Historical Consciousness
Lynne Reid Banks presents the essence of historical consciousness due to her third-person limited narration in the world of pre-adolescent students. Omri, the main character, takes care in uniting Little Bear and Boone. For example, he helps align their awarenesses on a fundamental level using a movie which pits a group of indigenous people against the settlers who push their way across the country. Banks shows a convincing coexistence between the characters.
Divulging
Banks explores the concept of divulging, especially in relation to a surprise, through narration. Omri worries about how to maintain his secret from Patrick, but Patrick finds out. The next experience in divulging takes place in the boys' school, and it involves the Headmaster. Throughout the book, the boys think about what would happen if they told.
Love
The novel is shaped around love. The details are soft - the figurines are Boone, the cowboy often referred to as "boohoo" since he cries, and Little Bear, who is strong in his stature even though he is much smaller than Omri. The two become close during their time in Omri's room, and they comfort one another throughout perils. As this occurs, Omri and Patrick play together; Banks shows how their love transcends strong argument and a basic disagreement.
