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
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
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
A fantasy with one foot in reality, this third adventure for the mismatched team of antique porcelain Annabelle Doll and contemporary plastic plaything Tiffany Funcraft (previously encountered in The Doll People and The Meanest Doll in the World) has the daring duo running away from home, accompanied by Annabelle's newfound baby sister and soon joined by their brothers. Regretting their decision, not knowing the way home, they eventually land in the toy department of a large store, where they face new danger-being sold to separate owners. Obeying the Doll Code of Honor, the toys must wait until closing time to spring to life, which complicates their escape. Characters and their exploits are fresh: cowgirl Dakota Jane drives a wind-up truck; Elsipad is thrilled that proceeds from her sale "will be used to fight world hunger." The book opens with a narrative sequence of Selznick's (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) shaded b&w pencil drawings, which lure readers into the story and anticipate the first chapter, "The Mysterious Package." The lush illustrations-full bleeds as well as spot drawings and vignettes throughout -are integral expressions of the novel's spirit. Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)
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Gr 3-5
When their human family leaves on vacation, Annabelle Doll and her best friend, Tiffany Funcraft, look forward to two fabulous weeks of freedom in the third title (Hyperion, 2008) in the series by Ann Martin and Laura Goodwin. Their first priority is to discover what is in the mysterious small package that has been delivered to the house. When pair realize that the package might contain Annabelle's long-lost little sister, they determine that the only way to ensure that she isn't returned to the sender is to take the doll and run away. Joined by their brothers, the dolls regret their decision when they become involved in more of an adventure than they could have imagined. Lynn Redgrave provides the perfect voice for each character, and gives Annabelle an old-fashioned voice to match her vintage status. Skillful pacing will keep readers engaged throughout. A delightful, expertly told tale.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT
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)
In the third installment of the Doll People series, Annabelle and Tiffany find themselves on a dangerous and suspenseful adventure. They have a runaway to protect, a doll they found in a mysterious package who they think might be Annabelle’s long-lost sister. Lynn Redgrave narrates with a measured cadence that allows the story to gently unfold, and her distinct vocalizations for each of the dolls make it easy to follow the plot. In particular, Redgrave gives Annabelle's new sister a light, innocent voice that is fitting for the inquisitiveness of a young child. This character trait adds humor to the moments when she’s also exceedingly knowledgeable, given all the things she heard during her many years in the misplaced box. J.K.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
