forkids's Full Review: D. Wright - The Lonely Doll
My mother was beside herself as I opened one of my Christmas presents two years ago. She is a very thoughtful shopper and tries to find the one gift that is really going to set the tone for the rest of the morning. Set the tone she did as I drew this book out from its tissue paper bodice. The Lonely Doll by Dare Wright appeared in its entire reprinted splendor. The pink gingham cover brought back memories of the Gladwyne Library and the renewals that made this book mine.
This book is and was positively magical for my six-year-old self. To understand my love for this book you have to understand a little bit about me. I am one of six children and a fraternal twin to boot. My siblings and I are all close in age and if there was ever a dull moment at our house, I just can't recall it. When mayhem erupted at higher than normal pitches, I retreated to my room. When kick-the-can was not on my agenda for the evening, I retreated to my room.
In this room one could find Madame Alexander dolls propped in various states of undress along the front of my stacked pillows. My room was my castle and I the fair maiden. If I wished hard enough each one of those Madame Alexander dolls would come alive and I would take care of it. Ah, my nurturing tendencies erupting at an early age or my desire to banish my siblings for a new group of playmates, a little of both but a lot of imagination.
I remember my mother packing us all up and heading over to Gladwyne for a book run and coming home with our own little stacks. Next, reserving seating space somewhere near my mother’s lap on the couch. The reason I was so taken with The Lonely Doll? It’s a photographic storybook; the first I can remember seeing, with a doll and two teddy bears propped throughout in varying scenes played out by the author. The black and white photography made it more lifelike and closer to reality, a child’s reality.
It’s a book about a beautiful doll, much like a Madame Alexander doll, which doesn’t have any friends. Edith had everything she could ever want but a group of playmates until one day, Mr. Bear and Little Bear came into her life.
”You must have found me because I wished so hard,” she cried. Mr. Bear gave her head a kindly pat. “Just wait and see what fun we’ll have!” Little Bear whispered in Edith’s ear. She had never met any bears before, but she liked them at once.
Rereading this makes me want to say, “Well, where’s her mom and dad this whole time? Do they not play with her?” ah, but this is a fairy tale, this is a land for kids not adult people, so why should they be anywhere in this book? Mr. Bear is the stern parental figure anyway, and Little Bear is her faithful partner in crime. They get into all kinds of mischief while Mr. Bear runs some errands one rainy morning and I remember laughing at the bear spanking Mr. Bear doled out when he got home. How cool was that? A doll getting the same sort of punishment we received as kids, even these imaginary/”real” characters were not above some disciplinary action for the havoc they wreaked while Mr. Bear was gone.
Insecurity abounds as Edith cries:
But Edith went on crying as if her heart would break. “Oh, stop it,” grumbled Little Bear. “Isn’t it just like a girl to cry because she gets spanked!” “It’s not that,” Edith sobbed. “I’m scared.” “Scared?” Little Bear snorted. “Scared of what?” “Mr. Bear’s so angry,” Edith wailed. “What if he goes away and takes you with him? I’ll be all alone again.”
Yes, I was one of those young kids that demanded a happy ending and my wish was granted. Edith and the bears lived happily ever after. What Dare Wright, the author/photographer, created for me was a fantasy story that was utterly satisfying, it gave me hope that my dolls may some day come alive. Sadly, that daydream never came true.
This book was first published in 1957, the doll and bears chosen from Ms. Wright’s collection, with the reprint made available in 1998. There are other books in this Edith and the Bears series, the ones in print are Edith and Mr. Bear, Edith and Mr. Bear: A Lonely Doll Story.
Please take the time to visit all reviews from the other members participating in this special Children's Book Write-Off. The two links for access are: (or visit their profile page for a more extensive offering).
A Special Thank You to Those Members Participating
Assembled here with me tonight are some of Epinions finest writers and members I respect invited here via a post on an off site message board and through email. I asked for volunteers to assist me in celebrating my 400th review with Epinions.com. Following is the RSVP list. It is only proper that I introduce them to you so you can understand why I enjoy their Epinions personality so much. We are all writing about children’s books, something near and dear to my heart and we have each chosen a book that reflects one of the more memorable tales from our childhood. Please take the time to visit each member, and rest assured, when you’re done you’ll have some insight into the gem that is this writer:
Expono: Wonderfully witty and wise, loves to talk and use big words, a kind and generous spirit. If you haven’t checked out his Shop Vac review, you are in for a special treat. Expono was my first “pen pal” with Epinions and I’m forever grateful for his entertaining emails and reviews. He and the Mrs. are people I hope to meet someday. Hopefully I’ll garner some of the games he writes about with such wit and information, too.
Cornelia: The strength that is this woman astounds me, cornelia brought me to tears with her Bettleheim review and had me laughing and cheering when she went on a play yard rant. Well-traveled and well-heeled, Cornelia is one classy chick. Cornelia’s fan club has a waiting list last I heard. A laugh and a half to be had with Cornelia's work, her style can not be imitated---she is that unique and special.
