The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll

by Patricia C. McKissack, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

Newbery Honor-winning author McKissack and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Pinkney have outdone themselves in this heart-warming story infused with humor and the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas always comes to Nella's house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while. That's because it's the Depression and Nella's family is poor. Even so, Nella's hoping that this year she and her two sisters will get a beautiful Baby Betty doll.

On Christmas morning, the girls are beside themselves with excitement! There is Baby Betty, in all her eyelash-fluttering magnificence. "Mine!" Nella shouts, and claims the doll for herself. But soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn't nearly as much fun as her sisters. Would it be more fun to share this very best gift with them after all?

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Family, Fiction, Holiday

34 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2007

About the author

Patricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The family is oh-so poor, but it’s Christmas and the three girls desperately want a Baby Betty doll. Best part: Sharing is more fun than hoarding. Ages 6-10.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nella is certain that if she can just get a Baby Betty doll, it will be the only thing she'll ever want. When you're living in the Great Depression, though, a store-bought doll is simply too much to ask. Nella and her sisters, Eddy Bernice and Dessa, are surprised and excited when Mama & Daddy present them with a genuine Baby Betty doll on Christmas morning, but in only moments things turn ugly. The girls begin fighting over who gets to play with her, and who will be her owner. Because Nella wanted her so badly, the other girls grudgingly agree to let her have the doll, and they go off to play together without Nella. It doesn't take Nella long to realize, however, that having something you've always wanted isn't nearly as fun without someone else to enjoy it alongside you.

Most of us have had a moment like Nella's in our lives, when we figured out that everything's more fun with friends (or siblings). Jerry Pinkney's beautifully detailed pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are just perfect for this old-fashioned, family-oriented story. This is nice for one-on-one sharing in the holiday season.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story brought back the feelings I always had when I was little. Especially how I felt when I wanted something very badly for Christmas. I was a lot like the narrator when I was little, I thought that if I got something I wanted, everything in my life would be perfect.
The family in this story is living in the south during the Great Depression, so money is something for them that has to be used sparingly. The narrator wants a Baby Betty doll for Christmas very badly, but her sisters convince her that it is not going to happen. When the three girls get the doll for Christmas, it does not go at all how the narrator thought it would go.
After reading this story you just might get a whole new view about something that you want very badly. Reading this to kids could very well do wonders for how they share with each other and how they act when they want something very badly. I think people of any age should read this book. They will enjoy it while learning a great lesson.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharing makes the Christmas season best!

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during the Depression Era, The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll is the story of three sisters who long for a particular baby doll, and are surprised when their parents get them one since there is not much money to spare. Young Nella declares that since she wrote to Santa and believed and wanted the doll the most, she should have her. But she soon finds out that having one toy all to yourself is not really as fun as it seems -- that toys are much better when shared.

Not only is this a sweet Christmas story (as well as an appropriate after-Christmas story for children on how to deal with those new toys), it's also a nostalgic reminder for those of us adults who experienced Christmas with siblings (especially sisters), showing both the trials and joys of growing up together.
(This book was chosen for Day 18 of my "25 Days of Christmas Books" blog series: https://www.theproblemsite.com/book-s...- )

[Zachary Crain-Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction that highlights the impact of the Great Depression on families in the United States. Waiting for Santa to come the girls cleaned the house and used paper as insulation. Nella found a doll in the paper and kept the page. She explained it was the only thing she'd ever want. Despite her family's macking she kept her dream alive by writing to Santa. They curled up under the quilt momma had just finished while dad told the story of Mary and Jesus.

Waking up on Christmas the house was filled with love. Presents were all open and everyone was happy. Then dad had one more gift for the girls. It was their doll. The girls fought over the doll. Dad stopped them and explained they would share. Nella ended up with the doll the most but shared as time went on and learning that sharing was the gift dad gave them for Christmas.

Family, sharing, and the Great Depression are major concepts of this text. Appreciating what you have and the sacrifices of your loved ones could also really be taught through this text.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the middle of the Great Depression and Christmas is coming. Nella wants a Baby Betty doll more than anything. Her sisters tell her there is no way she'll ever get it, but Nella is determined. She writes a letter to Santy, asking him to please bring her the doll. And on Christmas morning, there is the doll for the girls. After some arguing, the girls agree that the doll is Nella's. So her sisters go off to play without her and she happily begins playing with Nella. But after awhile, she notices the fun her sisters are having and that Nella doesn't talk to her or laugh with her or do anything really. Soon she realizes that the best times are those spent with the ones you love...family is more important than a toy, even if its a Baby Betty doll.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations in this depression era Christmas story. A little girl learns about the importance of sisters over even the best Christmas gifts. I liked how the parents had the sisters work things out, and that even though one of the sisters was very selfish, she soon learned her lesson and Mama was there to suggest something better.
There was talk about "Santy Clause" but it also mentioned telling about the first Christmas.

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story set in the Great Depression, with lesson on sharing and family. Pinkney’s illustrations are of course beautiful. (Library)

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about Christmas in Depression era Alabama. It shows just how special Christmas can be, even if 'Santy Claus' doesn't bring lots of toys. It also shows how important the love and company of our family is to us, far and away better than our possessions.

Many children fixate on that one special toy and convince themselves that life would be just perfect if Santa would bring it (I'm sure I did this when I was a child). I'm convinced that's part of the reason why many parents will lose their minds in a quest to get the 'hottest' toy of the year for their children. But this tale helps to show that companionship and love from our family are more important and more fulfilling.

I love that the story gives us a glimpse into life at that time and teaches us a history lesson without being boring. And I really enjoyed reading the author's note at the beginning of the story that explains the genesis of the tale.

Jerry Pinkney's illustrations are wonderful and help to show the family's sparse living conditions, but also depicts the love and joy in the house, too. Overall, I thought this was a very well-written story that is a terrific tale to read during Christmas days that seem to be more filled with materialism than the spirit of the season. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas story about receiving your heart's desire, in this case a baby doll, and discovering the joy in sharing it.

There's not much money for celebrating Christmas with gifts and finery so it's a special treat when Santy Claus delivers a beautiful Baby Betty doll. The three sisters argue over who the doll belongs to and the oldest child wins. What she's surprised to learn is that Baby Betty isn't so much fun because all she does is sit and blink. Soon Baby Betty becomes a shared toy and playtime resumes its usual excitement.

Great story, great description of setting and characters, great read aloud complemented by pencil and watercolor illustrations. PreK-2+.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story with a fresh take on a familiar theme--that is, toys are nice but the best gifts of Christmas are love and family. Set in the South during the Great Depression.

[Helen-Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely artwork, good story. The artwork lets the poverty show through, but the family love that the parents have as they manage a good Christmas for their daughters

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the height of the Great Depression, but Nella and her sisters Eddy Bernice and Dessa still long for a Baby Betty doll for Christmas. While Eddy Bernice and Dessa are more realistic about their chances, Nella hopes and believes with all of her heart, even writing a letter to Santy, and sure enough, she and her sisters are gifted the much-coveted doll on Christmas Day. But when Nella claims the doll as her own, arguing that as the one who truly wanted it and believed she'd get it, she is most deserving, she ends up learning an important lesson. Dolls are all very well, but they can't compare to sisters, especially at the holidays...

Based upon a story that author Patricia C. McKissack heard while staying in Boykin, Alabama—also known as Gee's Bend, this mostly black town was considered one of the poorest places in American, during the Great Depression—The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll was the third picture book collaboration between McKissack and illustrator Jerry Pinkney, following upon the Caldecott Honor-winning Mirandy and Brother Wind and Goin' Someplace Special . I have enjoyed both of these creators' work, so I picked this one up with some anticipation. I was not disappointed, finding the story engaging and ultimately heartwarming, and the pencil and watercolor illustrations lovely. As one of three sisters myself, I sympathized with the sibling conflict depicted, and appreciated the eventual rapprochement. Recommended to picture book readers looking for Christmas stories about siblings and/or featuring African American families.

[Alyssa Clark]

1. This story is about a family living during the Great Depression. A young girl, Nella, dreams and wishes for a Baby Betty for Christmas, but Santa does not always come with gifts. When she gets her greatest wish, she realizes that the time spent with family may be the most valuable gift of all.

2. I think this is a very wholesome story. It’s a beautifully written story expressing the value of family. I think a lot of students will be able to relate to this story.

3. I think a lot of children’s books can be connected with this book. For example, I see a connection to Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts and Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt. All three books deal with themes of poverty.

4. This book can be used to teach children about poverty. Poverty is a very pressing social justice issue in this country. I think this book can motivate students to get involved and help people who are less fortunate than them.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The holidays are definitely a time for hope and wishing. Children stand on line to visit Santa Claus and present him with wish lists for all of the toys they want. Every year, it seems there is some toy that’s on everyone’s list. I remember when Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch kids were all I ever wanted. This wonderful, heartwarming story shows that during the Depression, when families couldn’t afford much, there were still dreams of that one fabulous toy. In this book, Nella wants a Baby Betty doll more than anything. When Christmas morning comes, her parents present her and her two sisters with the new doll - for the three girls to share. There are some awesome lessons in this book about hoping, dreaming, and sharing. This is would be a terrific book to share with young readers during the days leading up to Christmas.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about love and sharing.
It's during the Depression and sometimes there's hardly anything at Christmas. This year Nella wants a Baby Betty doll so very much, and which she says is all she'll ever want. When Christmas Day arrives, she and her two sisters are surprised to receive a Baby Betty doll, but Nella claims it as hers. Their father breaks up their squabble, and then the three sisters have to work it out. Nella wins the argument ... but things don't turn out quite as she expected.
Fabulous illustrations!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet little story about a girl who dreams of having her own Baby Betty doll for Christmas. When Christmas finally arrives, she receives her gift but she also has two other sisters and only one doll to share between them. After much convincing that she should be the one who owns the doll, she realizes how lonely she is playing with a doll that can't talk back. Will she be able to share the doll in the long run to gain back her sisters' attention? Check it out and see! Pinkney has beautiful illustrations that come to life as the story progresses.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the Great Depression, a young girl wishes for a Baby Betty doll. When Christmas Day arrives, there's a Baby Betty doll...but Nella must share the doll with her two sisters. At first, Nella convinces them that they doll is hers, but she quickly realizes that the doll is more fun when her sisters join in.

Beautifully illustrated, and a sweet story about sharing. A good story to share one-on-one with a slightly older child (ages 5-7).

[Shannon Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during The Great Depression in Alabama. Three sisters are making their Christmas wish list to Santy. One sister really wants a doll. It’s all she ever wanted. On Christmas Day when she gets what she wanted she spends all her time with the doll. She misses out on the time spent with her true relationships with her sisters. A beautiful read for children to understand the gift of relationships over material possessions.

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Christmas always came to our house, but Santy Claus only showed up once in a while." Beautiful depression-era story of learnng to share. I love anything Jerry Pinkney does. Here we glimpse Nella's amusing letter to Santy in the illustration. Although the sisters in the story are African American, children of any culture will identify with the squabbling sisters.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of three sisters from a black family during the Great Depression at Christmastime, making their Christmas wishes and ultimately learning that their friendship with each other is more important than having nice things alone. I like how it shows kids an eye witness view of what it is like to live in difficult circumstances and have a strong family.

[Akoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this even though it was bittersweet. It gives great perspective on what had been (Jim Crow and Great Depression), what is (no need to explain current political landscape), and what still needs to get done.
It was all smoothly and sensitively wrapped in the joy of Christmas day.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story about a girl and her family during the holiday season in a depression era. The main message is about embracing family and also not being afraid to go for what you want in life.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three poor sisters disagree about the lovely doll they received for Christmas. After one child played with it for a while she discovered that playing alone wasn't so fun.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book showing the importance of family. Great Christmas book.

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice historical fiction storybook with wonderful messages: sharing is the way to go & nothing beats family. And as always, Jerry Pinkney's illustrations are gorgeous.

[Cathy Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas story about how the Great Depression effected families of color. I loved that the sister learned an important lesson about family. Enjoy.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We sang Christmas carols in harmony and shared stories about once upon a time."

Reading this author's book collection is a memorable Humbling Experience ✨️.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on real memories, although it does seem unlikely that the parents would not have stipulated sharing sooner. Perhaps there is more of a lesson in the sisters needing to reach their own solution.