omri learned more responsibility. The Indian, Little Bear also grew more responsible as Boone came along. Boone and Patrick also became more responsible.
In the beginning Omri was not really paying much attention to the presents he got for his birthday. Because he just left them on the floor. Once Little Bear came to life he realized that it was real and had to take care of it.
If Little Bear is responsible for anything Omri would take the blame so he wouldn't be discovered. Omri grew very close to Little Bear. And because of this the Indian grew more responsible.
The main point is that Omri changed each day that the Indian was there. His changes were small but they were changes. I don't think anyone will ever change Omri back. I really liked this book and you will probably like it too.
Chris a 6th grader
In the beginning Omri was not really paying much attention to the presents he got for his birthday. Because he just left them on the floor. Once Little Bear came to life he realized that it was real and had to take care of it.
If Little Bear is responsible for anything Omri would take the blame so he wouldn't be discovered. Omri grew very close to Little Bear. And because of this the Indian grew more responsible.
The main point is that Omri changed each day that the Indian was there. His changes were small but they were changes. I don't think anyone will ever change Omri back. I really liked this book and you will probably like it too.
Chris a 6th grader
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Plume45
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Lynn Reid Banks' debut presentation in what would become an excellent YA fantasy series remains as fresh and fascinating today as when it was published in 1980. Set in England the story revolves around some birthday gifts to Omri, the youngest of three boys: a plastic figure of an Indian from his best buddy, Patrick, and a scrounged medicine cabinet from one of his brothers. When his mother donates a special key which she has cherished since girlhood, the stage is set for a remarkable adventure--one in time and space, plus personal growth for all four main characters.
Plastic miniatures of living things become alive when briefly locked inside the cupboard. Not just alive, but real people and animals from other time periods and cultures. How can a mere boy play god with adult lives? Omri-at first viewed as the all-powerful giant in control--has to juggle sibling problems, parental issues, school authorities and the spontaneous decisions of his best friend, in a desperate attempt to keep his precious secret. What will happen if real adults find out what he is hiding?
Both boys quickly realize that they are no longer dealing with mere toys or entertaining pets, but with actual people with needs, personalities and demands--coupled with adult logic.
The author creates increasingly difficult situations in the
ensuing chapters--winding the spring of dramatic tension ever tighter--with the result that the book is all butimpossible to put down. Omri learns a great deal about the Iroquois culture,
but the boys' friendship is strained to the breaking point. Natural enemies like a cowboy and an Indian--from different eras in American history--must learn to peacefully coexist in times of mutual danger and for the boys' peace of mind.... Read more ›
Plastic miniatures of living things become alive when briefly locked inside the cupboard. Not just alive, but real people and animals from other time periods and cultures. How can a mere boy play god with adult lives? Omri-at first viewed as the all-powerful giant in control--has to juggle sibling problems, parental issues, school authorities and the spontaneous decisions of his best friend, in a desperate attempt to keep his precious secret. What will happen if real adults find out what he is hiding?
Both boys quickly realize that they are no longer dealing with mere toys or entertaining pets, but with actual people with needs, personalities and demands--coupled with adult logic.
The author creates increasingly difficult situations in the
ensuing chapters--winding the spring of dramatic tension ever tighter--with the result that the book is all butimpossible to put down. Omri learns a great deal about the Iroquois culture,
but the boys' friendship is strained to the breaking point. Natural enemies like a cowboy and an Indian--from different eras in American history--must learn to peacefully coexist in times of mutual danger and for the boys' peace of mind.... Read more ›
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By CookieBooky
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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.... Read more ›
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.... Read more ›
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Mocha Chip
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This book was amazing! I find many books that I liked but this one's in the top ten. Lynne Reid Banks must have a lot of imagination if she is able to create a full and exciting book with a boy and an action figure.
I remember that when I was growing up I always wanted to have my toys come alive. This story is terriffic and now that I have the sequel I can't wait to read it. I also plan on reading the other books. I got the list of this series and listed it below.
I remember that when I was growing up I always wanted to have my toys come alive. This story is terriffic and now that I have the sequel I can't wait to read it. I also plan on reading the other books. I got the list of this series and listed it below.
The Indian in the Cupboard
The Return of the Indian (the one I'm reading)
The Secret of the Indian
The Mystery of the Cupboard
The Key to the Indian.
I plan on reading all these books in order and enjoying them from cover to cover.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I really love this book it makes to book come alive I love it soo much invade to bye it for school the author makes yo book come alive
Published 18 days ago by lala
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book for our 5 and 8 yr old
Wasn't sure if this would be a little advanced for our 5yr old, but he was riveted. Both of them had a great time with it and we finished it in a couple weeks, reading a couple... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Christopher R. Nordyke
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Indian in the Cupboard
I bought this book for my grandson's 6th birthday as he like to be read to by his parents. I think he will really like it.
Published 1 month ago by Ridgehaven
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting and fascinating story!
Have you ever wished you could use magic? The Indian in the Cupboard is written in 1980 by Lynne Reid Banks. Read more
Published 1 month ago
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic - everyone should have read this
If you read this as a child, read it again, and it will make you smile, laugh and cry! It is a wonderful book!
Published 1 month ago by Sewpippy
3.0 out of 5 stars
good read
We bought this book used for a homeschooling lesson. I felt it was a good value and my eleven year old daughter liked the content of the story.
Published 1 month ago by Sally Rider
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Indian in the cupboard
An awesome book. I couldn't think of not reading the rest of the series. This is a great story for kids my age.
Published 2 months ago by Wyatt Friend
5.0 out of 5 stars
Young or old , this is a must read!!!!!!
I read this to my stuldents every year. No matter what age, they get caught up in Omri's wonderful adventure with the fantasy that occurs and can occur in every childs mind. Read more
Published 2 months ago by phyllis brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Childhood Memories...
This was a childhood favorite of mine. My oldest son is now in 3rd grade and somehow it popped into my head that 3rd grade was when I found my first favorite book, The Indian in... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Rachel Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good for 4 yr old
My 4 yr old loved it. He liked it very much but said it was a little sad. You willenjoy.
Published 2 months ago by JMac
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 2
books:
100
books
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- The Return of the Indian (The Indian in the Cupboard) by Lynne Reid Banks in Front Matter
- The Key to the Indian (Avon Camelot Books) by Lynne Reid Banks in Front Matter
- Writing Whizardry: 60 Mini-Lessons to Teach Elaboration and Writer's Craft by Maity Schrecengost on 5 pages
- Hollywood's Indian: The Portrayal of the Native American in Film by Peter C. Rollins on page 23, page 187, and page 192
- Bridges to Reading, 3-6: Teaching Reading Skills with Children's Literature (Through Children's Literature) by Suzanne I. Barchers on page 36, page 37, and page 88
- Differently Literate: Boys, Girls and the Schooling of Literacy by Dr Elaine Millard on page 54, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Grammar for Middle School: A Sentence-Composing Approach by Don Kilgallon in Front Matter, page 18, and page 27
See all 100 books citing this book
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