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Betty Doll
From the beloved New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Thank You, Mr. Falker and Pink and Say .
Whenever Mary Ellen needed Betty Doll, she was there. Betty Doll saw her through happy and sad times, thunderstorms and parties, weddings and births. Now, when Mary Ellen’s daughter Trisha needs Betty Doll most, she rediscovers the sweet old doll, along with a letter written by her mother before she died. This touching story is a reminder of the power of a mother’s love and the joy of life’s precious moments.
Whenever Mary Ellen needed Betty Doll, she was there. Betty Doll saw her through happy and sad times, thunderstorms and parties, weddings and births. Now, when Mary Ellen’s daughter Trisha needs Betty Doll most, she rediscovers the sweet old doll, along with a letter written by her mother before she died. This touching story is a reminder of the power of a mother’s love and the joy of life’s precious moments.
40 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2001
About the author
Patricia Polacco
91 books1,083 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 10, 2020
Like many other reviewers here online, it would seem, this lovely picture-book tribute to Patricia Polacco's mother, brought tears to my eyes. Based on true events from the author's life, Betty Doll tells the story of Polacco's mother, Mary Ellen Gaw Barber, and her beloved doll Betty, made after a terrible fire burned down her family's Michigan farmhouse. Betty Doll witnessed all the important moments of Mary Ellen's life: her first day of school, her time lost (and then found) in a blizzard, her trip to Chicago, to stay with Aunt Mala and Uncle Hugh, her college days, her marriage (and divorce), and the birth of children, and then grandchildren. Betty Doll was there during moments of triumph and tragedy, joy and grief. She was there when Mary Ellen discovered she had cancer, and decided to write a letter, to her beloved daughter, Trisha...
More than just the story of a beloved doll - although that itself will have appeal for many young people - this is the story of family, and the bonds between mother and daughter. It is deeply moving tribute to a mother, whose words give guidance and comfort to her daughter, even after she has died. The illustrations here are more muted than is usual, in a Polacco book, with black, white and gray pages enlivened, often, only by Betty Doll. This keeps the reader focused on the doll, on her role as witness to a family's rituals and rites-of-passage, and as a symbol of the love between mothers and daughters. Just a lovely, lovely little book, highly recommended to all young readers who may be struggling with the loss of a loved one.
More than just the story of a beloved doll - although that itself will have appeal for many young people - this is the story of family, and the bonds between mother and daughter. It is deeply moving tribute to a mother, whose words give guidance and comfort to her daughter, even after she has died. The illustrations here are more muted than is usual, in a Polacco book, with black, white and gray pages enlivened, often, only by Betty Doll. This keeps the reader focused on the doll, on her role as witness to a family's rituals and rites-of-passage, and as a symbol of the love between mothers and daughters. Just a lovely, lovely little book, highly recommended to all young readers who may be struggling with the loss of a loved one.
December 24, 2009
I’m getting used to the concept of crying while reading children’s picture books, solely due to Polacco’s serious books.
Mary Ellen Gaw Barber, the author/illustrator’s mother, should have probably gotten first (text) author status for this book. Almost the entire text is a letter she wrote to her daughter before she died.
I love the illustrations. Polacco makes brilliant use of color here; in some illustrations the only color is that of the doll, and one with her mother as a little girl. There are real family photos included too.
It’s a lovely story/letter of how when she was six, her mother’s family’s house burned down, along with all five of her dolls, and then how Betty the doll was made, and how Betty was cherished by Mary Ellen and how the children of a couple of generations got play time with her. At the end, as with many of Polacco’s books, it’s the story of a close multi-generational family, and specificially about a woman’s love for her doll, and for her daughter, the author.
Everyone should be so lucky to have such a mother, and such a doll too. Powerfully emotionally moving.
Mary Ellen Gaw Barber, the author/illustrator’s mother, should have probably gotten first (text) author status for this book. Almost the entire text is a letter she wrote to her daughter before she died.
I love the illustrations. Polacco makes brilliant use of color here; in some illustrations the only color is that of the doll, and one with her mother as a little girl. There are real family photos included too.
It’s a lovely story/letter of how when she was six, her mother’s family’s house burned down, along with all five of her dolls, and then how Betty the doll was made, and how Betty was cherished by Mary Ellen and how the children of a couple of generations got play time with her. At the end, as with many of Polacco’s books, it’s the story of a close multi-generational family, and specificially about a woman’s love for her doll, and for her daughter, the author.
Everyone should be so lucky to have such a mother, and such a doll too. Powerfully emotionally moving.
July 30, 2012
My heart aches for Patricia Polacco. I also admire her for sharing this emotional letter from her deceased mother, Mary Ellen, with her readers. It is also evident where Polacco acquired her storytelling skills...her mother can also write a beautiful, moving story.
Polacco unwrapped Betty Doll a year after her mother's passing and found a letter packed into the box with the doll. The letter shared memories of how her mother came to make Betty Doll, how the doll comforted her through tough times, chatted with her when she was sick, watched over her as she grew, and much more. Every memory was heartfelt. Mary Ellen was passing down her memories to her daughter so that she could be comforted in her absence, I have not lost my mother but I have experienced grief and I know that this gesture meant the world to Polacco and Betty Doll will always be cherished.
I love that Polacco transformed the letter and Betty Doll into a book that can be shared with her children, nephews, nieces, and other family members...Mary Ellen is not completely gone this way.
Polacco's illustrations are beautiful, capturing the major moments and events of her mother's life. I also enjoyed the real-life photos that were included in the book, they made the book more personal and of course more emotional.
I recommend this book to anyone that has lost a mother, grandmother, loved one or to anyone that has a close connection with a childhood doll.
Polacco unwrapped Betty Doll a year after her mother's passing and found a letter packed into the box with the doll. The letter shared memories of how her mother came to make Betty Doll, how the doll comforted her through tough times, chatted with her when she was sick, watched over her as she grew, and much more. Every memory was heartfelt. Mary Ellen was passing down her memories to her daughter so that she could be comforted in her absence, I have not lost my mother but I have experienced grief and I know that this gesture meant the world to Polacco and Betty Doll will always be cherished.
I love that Polacco transformed the letter and Betty Doll into a book that can be shared with her children, nephews, nieces, and other family members...Mary Ellen is not completely gone this way.
Polacco's illustrations are beautiful, capturing the major moments and events of her mother's life. I also enjoyed the real-life photos that were included in the book, they made the book more personal and of course more emotional.
I recommend this book to anyone that has lost a mother, grandmother, loved one or to anyone that has a close connection with a childhood doll.
July 14, 2012
This delightful picture book begins with a letter from Patricia Polacco explaining the history of Betty Doll from her mother, Mary Ellen. Due to a fire, all of Mary Ellen’s dolls were gone and her mother (Polacco’s grandmother) saw how much pain this caused her. Mary Ellen’s mother made Betty Doll and the story takes flight. Betty Doll goes to the first day of school, recites poems at tea parties, and even comes to the rescue on a frightful snowy day. These experiences help the reader to understand why Betty Doll is such a prized possession for Patricia Polacco. Betty Doll is a symbol of many things for her.
• What is your most prized possession? What does it symbolize for you?
• Betty Doll was there for good times as well as bad. Sort these times. You may find that some could be both.
Art: Look up the famous actors …Theda Bara, Edna Purviance, Sarah Bernhardt, and Rudolph Valentino.
Cooking: Invite friends and family over for “high tea.” Or, as Mary Ellen did, just invite your prized possession.
• What is your most prized possession? What does it symbolize for you?
• Betty Doll was there for good times as well as bad. Sort these times. You may find that some could be both.
Art: Look up the famous actors …Theda Bara, Edna Purviance, Sarah Bernhardt, and Rudolph Valentino.
Cooking: Invite friends and family over for “high tea.” Or, as Mary Ellen did, just invite your prized possession.
April 6, 2014
In grief and sorrow, when her mother died, the author packed away her beloved mother's possessions. A Year later, she carefully opened a package to discover a hand made well used doll named Betty.
A flood of memories occur, especially when reading the accompanying letter to the author softly outlining the many memories of the way in which Betty was the steadfast source to hold onto in good and difficult times.
Betty was made after a fire occurred, leaving her mother's family with few possessions. Lamenting that the three dolls she owned went with the fire, her grandmother looked on as her mother made a beautiful cloth doll.
Through illness, storms, marriages and divorces, Betty was present.
And, now, Betty comforts the author who misses her mother and rejoices that this special object remains.
A flood of memories occur, especially when reading the accompanying letter to the author softly outlining the many memories of the way in which Betty was the steadfast source to hold onto in good and difficult times.
Betty was made after a fire occurred, leaving her mother's family with few possessions. Lamenting that the three dolls she owned went with the fire, her grandmother looked on as her mother made a beautiful cloth doll.
Through illness, storms, marriages and divorces, Betty was present.
And, now, Betty comforts the author who misses her mother and rejoices that this special object remains.
November 17, 2008
Wow, what a tear-jerker! Most of the text for this story comes from a letter that Patricia Polacco's mother wrote to her before she passed away. The letter tells the story of Betty Doll, the doll that her mother had sewn as a young girl not long after the family house burned down. Betty Doll stayed with her throughout her life giving friendship, comfort, and even once saving her life. The illustrations are done in shades of gray with only the doll in color. Some of the illustrations include actual photographs.
