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Elizabeti #1
La Muñeca de Elizabeti
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College of Education
Best Books of the Year, School Library Journal
Notable Children's Book, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
All-Time Best Books for Big Kids, Parents.com
Best Children's Book Award, Peace Corps Writers
Charlotte Zolotow Award - Highly Commended Title, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Children's Books Mean Business, Children's Book Council (CBC)
Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) In Spanish. A young Tanzanian girl finds a special doll, and realizes how much she loves the doll when she almost loses her. Upon the arrival of her new baby brother, Elizabeti decides she needs a doll she can care for the way her mother cares for the new baby. After looking around her village, Elizabeti finds the perfect doll to love, and names her Eva. When Mama changes the new baby's diaper, Elizabeti changes Eva. When Mama sings to the baby, Elizabeti sings to Eva. And one day when Eva turns up lost, Elizabeti realizes just how much she loves her special doll. Translated from Elizabeti's Doll , La muñeca de Elizabeti is a universal tale of love and tenderness that will touch readers of all ages.
Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College of Education
Best Books of the Year, School Library Journal
Notable Children's Book, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
All-Time Best Books for Big Kids, Parents.com
Best Children's Book Award, Peace Corps Writers
Charlotte Zolotow Award - Highly Commended Title, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Children's Books Mean Business, Children's Book Council (CBC)
Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) In Spanish. A young Tanzanian girl finds a special doll, and realizes how much she loves the doll when she almost loses her. Upon the arrival of her new baby brother, Elizabeti decides she needs a doll she can care for the way her mother cares for the new baby. After looking around her village, Elizabeti finds the perfect doll to love, and names her Eva. When Mama changes the new baby's diaper, Elizabeti changes Eva. When Mama sings to the baby, Elizabeti sings to Eva. And one day when Eva turns up lost, Elizabeti realizes just how much she loves her special doll. Translated from Elizabeti's Doll , La muñeca de Elizabeti is a universal tale of love and tenderness that will touch readers of all ages.
32 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2009
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207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 21, 2019
Elizabeti`s Doll, an ALA Notable Children`s book of 1999, introduces Tanzania`s culture by showing the girl`s routine with her family and the place that her mother and siblings have in the household while taking care of her doll. She does not have a real doll; however, she uses her imagination and available materials to create one. This book stood out for me because of the children`s imagination power.
The illustration of this book helps early childhood students to understand the story. The teachers can use this book for early readers to explore other cultures, by exposing Elizabeti`s routine, the clothes of the characters, the meal preparing, the friendship, and the landscape present in the illustrations; and compare with other cultures known by the students. This book also can be an introduction to a "create your toy," by using different materials and talking about the importance of recycling and creativity.
The illustration of this book helps early childhood students to understand the story. The teachers can use this book for early readers to explore other cultures, by exposing Elizabeti`s routine, the clothes of the characters, the meal preparing, the friendship, and the landscape present in the illustrations; and compare with other cultures known by the students. This book also can be an introduction to a "create your toy," by using different materials and talking about the importance of recycling and creativity.
August 14, 2008
Mommy says: Reminds me of the boundless imagination of my own childhood, where a pile of dirt clumps can be a magic forest populated with witches and fairies ... or a rock can be a baby. Makes me regret how much stuff our kids have today -- and wonder how much of their own imgaination is stifled by the surplus. Very sweet book about a little girl with her own new baby brother and her own special way of practicing mothering. We all liked it.
January 15, 2009
This book also is a great contrast between how fortunate we are here in America - or maybe not! A little African girl doesn't have a doll so she adopts a rock as her doll and plays with it and takes care of it like her mother does her little baby brother. It is a sweet story with beautiful illustrations.
April 5, 2021
Sweet. Humbling. Lovely story 💜
September 11, 2018
Love the patterns used in the illustrations that mimic African textiles. Elizabeti's inventiveness and devotion to her rock doll is sweet and inspiring. Definitely introduces girls to womanhood, which may not be for everyone. I would read it for the creativity and introduction to Tanzanian lifestyle though.
September 28, 2021
We loved reading this book. Very sweet story about a little girl who uses a rock as her doll and how she takes care of it. Wonderful modeling of how to be a good mother: loving and kind. Also nice to read about a different place in culture.
March 24, 2015
Elizabeti had a new baby brother, and watched her mother care for her baby brother. She wanted to take care of her own baby, but didn't have a doll. So she went outside looking for one. She tried a stick, but it poked her. She came across a rock and it was just the right size. She named it Eva. She watched her mother bathe her baby brother and he splashed her, but when she bathed Eva, she behaved very nicely and only splashed a little. Her baby brother burped after feeding, but Eva was too polite to burp. When Elizaebti went to play with her friend, she laughed her because she was playing with a rock and not a doll, but what Elizabeti didn't know was that she went and found herself a rock too because she didn't have a doll either. When Elizabeti realized it was time for her to get water from the village well. She laid Eva by some other rocks so she wouldn't be lonely. When she dropped the water off and returned to get Eva, Eva was gone. Momma found a new rock and gave it to Elizabeti but a rock was just a rock. When Elizabeti had to put the pot of rice on the fire pit, Elizabeti noticed that one of the stones was Eva! Together, they rolled Eva away from the fire and wasn't hurt, but was a little dirty. At bedtime, Elizabeti sang a lullaby to Eva, and fell fast asleep. Elizabeti's mother covered her up and told her that one day she is going to make a fine mother. I really enjoyed this book. My favorite part of the story was when Elizabeti finds Eva and rescues her from the fire and holds her tight and brushes her off. It shows how much she really cares for Eva. I also like that this book shows children the use of imagination. Elizabeti doesn't see Eva as simply a rock, she states that she is more than a rock and that the other rocks aren't the same. I also like that this book shows children how to be creative. Elizabeti's family doesn't have any dolls for her, so instead of Elizabeti pouting and begging her mother to buy her own, she makes do with what is around her and brings a rock to life. I also like that this book shows children how they can help their mother with younger siblings if they have any. This could also be a good story for the children that love playing with dolls that aren't as fortunate just like Elizabeti and could give them some ideas like how she used a rock for a doll. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. I like how the illustrator kind of used darker colors and made you feel like you were right there with Elizabeti and her mother. I would have this book in my future classroom for kindergarten through third graders. I think they would enjoy reading about Elizabeti and her doll and be excited to read on and find out if Elizabeti ever finds her 'doll' or not. I really enjoyed this story and how strong the connection can be between a child and their doll.
February 16, 2017
This was a favorite book of mine growing up, and I have a well loved paperback copy bought at a scholastic book fair years and years ago.
Through brilliant, textured watercolors and simple explanatory sentences, the reader is brought into the world of Elizabeti and her beloved doll Eva. I especially appreciate the fact that the images are not overly bright and "kiddish." but are rather more subtle, with visual interest created primarily by the bright and patterned cloths/clothes, that appear throughout.
Mirroring the ways in which children shape their play around what they see, Elizabeti finds a doll to care for in the same ways her mother is caring for Elizabeti's baby brother Obedi. The book does a good job of introducing readers to the fact that the story is not set in the U.S. in a clear, and not condescending way, through both images and words.
This book could be a fun one to introduced to young readers who are going to have a sibling, as a jumping off point to conversations about how that is going to change their lives, but have them in ways that won't freak them out.
I love how simple and universal the story is of a child caring for and worrying about their doll, now to find one that tells the same universal story with a boy!
I will be returning to this book for years to come.
Through brilliant, textured watercolors and simple explanatory sentences, the reader is brought into the world of Elizabeti and her beloved doll Eva. I especially appreciate the fact that the images are not overly bright and "kiddish." but are rather more subtle, with visual interest created primarily by the bright and patterned cloths/clothes, that appear throughout.
Mirroring the ways in which children shape their play around what they see, Elizabeti finds a doll to care for in the same ways her mother is caring for Elizabeti's baby brother Obedi. The book does a good job of introducing readers to the fact that the story is not set in the U.S. in a clear, and not condescending way, through both images and words.
This book could be a fun one to introduced to young readers who are going to have a sibling, as a jumping off point to conversations about how that is going to change their lives, but have them in ways that won't freak them out.
I love how simple and universal the story is of a child caring for and worrying about their doll, now to find one that tells the same universal story with a boy!
I will be returning to this book for years to come.
May 31, 2008
(CIP) When a young Tanzanian girl gets a new baby brother, she finds a rock, which she names Eva, and makes it her baby doll.