Bonies7: A true Southern gentleman with the ability to sell most anything, ‘cept gargantuan cold cut sandwiches from his deli reviews. Bonies7 works hard at encouraging all members and his reviews close every sale. My husband hears about the latest electronic gadgets he’s recommended, they are that good. Gurunet would be proud of the review Bonies7 submitted to help us all. Travel is his forte and you will enjoy the ride, guaranteed.
Grouch: The perfect brand identity here for one of the most talented writers at Epinions.com. An HR from Grouch brings sighs of relief. There are many I check on the site before spending my money on a movie, Grouch is one of them. His style of writing is poetic, passionate, witty, and clever. He has shared more of himself over the last few months and has become quite spunky. His music reviews and book reviews are a sight to behold.
Leah: Earthy, witty, respected, truthful, tells it like it is…Leah, a wine lovers dream come true. A four and five star rating from Leah has hordes of people hitting the "go shopping!" button. Buy that wine and fast before they run out. If you are not in sync with Leah by the time she finishes a music review, go back and reread it, she has bared her soul, please listen. Classy chick with a penchant toward one-liners.
Kcfoxy: This classy nurse that works the night shift is God’s gift to the medical community. Her warmth and gentle nature come through loud and clear in every piece she writes. Kcfoxy is our music expert with flair, she knows her stuff and can whip up a mean Pepperoni Dip. Kcfoxy’s writing makes you want to curl up with her music selections while she tells you all about life.
Mshawpyle: What a teddy bear! Mshawpyle’s specialty is books, military history to be exact. He is a former lawyer and knows how to write, and does he ever. I am wowed by his prose and subtle but effective wit. Lawyers writing for Epinions are a very talented group indeed. Though his books occupy a niche, Mshawpyle has been branching off and writes phenomenal children’s book reviews, he and Mumsie, can’t you just picture it. He's got great tastes in music, too. Mshawpyle offers the members leadership, perfectly I might add, the troops listen. If you haven’t seen his advice in the Community Center, please take the time to seek it out, it’s impressive as is his style. A Southern gentleman through and through, seems like we have quite a few here.
Poseidon: An active and respected member of Epinions, Poseidon has delved into many categories and has great things to say about each one. Poseidon is a talented writer and offers good advice and help when requested. He, too, is interested in the success of Epinions and offers plenty of feedback to help them meet their goals. Take a look at some of his Community Center reviews for some advice on how to succeed at Epinions.
Taurusmoon: If you ever want a clever read mixed with information and good humor, click into one of Taurusmoon’s reviews. She’s our resident advertising guru and writing talent. I first found out about Taurusmoon from her review on manual vs. automatic driving, I kept reading and reading and reading, and well, you get the picture. After walking through her Ebay reviews I knew that Taurusmoon would soon have a huge audience, and she does.
Auntnono: With a name like Auntnono I just knew this was a person with a sense of humor that commanded respect. Sensible and nice, that’s Auntnono. I read her complimentary review about epinions, read on through about her answering machine and was hooked. A giving soul willing to help any and all members, just ask.
Doublecoog: I kept hearing about DC from expono and finally dug in and started reading. Bike expert and cross country rider extraordinaire, Doublecoog is out to promote good charity and that’s a good thing. You want to learn about charitable web sites, you visit Doublecoog, this includes the outdoor experience. A genuinely nice guy, fair rater, and honest writer.
Pogomom: The mutual admiration society starts now. Pogomom has a lot to say, literally, but it is so informative and strong you are sold one way or the other by the time you’re done reading. I used to high five myself when I beat Pogomom to the comments section and I'd have a chit chat when we ran into one another over there. She doesn’t always agree with everyone but, boy, is she nice about it. You want to learn about bugs? Read her take on how to get RID of them, and stay for the whole show plus comments, it’s worth it. This is one generous and giving soul wrapped up in the package that is pogomom.
Kimmiko: I read kimmiko’s reviews like I’m reading a good short story or essay, her words and choice of them are beautiful, thoughtul, and entertaining. I picture her sitting outside under a huge, shady oak tree with the wind blowing just slightly, penning her latest. I can smell the fresh cut grass and I can hear the music that she describes in some of her passionate music reviews, I can also see her sipping a glass of good red wine and swaying gently to the tunes from the nearby boombox. Tossing a salad is her forte and she has one of the best darn balsamic dressing recipes I’ve ever tasted. Thanks for the introduction, Leah.
Halfsweet: Like Grouch I always check out Halfsweet’s unbelievably good movie reviews. This is one talent Hollywood needs and NOW! I wrote a review on Halfsweet’s employer, she asked my permission to send on to the powers that be, and the rest is history. Halfsweet cares passionately about the site and it shows. She knows the whole angle when it comes to movies so stop, look, and listen...you will learn something.
Caconti: Wow! The ongoing saga of Caconti’s travels in Italy are wonderful and worth a good look and I was equally impressed with his review on thank you notes under education. Caconti has a gift for gab and is well-read as evidenced by his equally important book reviews. Newly graduated from Wake Forest University, Chris is spending his summer in Italy helping the lost tourists and relaying all things wonderful and notable.
