The main theme of the book is that people should not be treated as simplistic objects. This theme appears in two main forms: A pair of boys learn that people are never toys, and two enemies discover that their opponents are human beings like themselves.

Omri accidentally converts a toy Indian into a living, breathing miniature person. At first, he is excited to have a toy act on its own. Delighted with Little Bear’s efforts to build a tiny home in the boy’s bedroom, he brings the Iroquois supplies and food. Because Little Bear emerges from a toy, Omri initially treats him like one. The toys symbolize the human tendency to turn outsiders into simplistic caricatures of themselves.

Omri notices, however, that Little Bear is resourceful, aggressive, and, despite his size, somewhat intimidating. The boy realizes he is dealing with a real person accustomed to giving orders. The games he thought he would play with the tiny man are pushed aside for the needs of the visitor.

Patrick visits and promptly creates a miniature man of his own to play with. His cowboy,

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