(Claudia) When Elizabeti’s brother Obedi is born, Elizabeti adopts a large rock as a doll, naming it Eva, and bathing it, burping it, and carrying it on her back the same way her mother bathes, burps, and carries Obedi. A gentle story with attractive realistic-style illustrations, and a bit of suspense to keep young readers engaged: Elizabeti leaves her rock doll with some other rocks (for company) while she goes runs an errand, and returns to find “Eva” missing. The Tanzanian child and adult characters are believable and portrayed with sympathy and respect. Ezra Jack Keats Book Award. K-Gr. 2.
(Africa Access) "The story is engaging. However, readers must be cautioned that today many young Tanzanian girls play with dolls having a human form. ... The illustrations provide an excellent view of rural Tanzania and the work of young and old women ..."
(SLJ) "The text is original, clever, and consistent in its respectful treatment of Elizabeti's notion ... a splendid celebration of life and the power of a child's imagination."
(Claudia) When Elizabeti’s brother Obedi is born, Elizabeti adopts a large rock as a doll, naming it Eva, and bathing it, burping it, and carrying it on her back the same way her mother bathes, burps, and carries Obedi. A gentle story with attractive realistic-style illustrations, and a bit of suspense to keep young readers engaged: Elizabeti leaves her rock doll with some other rocks (for company) while she goes runs an errand, and returns to find “Eva” missing. The Tanzanian child and adult characters are believable and portrayed with sympathy and respect. Ezra Jack Keats Book Award. K-Gr. 2.
(Africa Access) "The story is engaging. However, readers must be cautioned that today many young Tanzanian girls play with dolls having a human form. ... The illustrations provide an excellent view of rural Tanzania and the work of young and old women ..."
(SLJ) "The text is original, clever, and consistent in its respectful treatment of Elizabeti's notion ... a splendid celebration of life and the power of a child's imagination."
November 3, 2019
I love this book and remember reading it when I was younger. It is such a sweet story about a little girl that wants to be just like her mommy. Since her little brother came around she wanted to take care of something so when she picked a rock she did everything her momma did. I just really like how sweet this is and how she looked up to her mother.
This book could be used in a classroom for the class library or even an example for a different culture. The family lives in Tanzania so the setting is different from what most children may be used to seeing. I feel this is a simple and sweet book to be able to impliment the idea that children are a lot alike no matter where they are from. It also is just a sweet book to have for students to causally read during some down time.
This book could be used in a classroom for the class library or even an example for a different culture. The family lives in Tanzania so the setting is different from what most children may be used to seeing. I feel this is a simple and sweet book to be able to impliment the idea that children are a lot alike no matter where they are from. It also is just a sweet book to have for students to causally read during some down time.
July 6, 2020
Elizabeti's Doll is a sweet story that follows young Elizabeti as she cares for a rock-baby just the way her mom cares for her baby brother. The setting is Tanzania, and Elizabeti's life is recognizable, but different. I think children experiencing this book would be interested in noting those differences, as well as how similar children, and family life, everywhere in the world can be.
June 10, 2018
I have owned Elizabeti's Doll for years and have read it to many classes of small children. Elizabeti's mother has a new baby boy and Elizabeti finds a rock for her own baby (doll). I like the book because it shows that children can make a pretend toy and care about it out of things found in nature. Elizabeti takes good care of her baby by copying how her mother takes care of her brother and learns about life. The children often ask for this book so I know that they enjoy the story.
August 31, 2017
This is a sweet story of a young girl who doesn't have a doll, so she uses a rock. It was touching and it introduced different world problems and situations to my kids. My daughter was shocked that this little girl didn't have a real doll but then found a common ground in her love for her 'doll'. It taught compassion and inclusion.
January 30, 2019
This is another good book about African culture as it incorporates African names and words such as kanga (a bright cloth) as well as daily life in a village. This would be a good book to give to a child who has a new baby sibling or who likes to play house, as Elizabeti takes care of a rock who she names Eva, treating it like her mother treats her new baby brother.
June 6, 2019
This would be just another very nice unusual doll story (compare, for example, to Sophie's Squash) but the rural Tanzanian setting makes it extra special. There are lots of details that enrich the story and will help 'western' families appreciate this different culture.
November 1, 2018
This is a wonderful book about a little girl who makes a rock into a doll and takes care of it like a real baby. Elizabeti is very sweet and caring and she even sings a lullaby to the rock. The story is heart warming.
December 22, 2019
Elizabeti wants to be like her mother but does not have a baby or a doll. She finds a rock and pretends this is her baby. She copies everything her mother does with her little brother. Realistic illustrations capture life in this village.
July 15, 2020
My daughter and I really enjoyed this book. She was very amused by the main character. It sparked some conversation about culture and access to resources as well as ways people made dolls before toy stores.
May 9, 2017
Very cute!
December 26, 2018
Love how this is just as timely as when it first came out. Lovely!
January 11, 2019
Cute read along on amazon prime
April 17, 2020
Elizabeti has a new baby in the house and decides she wants a baby of her. She gets attached to a rock that she named Eva. This book is so sweet. It's also an EJK Award Winner!
July 18, 2020
Beautiful to read to all children. Exposes them to another culture, the rhythm and beauty of a simple day, and finding happiness in the smallest of pleasures.
August 10, 2021
I want a child like imagination like Elizabeti. An ordinary rock to others is a newborn baby to Elizabeti. Sweet story.
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December 12, 2023This book is about a Tanzanian girl names Elizabeti who cares for a rock as if it were her baby, since she doesn't have a doll. Eventually, her family notices her longing for a real doll, which leads to a sweet connection with her newborn baby brother. The story highlights the theme of love and sibling bonds in a diverse cultural context.
I loved this book because it illustrates a child wanting something, and not being able to get it; however, there is a better alternative, of her baby brother. It teaches love and patience.
I would use this book in the classroom setting to discuss problem solving. I would prompt discussions on problem-solving, and ask students how Elizabeti creatively addresses her desire for a doll using a simple rock. I would then have the class discuss alternative solutions and encourage creative thinking.
I loved this book because it illustrates a child wanting something, and not being able to get it; however, there is a better alternative, of her baby brother. It teaches love and patience.
I would use this book in the classroom setting to discuss problem solving. I would prompt discussions on problem-solving, and ask students how Elizabeti creatively addresses her desire for a doll using a simple rock. I would then have the class discuss alternative solutions and encourage creative thinking.
June 27, 2019
Given that I was reading this to my 6 yr old who has been adjusting to a new baby brother this past year the story line resonated with us. I liked that it was about desiring to become a mother, something I don't always see celebrated in literature. There were some funny parts since her doll is a rock-like when its diaper was still clean lol. Some of the names were hard for us to pronounce which was one of the only downsides but it makes sense for the culture/location it is writing about.
December 19, 2022
Elizabeti's Doll by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Released December 6, 2005
<3 Love the African Music throughout the story's narration. <3
When her new baby brother arrives, Elizabeti, a young Tanzanian girl, longs for a baby of her own to hold and bathe and kiss and burp. One day she finds the perfect baby - a rock she names Eva - just the right size for holding and bathing and kissing and burping.
Released December 6, 2005
<3 Love the African Music throughout the story's narration. <3
When her new baby brother arrives, Elizabeti, a young Tanzanian girl, longs for a baby of her own to hold and bathe and kiss and burp. One day she finds the perfect baby - a rock she names Eva - just the right size for holding and bathing and kissing and burping.
December 2, 2024
When her little brother is born, Elizabeti, a little girl in Tanzania, adopts a rock to call her baby and looks after it. I love the setting, love the simplicity of their life, love the imagination and love how she's a natural little nurturing mama.
Only potential flag would be that the baby boy is nude in two pictures (while lying on his stomach and in the bath). Highly recommend as an original 'new sibling' book.
Only potential flag would be that the baby boy is nude in two pictures (while lying on his stomach and in the bath). Highly recommend as an original 'new sibling' book.
October 1, 2017
When Elizabeti gets a new baby brother, she wants a baby for herself., She finds her own baby, a rocked named Eva, and does everything that her mother and brother do. Elizabeti finds that Eva is quieter and easier to deal with than Obedi. A story to read to new big siblings and to talk about new baby jealousy.
May 26, 2022
Welcome to the introductory story for Elizabeti -- a young Tanzanian girl. In this story, Elizabeti sees Mama raising Obedi and decides she needs a baby too. But her baby Eva is quite different. She doesn't squeal or wiggle. Cute series that reflects aspects of Tanzanian culture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews