The Toymaker [Paperback]

Martin Waddell (Author), Terry Milne (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 1999 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A woman shares her childhood memories with her granddaughter when she returns to her father's toy shop to find that his precious gifts live on.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- An offbeat and appealing book, The Toymaker is a story in two parts. The first part tells of Matthew, the toymaker, who lovingly makes three dolls for his invalid daughter, Mary, that resemble the children playing outside his shop. Mary plays with her dolls until she is well enough to play with their real counterparts. In the second part, Mary, an old woman now, comes to the deserted toyshop with her granddaughter, Jane. They find the three dolls tucked away and place them in the window. The three elderly friends see them, and Mary gives each one their doll to keep. She then makes one for Jane, a Matthew doll--"and she made it with love, for she had not forgotten. Milne's illustrations are done in soft pastel watercolors and pen and ink, reminiscent of the work of Edward Ardizzone or Louis Slobodkin and very English in character. They sketch the shop and the old-fashioned clothing, and then switch to the modern little girl and her surroundings. Through both words and pictures, the book suggests tender, caring relationships between Mary and her father, her friends, and her granddaughter. The sadness and happiness of the past are intermingled in this quiet, pleasant, but nonessential story.
- Judy Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library , LA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763607053
• ISBN-13: 978-0763607050
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,971,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Martin Waddell is the Hans Christian Andersen Medal winner 2004 and two-time Smarties Prize winner. Among his many books for children are the Little Bear and Farmer Duck series. Martin lives in Newcastle in County Down.