The Meanest Doll in the World by Laura Godwin

Illustrated by Brian Selznick

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On Sale: May 15, 2005
Page Count: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780786852970

This wholesome, award-winning classic that has sold more than 1 million copies is written by bestselling authors and illustrated by a Caldecott-winning artist, telling the story of a 100-year-old china doll who discovers surprising friendships and thrilling adventures.

Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft are two dolls who have been best friends since they met in Kate Palmer's house at 26 Wetherby Lane. In this sequel to The Doll People, they hitch a ride in Kate's backpack and find themselves in the biggest adventure of their lives, a day at school! But when an attempt to return home lands them in the wrong house, they're in far deeper trouble than they imagined. Along with a host of new doll friends, they also encounter Mean Mimi, the wickedest doll of all. Mean Mimi is mean-really mean-and she's determined to rule all of Dollkind or else destroy it. Will the world ever be safe for dolls again?

This fresh twist on the beloved genre of doll stories will spark imagination and a sense of wonder in young readers and will send them on a search for the third book in the series, The Runaway Dolls.

Genre:

Series:

The Doll People

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
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
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