The Very Little Princess

January 25, 2010
In this blend of family drama and fantasy, Bauer plays with the classic notion of a doll coming to life, but in truth, the story is about a girl and her mother. One day Zoey’s single mother takes her to visit a grandmother she never knew existed. Bewildered by the obvious friction between the two women, Zoey explores the house and discovers a tiny china doll, who is brought to life by Zoey’s tear. Zoey has always believed toys could come alive, but is peculiarly rewarded for her faith as the domineering doll convinces Zoey that she is a princess and Zoey her servant. As the relationship between girl and doll develops, Zoey’s mother’s character unfolds in unsettling pieces. Told in alternating points of view between the doll and Zoey, with frequent addresses to the reader—“Just about now, you’re probably wondering what kind of story this is, anyway”—Bauer’s novel raises worrisome, unresolved questions about Zoey’s fate. The characters’ flaws give the story realism and depth, but those expecting a sunny, traditional tale will likely find it more disturbing than magical. Final art not seen by PW
. Ages 6–9.

July 15, 2011

Rose finds a china doll abandoned in the attic in a tale that builds on the themes found in The Velveteen Rabbit.

Rose is a difficult child, so clumsy at home that her mother never entrusted her with the doll and so dreamy at school that she is called weirdo. Amazingly, the doll comes to life when Rose's tears fall upon her. Although the doll, Regina, is demanding, she becomes the companion Rose desperately needs. However, Regina requires constant attention lest she once again fall into a deep sleep, a heavy responsibility for a child who longs to be out exploring. Readers will readily identify with both the needy Regina and the easily distracted Rose. For as Rose blossoms, she frequently forgets the doll and sheds many guilty tears over her—a situation many youngsters will recognize. In the most original scene, the doll brings Rose closer to her beloved big brother, for he, too, played with the doll in his youth and becomes Rose's partner in finding a home for her. In this prequel to The Very Little Princess: Zoey's Story (2010), Bauer uses a warm and confidential, if sometimes intrusive, storyteller's voice. Sayles' black-and-white pencil drawings tenderly capture Rose.

This early chapter book sets up the premise for Zoey's story and, more importantly, prepares children for the sometimes prickly task of growing up. (Doll fantasy. 6-9) 

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

November 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-Rummaging in the attic, Rose comes across a tiny china doll dressed like a princess and shoves it in her pocket. Her mother is sure that her careless, sloppy daughter will break the toy and is reluctant to let her have it. When she reaches for it, it falls from Rose's hand and over the banister. Scrambling down the stairs, Rose finds that the doll is unhurt. The next day, she decides that taking it to school for show-and-tell will impress her classmates. She changes her mind, but her teacher insists that she participate. The child bolts from school, carrying the doll tightly in her sweaty hand. She is not prepared for her to wiggle and squeal to be released immediately. This is one demanding and prickly princess. Even more amazing, Rose discovers that her teenaged brother is well acquainted with the doll. He named her Regina when his mother gave her to him as a little kid. Sam relates how he played with her and got into fights about the doll. The story meanders on with Rose and Regina bickering back and forth, but neither one changing, and Regina wonders if Rose will ever learn to be responsible. These two characters are not likable enough to make readers want to know more about them. Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin's "The Doll People" series (Hyperion) is a much better choice.-Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia

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