The Doll People, The Meanest Doll in the World, and Runaway Dolls by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin, illustrated by Brian Selznick
We found this series last year. I thought it was perfect for my daughter. She wanted to read it on her own, and she did. It was a little tough, but she was determined to do it. And, it gave us ‘special reading time’, as I would sit with her and read my own book.
The Doll People is about an old dollhouse and the doll people that has been passed down to Kate by her grandmother. And, surprising, the dolls are still in good shape. Nora, Kate’s younger sister, gets a new plastic dollhouse with a doll family – The Funcrafts. Tiffany Funcraft and Annabelle Doll (of the old dolls) become fast friends. It is much like Toy Story where the dolls come to life. If they are found moving they must go into “doll state” for 24 hours. If the infracrtion is that bad, its permanent doll state (PDS).
Tiffany Funcraft and Annabelle Doll begin their adventures. In The Doll People they are looking for Auntie Sarah, in The Meanest Doll in the World, they are trying to get away from Mimi, the meanest doll in the world, in Runaway Dolls, they runaway and must figure out how to get back home. Each book has its own story, and they are written very well.
Ann M. Martin (Babysitters Club) and Laura Godwin have done a wonderful job personifying the dolls. The subject matter is perfect for younger children. It is very funny, but there are serious issues, as well. The illustrations are perfect! Each book is a great read. If you do get all three, you might want to take a break between books, just to give yourself a chance to miss the characters.
Happy Reading!
