Summary
The Indian in the Cupboard is a beloved children's fantasy novel by British author Lynne Reid Banks, first published in 1980. The story follows a young boy named Omri who receives a magical cupboard that can bring plastic toys to life, including a miniature Native American figure. With over 10 million copies sold worldwide, the book launched a successful five-part series and has become a modern classic. Captivating readers with its imaginative premise and exploration of friendship across cultures and time periods, The Indian in the Cupboard won numerous awards, including the California Young Reader Medal and the Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award. Its enduring popularity stems from Banks's skillful blend of fantasy, history, and coming-of-age themes.
Plot
On his ninth birthday, Omri receives a small plastic Indian figurine from his friend Patrick and an old cupboard from his brother. Using a special key from his mother, Omri discovers that placing the figurine in the locked cupboard brings it to life as a tiny 18th century Iroquois man named Little Bear. At first thrilled by this magical occurrence, Omri soon realizes the serious responsibility of caring for a real person from the past.
Against Omri's wishes, Patrick learns of the cupboard's power and brings to life a plastic cowboy named Boone. Tensions arise between Little Bear and Boone due to their cultural differences. When Boone is injured in a conflict, Omri must bring a World War I medic figure to life to save him. The boys begin to understand that the miniature people are not toys, but real individuals with lives and feelings.
As Little Bear demands a bride, Omri reluctantly brings to life an Iroquois woman named Bright Stars for him. The tiny people and boys have a final celebration together before Omri decides he must send Little Bear and the others back to their own times for their safety and well-being. He gives the magical key back to his mother to remove the temptation of using the cupboard again.
Throughout the story, Omri grapples with the ethics of his power over the miniature people and learns to see Little Bear as a real person with a rich culture and history, rather than a stereotypical “Indian” figure. The novel explores themes of friendship across cultures, the responsibilities that come with power, and the complex realities behind simplistic views of history and other peoples.
Themes
Power of imagination and fantasy
Friendship across cultural divides
Coming of age and taking responsibility
Consequences of interfering with history
Prejudice and overcoming stereotypes
Clash between modern and traditional ways of life
Moral dilemmas of having power over others
Setting
The Indian in the Cupboard takes place in contemporary England, likely sometime in the late 1970s when the book was written. The main character Omri lives with his family in a typical suburban house, providing a familiar modern backdrop for the fantastical events that unfold.
While most of the action occurs within Omri's home, particularly in his bedroom where he keeps the magical cupboard, the story also transports readers to 18th century America through Little Bear's experiences. This creates a stark contrast between Omri's present-day world and the historical Native American setting.
The magical cupboard itself serves as a portal between these two vastly different times and places, allowing characters from the past to enter Omri's modern English home. This juxtaposition of settings—contemporary England and colonial-era America—is central to the story's exploration of cultural differences and historical perspective.
Characters
Omri: The main protagonist, a young British boy who discovers the magic of the cupboard. Omri is kind-hearted and responsible, struggling with the ethical implications of bringing tiny people to life. He forms a close bond with Little Bear and matures throughout the series as he faces increasingly complex situations.
Little Bear: An Iroquois warrior brought to life from a plastic figurine. Proud and sometimes temperamental, Little Bear develops a strong friendship with Omri despite their cultural differences. He faces challenges both in his own time period and when transported to Omri's world.
Patrick: Omri's best friend who becomes involved in the cupboard's magic. Initially more reckless with the tiny people, Patrick gradually realizes the gravity of their actions. He serves as both a confidant and foil for Omri throughout their adventures.
Boone: A plastic cowboy figure brought to life. Initially antagonistic towards Little Bear, Boone eventually becomes his ally. His Old West perspective often clashes with the modern world and Little Bear's culture.
Bright Stars: Little Bear's wife, brought to life to be his companion. She provides emotional support for Little Bear and adds depth to the portrayal of Iroquois life.
Matron: A World War I era nurse brought to life to help with medical emergencies. Practical and efficient, she plays a crucial role in saving lives throughout the series.
Tommy Atkins: A World War I medic briefly brought to life. His appearance underscores the reality and dangers of different time periods.
Quick facts
The Indian in the Cupboard was first published in 1980 and became an instant classic of children's literature.
Author Lynne Reid Banks got the idea for the story from her son's collection of miniature toys.
The book had two different illustrators—Robin Jacques for the UK edition and Brock Cole for the US edition.
The Indian in the Cupboard spawned four sequels, with the last one published in 1998.
The novel won several awards, including the Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award in 1983.
The book was adapted into a film in 1995, directed by Frank Oz.
The main character Omri was named after one of the author’s sons.
The book has been c.
The Indian in the Cupboard has been criticized for its stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans and was temporarily removed from some libraries in British Columbia due to concerns about its depiction of indigenous peoples.
Despite the controversies, The Indian in the Cupboard remains popular and is considered a classic of children's fantasy literature.
About the Author
Lynne Reid Banks, born in 1929 in London, is a prolific British author known for her contributions to both children's and adult literature. Her career spans over six decades, during which she has written more than 40 books. Her most famous work, The Indian in the Cupboard, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a successful film.
Before becoming a writer, Banks pursued diverse career paths. She worked as an actress and became one of Britain's first female television journalists at ITN in 1955. However, feeling pigeonholed in her journalistic role, Banks turned to writing. Her debut novel, The L-Shaped Room, published in 1960, became an instant bestseller and was later adapted into a film.
Banks's life took a significant turn in 1962 when she emigrated to Israel. She spent eight years teaching on a kibbutz, an experience that would later influence several of her works. In 1965, she married sculptor Chaim Stephenson, with whom she had three sons. The family returned to England in 1971, settling in London and later in Dorset. In 2013, Banks was recognized for her contributions to children’s literature with the J. M. Barrie Award. Her work continues to captivate readers of all ages.
