Corduroy earns his applause.

• Position: What's New? - Bear from Don Freeman's tales

One of the most beloved characters in children's literature is Corduroy, the adorable overall-wearing bear from Don Freeman's tales. It's been 40 years since we first were introduced to these enchanting stories and, to celebrate that anniversary, Applause from Russ, Oakland, N.J., is bringing his adventures to life with an assortment of toys, including Read Along Corduroy ($39.99), a touch-activated plush that gently moves his head back and forth while he reads aloud the book Corduroy. The paperback is included so youngsters can follow the saga of the department store stuffed animal who patiently waits for someone to give him a real home.

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If you're feeling nostalgic, you can dance your way through the decades with Applause's Dance Party characters. These 14" fully articulated plush animals move and groove to a popular song from the era each represents. To epitomize the '40s, a girl and boy monkey, clad in big band attire, swing to the jazzy tune of Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" For the '50s, a boy lab and girl poodle, in vintage garb, "Rock Around the Clock" to Bill Haley's oldie. Psychedelic bears share their peace with the sounds of The Fifth Dimension in the '60s "Let the Sunshine In" Lions, in reflective outfits, invite you...