

In 20, HarperTrophy reprinted the original book, along with the other four novels in the series, and commissioned Michael Koelsch to illustrate new cover artworks. At one time, classrooms and libraries widely accepted the book, to the point that it was part of the teaching curricula for children at the novel's recommend reading level. In a review of the first book of the series, Kirkus Reviews observed, "The first book had a fine balance between childish desire to play with the tiny figures and awareness that, though small, they were real people who ought not to be so manipulated." The book was reviewed in the 1981 New York Times article "BOOKS: Best For Children" where it was called "the best novel of the year". The book has received numerous awards and been both critiqued and praised on its literary merit and had once been recommended reading in school curriculum. As the series progresses, Omri and his friend Patrick learn more about the cupboard's powers, including its ability to transport people to and fro through history. When plastic toys are locked in the cupboard, they become real, living beings, resulting in Omri befriending an 18th-century Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) chief named Little Bear. Īll the books revolve around a young boy, Omri, who discovers the powers of a magical cupboard. The publisher recommended reading level is age nine and up. There have been multiple reprints in various formats, including movie tie-in editions. All were published by Doubleday Books in hardcover, then by Avon Books, now HarperCollins, in paperback. The original book was followed by four sequels: The Return of the Indian (1985) The Secret of the Indian (1989) The Mystery of the Cupboard (1993) and The Key to the Indian (1998). Later books in the series were illustrated by Piers Sanford. It was later adapted as a 1995 children's film of the same name. It was published in 1980 with illustrations by Robin Jacques (UK) and Brock Cole (US).


The Indian in the Cupboard is a low fantasy children's novel by the British writer Lynne Reid Banks.
