Customer Reviews

The Surprise Doll

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I HAD THIS BOOK AS A CHILD, AND IT REMAINS MEMORABLE TO THIS DAY. It even seems an ESPECIALLY important book for right now -- at the beginning of the 21st century, and I think that everyone in the entire world should get to read it! I'll say why, after explaining the plot....

The story is sweet, simple to understand, and suspenseful, as well! In a nutshell, it tells the story of Mary, a little AMERICAN girl whose father, a sea-captain, brings her back dolls from all the countries he has been to. After a while, she has six dolls: French, Russian, Dutch, Chinese, Italian and Spanish. But Mary wants a Sunday doll too...after all, there are seven days in the week! Her father thinks that "Six dolls are enough for any little girl", so Mary has to get the doll herself. She brings all her dolls to the dollmaker, and tells him to make her a "surprise doll"....one for Sunday.

The suspense is in this section. What will the doll look like?

Finally, Mary has her doll, and.........( SPOILER__ALERT! )....the doll looks JUST LIKE MARY! And why does it look just like Mary? Well, that's the secret and wonder of this book!

In the real world, where, in most countries, everyone is related in some way to everyone else -- America, (and probably Canada, too), are....different. For, these North American countries, are, by and large, made up of the descendants of IMMIGRANTS. We have, of course, various COMMUNITIES made up of those of common descent, (areas called "Little Italy", "Chinatown", etc. can be found in many American cities)....but the COUNTRY, as a whole, comprises MANY ethnic groups.

Proud of our ancestry, we are still also proud to be citizens of the U.S. (or Canada). This is sometimes difficult for Europeans -- whose countries are comprised of far more homogeneous populations -- to understand. Perhaps the late comedian, Alan King, (who was Jewish), said it best: "Israel is my mother, America is my wife: I love them both!!!!"

It would be spoiling the ending of the book to state exactly what it is. But "The Surprise Doll" IS the story of America's "many populations into one", in a delightful microcosm. A reading of the various reviews of this book, here on Amazon....and a close examination of the picture of the cover of the book....should give strong hints as to what the ending of the book is! : )

Today, too many people, in too many countries, criticize the USA. True, the USA is far from perfect. (Neither is Canada). But these two countries have at least one ideal that other lands would, I feel, do well to copy: we respect the INDIVIDUAL. People in various ethnic groups are as different as, (for example): Al Capone and Mario Lanza, (Italian descent); and Meyer Lansky and Jonas Salk, (Jewish descent). There's good and bad in every group....but we are ALL AMERICANS, (and all Canadians!) The story of "The Surprise Doll" is the story of the North American "Melting Pot" in it's best, and simplist, sweetest telling. I hope everyone -- especially those who criticize the USA -- can somehow read "The Surprise Doll", to see that the little girl, Mary, continues to love every one of her 6 previous dolls....but that she has a special place in her heart for her special, Sunday doll. Why she feels as she feels for each of her dolls, is the REAL story of what America, (and Canada), strive to -- and often succeed in -- being!

A happy surprise for the 21st century to re-discover and learn from, indeed!

This book was my favorite book my grandmother read to me years ago. I was thrilled to find it again! I just bought it for my grandaughter.

This book was one of my favorites when I was a little girl, and my six-year-old daughter loves it today. It is a very happy little tale about a little girl who has a special doll for every day of the week except Sunday. When she asks the doll-maker to make a Sunday doll, he has a very special type of doll in mind. The sweet, simple illustrations help to make the story. Any little girl from about ages three to seven will love the way that this charming story ends.

This was my favorite book as a child. I purchased a copy on e-bay many years ago. I was thrilled when I found that it was going to be re-printed! It brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it! This book not only entertains but also teaches American children what a 'melting pot' this country really is! I highly recommend it!

I bought this book for my younger sister. It was her favorite as a child and is a truly charming story. My sister and I are both over 50! It's not often I see my sister weep with joy and hug a book. I did good!! I do recommend it for any little girl now also.

I have loved this book since I was a child and have longed for its return. I was so pleased when it was back in print! A simple little book with darling pictures and cute tale, enough to create warm memories with your own child. A treasure for years to come, both in hand and in memory.

I am so thrilled to find that this book has been released again. This was my favorite book as a child. And it was one of my mother's favorites as a child as well. I have an old worn out copy that I found a few years ago so I could read it to my daughter. My daughter loves it and wants to read it by herself now. What a joy to find that I can purchase her a copy that isn't falling apart and she can enjoy for years to come! Such a timeless story that any little girls who love dolls will enjoy and read time and time again!

I was so happy to find that this book is back in print. I loved it as a kid, and I'm glad to have it for my kids now. I was surprised to find that some new illustrations and a little bit of new text had been added, but it didn't detract from the original. All the original pictures and text are still there.

I also had this book when I was a child and read it over and over!! Wishing I had kept some of those old classic story books I had.

Wow, I can't believe this book is available again. Being the youngest of 5 girls, the book got lots of wear when I was growing up, and probably disintegrated, and to find this fantastic replica made my whole year brighter. The story is so heart warming, and is such a good "feel-good" story. I'm anxious to share it with my grandkids.