Kate McClelland
Many pleasures await young readers (and their parents) in The Runaway Dolls, not least of which is the expected delight of Selznick's humorous illustrations—like the wordless interlude, lasting several pages, as the dolls take 20 minutes to cross a stream on a log…It's not essential to read the first two books to read and love the third (and arguably the best). Still, why not read them all, while keeping a watchful eye on your own toys.
—The New York Times
Kirkus Reviews
Fans of the first two Doll People stories will be thrilled with number three. China doll Annabelle and plastic doll Tiffany are ready for an adventure when the human Palmers leave on a two-week vacation, but when a mysterious box arrives, the dolls discover a baby doll is in inside! Annabelle is convinced it's her lost baby sister. The only solution seems to be to take Tilly and run away. Risking "Permanent Doll State" numerous times, the girl dolls and their two brother dolls wind up in a toy store with antique and robotic dolls and the hateful, mean Mimi, returning from book two. How can they overcome their size obstacles and escape in time to get home before the humans return? Selznick's charming, black-and-white scenarios make the doll personalities believable; he adds a number of full-page drawings at the beginning (a la Hugo Cabret) that build the drama, while the action leaves plenty of dollhouse room for future escapades. Hmmm, the dolls visit Dollywood? (Fantasy. 8-11)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Doll People:
An ALA Notable Children's Book
A Child Magazine Best Book of the Year
A National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
A Publishers Weekly Best Book
A School Library Journal Best Book
A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
"[Readers] are in for a marvelous treat in this delicious fantasy."
—Kirkus, starred review
"Martin and Godwin inventively spin out their own variation on the perennially popular theme of toys who secretly come to life…Doll lovers may well approach their imaginative play with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of wonder after reading this fun-filled adventure."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"It's not easy to write a good book about dolls. Martin and Godwin not only set up a realistic doll world but also provide a credible mystery. The story gets a wonderful boost from Brian Selznick's pencil drawings...he catches every bit of humor."
—Booklist
"Black-and-white pencil drawings illustrate this lively addition to the doll-fantasy genre."
—Horn Book
"A lighthearted touch and a dash of drama make this a satisfying read. Selznick's illustrations are perfectly suited to the innocent charm of the dolls and do much to draw readers into their world."
—School and Library Journal
"'The Doll People' is part of a solid tradition of doll stories. But Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin have given their amusing novel a decidedly contemporary twist: 19th-century porcelain meets 20th-century plastic."—The New York Times
Praise for The Meanest Doll in the World:
"With its indelible mingling of wit, action, characterization, and art, this stands alone, but will especially thrill expectant fans of the original Doll People."—Kirkus, starred review
"The team behind The Doll People serves up a second helping of fanciful fun."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Readers...will hope for many more tales in the series for years to come."—Bookpage
"A thoroughly charming exploration of the fantasy that dolls are secretly alive. In this action-packed sequel, things heat up even further."
—Booklist
"The book's broad humor and action balance with smaller, more personal dramas…Selznick's illustrations, in their wit and profusion, tie it all together in one appealing package."
—Horn Book
"This fantasy is destined to be a favorite for years to come."—School Library Journal
Praise for The Runaway Dolls:
"Fans of the first two Doll People stories will be thrilled with number three."
—Kirkus, starred review
"Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[I]n the pantheon of living toys, the Doll and Funcraft families of Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin's admired Doll People series reign supreme."
—The New York Times
"Gentle humor, believable characters with distinct personalities, and a strong plotline will keep readers coming back for more."
—Booklist
Other accolades for the Doll People series:
An ALA Notable Children's Book
A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title for Children and Teens
CCIRA Colorado Children's Book Award Runner-Up
A Child Magazine Best Book of the Year
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book award Masterlist
A Garden State Children's Book Award Nominee
An Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List
Maryland Children's Book Award
Massachusetts Children's Book award Master List
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award
A National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Master List
A Publishers Weekly Best Book
A Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee
A School Library Journal Best Book
A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
A Volunteer State Book Award Nominee
