The Dollmaker of Krakow

December 1, 2017

Gr 4-8-This complex tale weaves together a fantasy about a wooden doll brought to life and the realities of the Nazi occupation of Poland. When the Land of Dolls is invaded by fierce rats, Karolina is transported by a friendly wind to Cyryl Brzezick's Krakow toy workshop. The dollmaker, a veteran who lost a limb in World War I, is lonely until the feisty little doll helps him make new friends. That includes a Jewish father and daughter who are eventually forced into the city's miserable ghetto. When a Gestapo officer discovers Karolina is alive, he concludes that the dollmaker has magic skills. The cruel soldier courts the pair hoping they'll work for their German enemies. Brzezick exhausts his powers to save 12 Jewish children before he dies in Auschwitz and Karolina returns to a peaceful Land of Dolls. The unique tale is expertly narrated in tandem by Abby Craden and Robert Fass. The intersection of war and magic sometimes strains credibility, but the love and mutual support shared by people struggling in critical situations are inspiring. VERDICT Likely to spark discussions about history and imagination, this is a worthwhile addition to elementary and middle school libraries.-Barbara Wysocki, formerly at Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Narrators Abby Craden and Robert Fass display a myriad of skills as they breathe life into a story set in German-occupied Krakow. Meet the dollmaker, Cyryl, and his creation, Karolina, and the Polish Jew, Joseph, and his daughter, Rena. As the Germans exercise their authority over the Poles, the dollmaker supports his friends. Magical elements include Karolina's ability to talk, and scenarios from the imaginary Land of the Dolls, a story element that keeps listeners on their toes. Craden is compassionate and precise as the narrator and spunky and emotional as Karolina and Rena. Fass differentiates the dollmaker from Joseph, however much they share the same sadnesses. His portrayals of the German soldiers' ruthlessness are chilling. A.R. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine