The Christmas Dolls

by Candice Ransom

Claire is feeling down as the first Christmas since her father left home approaches, but she and her mother create a magical holiday full of happiness, meaning, and new family traditions.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Cheryl A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everyone needs a little help," even Santa and his elves.

I really like some of the pictures, especially when the mother is in her nurse uniform, or lying down with Claire with a certain wistful look in her eyes.

I like the second theme, too, that "women on their own can be strong."

Earnest, sweet, but not saccharine, and not schmaltzy Christmas miracle or HEA.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire is not so happy as Christmas approaches and she misses her father. He doesn't live with her and her mother any more. Her mother has a Christmas project helping "Santa" refurbish old dolls to give to children. As Christmas approaches and Mother and Claire work together, they make new traditions and adjust to life without Claire's father.
This was a sweet story with full-page, beautiful illustrations.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize when Alice picked this book that it would be about a girl's first Christmas with her mother after her father has left them. It was sad, and I hope Alice doesn't think her daddy might leave her. The story was also very beautiful. The mother finishes her shift as a nurse to come home and bake cookies and repair dolls to give to the poor for Christmas.

[Christi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this with Tassja, It was okay....not my favorite childrens book. But it's about having time with my daughter that counts