Conradd: If ever there was a voice of reason, a very fair one too, conradd is it. I was so grateful to receive her shortbread recipe way back and I’ve been a fan ever since. Both conradd and taurusmoon have the older kiddies on site and offer wisdom and insight both on and off Epinions. Not only does she specialize in kids and family but she has a cabinet full of good appliance reviews. I recently participated with conradd on a review spotlighting McCormick and Schmick’s restaurant and felt like I was sitting at the next table her descriptive writing was so good.
Stonehousellc: One of my favorite profile pics on the entire site, stonehousellc keeps fellow members in stitches with clever one-liners and content that is highly entertaining. An expert in the finer things in life, Stonehousellc is able to get one excited about smoking a cigar even if you’ve never had the desire, not ever. If you’re a serious photographer check here, first.
Sleestakk: Music expert with a collection worth reviewing, and he’s done just that. A lover of Thai food, me too, me too! Sleestakk can put together a restaurant review worthy of a visit if you’re in the neighborhood. I see sleestakk around the site and I’m impressed with his fair rating style and his gentlemanly ways. If you are a dark beer drinker, take a gander at his reviews in Gourmet.
Kchowell: Books, definitely books! This is kchowell’s specialty as she delves deep into the heart of every title she reads. Her wine reviews are something to behold but the book review on the bodies on the beach was superb! “Being Dead” reviewed by Kchowell is worth a look.
WorkingMomof2: I just get the feeling that WorkingMomof2 is filled with energy and enthusiasm and a fun spirit to boot. Her specialty is Kids & Family but her review on the Nissan Pathfinder is a must-read. I was so excited by her introduction of an Australian Kiddie group that I bought the video on the spot. WorkingMomof2 is a very active member on the site and very committed to its success.
Gracef: Ethics is a specialty of Gracef’s, she has some good insight into the way Epinions works. I would recommend spending some time with her Community Center reviews. I am also fond of Gracef's children’s book contributions, one of my favorites, her latest on The Giving Tree. Gracef offers the site and its members an example in good moral character.
Emlin: Emlin knows a thing or two about toys, I find these reviews very impressive. She’s worked in a toy store and can share some of the behind-the-scenes background on what toys are returned, and what parents and kids say. She is a beautiful and poetic writer and knows a thing or two about books. I was very impressed with her review on the "Joys of Yiddish" and encourage you to have a look. Hmmm, a great take on Playboy magazine is worth a look, too.
Redlass: This is one of the most generous writers at Epinions, she promotes new writers more than herself and that is admirable. A talented and professional writer, you will not be disappointed by any of her contributions thus far, though I disagree with her about Yertle the Turtle, she presents her case beautifully. She has theater in her blood and I would highly recommend reading her reviews in Travel to learn more about her recommendations.
ErgoPropterHoc: Another generous spirit. Ergo sets up the links for these write-offs so members can navigate through reviews very easily. He’s an expert in Food & Drink but I would not pass by his education contributions or forays into the Community Center. Ergo understands the site and is a very helpful guide.
Jrk: Hmmm, first “met” while discussing our beliefs regarding gardening books, oh, and we had different experiences with our vacuum cleaners but this is one writer I wanted to get to know better. Jrk writes a phenomenal book review and I wanted the Category Manager to know that right away. Jrk was one of my first nominations for an expert title and the site is so much better with her talents on board. Don’t forget to read about her yard advice, she knows her stuff.
Sweetpaulie: Did you know he has a pet goat named Pot (Roast, that is), sweetpaulie is a funny soul who lives out on the Prairie in Northern California and shares his best on wine. He knows wine! He also knows what to have with wine and it is never mac and cheese, wonder why? I was utterly impressed with his book review on "All the Pretty Horses" and really want you to take a look or go buy the book, c’mon! “Paulie” sent you.
Caravan70: Books, books, and more books. Caravan70 knows books and I urge you to read his take on "Now and on Earth" by Jim Thompson and come away knowing more about Caravan70 because he analyzed it so well. He is wonderfully generous about alerting existing members to new members and is a positive force on Epinions. Best Place to Shop for Books? I urge you to read what Caravan70 has to say.
Fdknight: A music expert with a penchant for show tunes, he is the one expert that has created a niche for himself that I find very impressive. He recently participated in a music write-off that is worth a read, grab a view of his take on Carousel and be thoroughly impressed.
CurtisEdmonds: A movie expert that, like Grouch and Halfsweet, needs to be read before you head to the movies and if you’re in the Austin area, print all of CurtisEdmonds’ travel reviews on restaurants, highly entertaining and informative. He has participated in write-offs before and knows his stuff, "Fair Ball: A Fan’s Case for Baseball" was so impressive, I bought a copy for my brother. Income share, income share. One of those lawyer types, his witty sarcasm makes his reviews that much more entertaining.
Andy Diamondstein: A special thank you to our Books Category Manager for helping to get this Write-off going, his work in books is astounding and he works hard to keep the members happy.
Once there was a little doll. Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she neeed except somebody to play with. She was very lo...More at Christianbook.com
Once there was a little doll. Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she needed except someone to play with. She was lonely!...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Once there was a little doll. Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she needed except someone to play with. She was lonely!...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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