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The Best-Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill, Pictures by Elliott Gilbert
Scholastic Books, 1962
A few months ago, I opened a random box in the garage and discovered a treasure trove. I thought I had found and unpacked all my old children's books only to find I must have missed a box. And not just any box. I hadn't realized I had saved any of the books inside, many of them old favorites.
One book that jumped out at me immediately was The Best-Loved Doll. My heart just about melted on the spot! I've already read it to Mouse, although I have to say her attention and interest in books has never been great. She played around me, mostly, as I read to her. I imagine this particular book is a little too old for her anyway. At least right now. It's got a place among her books, however, just waiting its turn.
Betsy is invited to a party in which she is instructed to bring one doll. Prizes will be given for dolls in a variety of categories--whether it be for the oldest, best dressed, or the doll that can do the most things. Betsy considers each of her dolls, trying to decide which one she wants to take. She has a doll that fits just about any category imaginable--including a doll that most of us would think has seen better days.It is the sweetest story and the illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity. I remember reading it over and over again as a child, knowing that I would make the same decision Betsy made each time. Although on the surface the story is about a girl and her dolls, underneath it is about so much more. And that ending . . . So perfect!
Source: I am not sure where this book came from. It was most likely a gift. It has been in my possession for over thirty years.
© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
OMG...this book sounds so sweet! I bet my daughter would love it. What a great idea for a party! My daughter was never into dolls per se... she prefers the fuzzy animals to her $300 American Girl doll but she would love the sweetness of this book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to get a copy for your daughter. It's such a great book!
DeleteOh, this does sound like a lovely and sweet book, and I bet when Mouse is old enough to sit and enjoy it, it will become a favorite for her too. Great review today!
ReplyDeleteI hope so. :-) I just love the story.
DeleteWhat a wonderful to surprise to find in your garage! I'm sure Mouse was listening more than you know. What a sweet story!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling you are right, Kathy. :-)
DeleteWhat a treasure for so many reasons. I don't think my mom kept many of my childhood favorites but I've been collecting them through the years at thrift shops.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I am not sure I would have remembered enough of them other than to see them on sight. I'm so glad my mother let me box them up and store them in her garage until I had my own house--of course, then they just sat in my garage for years and years. Fortunately, I rediscovered and rescued them. :-)
DeleteI think this one sounds adorable!!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteI remember this book!!! :)
ReplyDeleteDo you? I'm so glad! I am relieved I kept the book all these years. I might have thought I made it up otherwise.
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