January 15, 2015
I was just introduced to this author and book by my youngest son's 2nd grade teacher. The two of us snuggled up last night and read three of her books. I can't believe that my oldest son is 21 and the book fanatic that I am I have never read her books. Delightful, endearing and I couldn't read any of them with dry eyes.
This story is about a doll that Patricia's mother made when she was little and all of the adventures she had with it in tow through out her life. Patricia finds the doll with a letter to her about the story Betty packed away for her to find after she has died. Loved it!
This story is about a doll that Patricia's mother made when she was little and all of the adventures she had with it in tow through out her life. Patricia finds the doll with a letter to her about the story Betty packed away for her to find after she has died. Loved it!
February 6, 2012
I loved this book about Patricia Pollaco's mother and the doll she left Patricia after she passed away. What a special book!
September 30, 2021
5 hankies! This story of friendship between a girl and her doll is so meaningful. I could easily relate. (Only no one else is allowed to even touch my doll). I wasn't crazy about the illustrations. I found it hard to follow what was going on. The author combines black and white sketches with color sketches and some photos. Some of the drawings copy real photos and are interspersed with the girl and her doll. What I did like about the illustrations was getting a good sense of the time period the story took place in even without references to Theda Bara, Rudolph Valentino, etc.
March 21, 2025
I liked this book about Polacco's mother and a doll known by generations, but at times it felt like the narrative was parent service and not scrupulously attending to an audience of children. That being said, this is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a child, since it's about a doll and sewing and families. It might be especially dear to children struggling with the loss of a grandparent, especially if they've received an heirloom.
April 13, 2018
This is a sweet story that tells the tale of a grandmother and her doll, “Betty Doll”, who sees the grandmother, her children, and her grandchildren through many of life’s milestones. I think that this is a story book that is something that more adults would be able to relate to, as opposed to children.
December 7, 2025
Beautiful story.
March 27, 2024
A sweet book. More on the third grade level the long text is probably too much for younger kids.
January 19, 2018
Reading Betty Doll, the story of Patricia Polacco’ grandmother’s doll made when she was six, again to my granddaughters. I lovely sense of history and comfort passed down from generation to generation.
February 1, 2018
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: people dance and a divorce is mentioned.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Cleanliness: people dance and a divorce is mentioned.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
May 3, 2016
Life is often filled with challenges and losses, and the loss of a beloved mother is particularly devastating. As she does with so many of her picture books, Patricia Polacco reaches back into her own family treasure chest to share a gift from her mother. After her mother's death, the author-illustrator finds a treasured doll and a letter relating the doll's origin after a family tragedy and her importance during various moments of family history, some life-threatening and others rather humorous. Somehow, the doll provides comfort and a tangible reminder of the good things Polacco and her mother have shared. Most of the story is told through a letter from her mother to Polacco. As is appropriate given the subject matter, most of the illustrations rely on a muted palette, some with no color at all, and most of the color, when it is used, focuses on the Betty Doll that was so cherished over the generations. This title might be helpful in helping youngsters cope with loss or changes in their lives. It is also a wonderful example of the power of writing to help others heal or to make them feel loved even after the writer is gone.
September 2, 2012
PB 20: I thought this book was a perfect childhood story that I wish I had read when I was younger. I was most drawn to this story because Polacco used sketch-like illustrations to give a nostalgic tone to the story. It was as if I was looking back on old memories of my own family. I loved that the doll was always shown in color among the black and white pictures, because it truly showed how that doll symbolized hope and comfort in the most dismal of situations. I think this book is powerful because it shows children that it is okay to have an item, whether it is a doll or other keepsake, that you can keep with you to get you through the hard times. I loved that the doll was kept in the family so that the daughter not only had a keepsake of her mother’s, but also, the doll served as her piece of comfort as she deals with the loss of her mother. Thus, I would recommend this phenomenal book to a reader of any age!
January 24, 2012
This book is a very moving story. Polacco can always be counted on to deliver a story that creates this sense in you that you know this person on a deeper basis than just reading a book about them. In a few pages, she has you holding their hand or sharing a laugh with them.
I use this book to teach students about the meaning of items that are special to us. If I give students a writing assignment about something that is special to them, I have endless amounts of them that want to write about their game system. After reading this book, they can see that I mean something that has a deeper meaning.
I use this book to teach students about the meaning of items that are special to us. If I give students a writing assignment about something that is special to them, I have endless amounts of them that want to write about their game system. After reading this book, they can see that I mean something that has a deeper meaning.
March 17, 2013
Title: Betty Doll
Author and Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Penguin Groups Inc.
Date: 2004
Genre: realistic fiction
The main character, Mary-Ellen, gets a doll from her mother and names it Betty Doll. The doll goes everywhere with the child, and it protects her and gives her comfort during the times she needs it most. Children can relate to this book, as many of them have a similar item that they are attached to. The book contains a mix of emotions and leaves the reader feeling satisfied and thinking about the memories and love shown through the story. This book would be great for a read-aloud and would prompt many discussions within the classroom.
Author and Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Penguin Groups Inc.
Date: 2004
Genre: realistic fiction
The main character, Mary-Ellen, gets a doll from her mother and names it Betty Doll. The doll goes everywhere with the child, and it protects her and gives her comfort during the times she needs it most. Children can relate to this book, as many of them have a similar item that they are attached to. The book contains a mix of emotions and leaves the reader feeling satisfied and thinking about the memories and love shown through the story. This book would be great for a read-aloud and would prompt many discussions within the classroom.
June 6, 2007
I can't read this book without getting all choked up. But I'm a sucker for sentimentality and that's cool. My favorite thing about Polacco's stories is that they are largely true, based on her family history and her life. My favorite thing about her artwork in this book is the photographs. Look closely. The drawings are colored pencil, possibly with some watercolor (?), but all the photographs on fireplace mantles and walls are real. She scanned family photos and put them in her book. I love that.
July 13, 2012
I love when I read a book so powerful it moves my daughter and myself to tears. This is one of those books. Extremely touching story of a women (Patricia Polacco) who comes across a doll wrapped in a hand written story that her mother (Mary Ellen) left for her to find after her death. Mary Ellen wrote about how the doll, Betty, came to be and many of the joys and sorrows she and Betty shared over the years. This story has inspired me to start writing letters to set aside for my own daughter to find after I have left this earth, hopefully many many many moons from now.
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March 2, 2016Patricia Polacco has done a beautiful job in transforming a letter from her mom into a story that everyone can read, and reflect on their own life.
After her mother passed away, Patricia found a letter from her mother about her doll and her life story. Patricia uses the letter to create illustrations that bring the words and emotions of the letter to life. The story covers the life of Patricia's mom and how Betty the doll accompanied her throughout it.
Grade: 2nd Grade until 4th Grade
Topic: Death, Family, Family History,
After her mother passed away, Patricia found a letter from her mother about her doll and her life story. Patricia uses the letter to create illustrations that bring the words and emotions of the letter to life. The story covers the life of Patricia's mom and how Betty the doll accompanied her throughout it.
Grade: 2nd Grade until 4th Grade
Topic: Death, Family, Family History,
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June 22, 2016Review by Danielle Seyler
Betty Doll by Patricia Polacco
A memoir of Polacco’s life shown through the life of Mary Ellen and her doll that she passed down to her daughter, Trisha. This doll represented comfort, protection, and held many memories from two generations. The reader’s eye is guided to the doll every time it appears, as it is in full color against black and white art behind it.
In the classroom, this can be used as part of an Author's Study. Many templates can be found on pinterest and teacherspayteachers.com.
Betty Doll by Patricia Polacco
A memoir of Polacco’s life shown through the life of Mary Ellen and her doll that she passed down to her daughter, Trisha. This doll represented comfort, protection, and held many memories from two generations. The reader’s eye is guided to the doll every time it appears, as it is in full color against black and white art behind it.
In the classroom, this can be used as part of an Author's Study. Many templates can be found on pinterest and teacherspayteachers.com.
September 29, 2023
Books about mothers will make me cry and this book is no exception. I sobbed when I came back to our office to see if anyone else wanted to read it.
A really lovely story about the your mom was a kid before she grew up, how adults get scared and sometimes their loveys will still bring them comfort, and the gift of a note that's cherished when the person who wrote it is gone.
Update 9/29/2023: read it and cried again. Really such a lovely, heartfelt picture book.
A really lovely story about the your mom was a kid before she grew up, how adults get scared and sometimes their loveys will still bring them comfort, and the gift of a note that's cherished when the person who wrote it is gone.
Update 9/29/2023: read it and cried again. Really such a lovely, heartfelt picture book.
August 8, 2014
Warm story about how a doll kept Mary Ellen comforted in many situations while growing up and even after she passes away. Highlighting many moments in her life where comfort might be needed, Patricia Polacco writes heart warming stories of her mothers love for her doll. Heart warming, lifetime timeline, difficulty,helpful, simplicity.
June 2, 2015
These stories make me cry sometimes. The tale of everything this doll had seen and been part of, this amazing parade of LIFE touched me and made me miss my own mother. There's a lot of stories in the things around us. Ms. Polacco helps to not forget just how precious those stories are.
June 3, 2007
This was a fantastically moving book that would be a lovely gift for someone who has or is about to lose a loved one. Beautifully written..she can really reach deeply into your heart!
October 9, 2008
Betty Doll is the story of a doll that was handed down in Patricia Polacco's family for generations. This doll has been through many, many adventures. Find out where she ends up by reading the book.
April 29, 2009
Great story. Brought tears to my eyes.
March 30, 2011
This is a good book to read after someone special dies in a child's life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews