Praise for The Doll People: "[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
Praise for The Doll People Set Sail: "Readers are guaranteed very smooth sailing." —Kirkus
"A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action...and personable new dolls to discover."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"The fourth installment of 'The Doll People' series is an adventure on the high seas...This is a good choice for independent readers ready to try something longer." —School Library Journal
"Though it's not necessary to have read the first three entries, it's the stalwart fans who will be cheering 'Doll power!' the loudest as these beloved characters prove once again they can all work together."—Horn Book
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
★ 08/25/2014
This much-awaited fourth installment of the Doll People series (which sees Helquist stepping in for Brian Selznick) has the antique Doll family and the contemporary Funcrafts on a nautical adventure after the box they’ve been packed in is mistakenly sent to a charity in England. If being separated from their owners, Kate and Nora Palmer, isn’t enough of a disaster, Nanny Doll, Dad Funcraft, and his son, Bailey, fall from a hole in the carton and disappear aboard the cargo ship. Luckily, heroines Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft are experienced at finding missing persons and quickly form a rescue party, with help from fellow passenger dolls. Once again, the shared values of Doll Power, friendship, and familial love bridge the differences between the plastic, modern Funcrafts and the fragile, ancient Dolls. In this episode, however, Tiffany Funcraft is less daring than usual, while Annabelle plays the role of risk taker, using courage and quick thinking to save the day. A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action (on a miniature scale) and personable new dolls to discover. Art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)
08/01/2014
Gr 3–5—The fourth installment of "The Doll People" series is an adventure on the high seas. Annabelle Doll, her best friend, Tiffany Funcraft, and the other doll people are packed away in anticipation of their human owners, Katie and Nora's, room renovation. The box labeled "attic" is mistakenly taken with the boxes intended for charity and put on a cargo ship bound for England. In the chaos of realizing what is happening, Tiffany opens a seam in the box and Bailey, Nanny, and Dad Funcraft accidently fall through the hole. Annabelle and Tiffany lead the rescue mission as the dolls go searching for their missing relatives. Along the way, they discover other living dolls who support them and become their new friends. After much adventure and excitement, Nanny, Bailey, and Dad Funcraft are found safe and sound, the box mix up is resolved, and the dolls are sent back to their home, the Palmers house in Connecticut. Sketches of the action add to the story's enjoyment and understanding. Familiarity with the other books in the series would be helpful, but is not necessary. This is a good choice for independent readers ready to try something longer.—Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL
2014-07-29
The Doll and Funcraft families are back—and the ocean's got 'em. Readers who loved the adventures of the doll "people" brought vividly and charmingly to life in the other books in the series will be delighted by this latest entry. Page-turning exploits await: Packed into a carton for what's intended to be a temporary removal to their owners' attic, the dolls find themselves accidentally placed aboard a cargo ship bound for England. Can the dolls escape and return home? Can they avoid human notice? Can they rescue some of their own from frightful danger? You bet—in a gently humorous, engaging and genuinely exciting story that's strong on plot and, as always, on well-developed personalities. As before, the wonder of the dolls is that they embody admirable, sympathetic human traits, which are beautifully realized: strong family loyalties; unwavering, cooperative friendships; perseverance powered by healthy doses of self-esteem; and impressive problem-solving skills. Readers cheerfully forget these characters aren't human and root for them all the way. Fans will welcome aboard Helquist, whose artwork is inspired by and takes off from the excellent illustrations established in the earlier books by Brian Selznick; indeed, Annabelle is even more winsome and expressive here. Fans will also appreciate meeting some charming new dolls, fellow boxed-up passengers who aid our heroes and, in turn, are affectingly helped by them. Readers are guaranteed very smooth sailing. (not all final art seen) (Fantasy. 8-12)
