Trouble Dolls [Paperback]

Jimmy Buffett (Author), Savannah Jane Buffett (Author), Lambert Davis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1997 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

When Lizzy Rhinehart’s father is lost in the Florida Everglades, she calls on the help of her golden retriever, tiny Guatemalan “trouble dolls,” and a magic blue macaw to save him before a ferocious storm begins. "A welcome blend of myth and reality, set in modern times but connected by folklore to the world of animals and magic."--Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this unusually long story geared to the older picture book reader, Lizzy Rhinehart discovers that her father, a noted environmentalist, has been lost in the Florida Everglades. Having only her housekeeper and her dog to rely on, Lizzy is distraught--until she remembers the "trouble dolls" her father bought her in Guatemala. Legend has it that if you tell the dolls your troubles before going to sleep, they will find a solution. Lifting up her pillow, Lizzy takes comfort at the sight of a tiny village full of trouble dolls busily working on all sorts of problems. The next day, with the dolls perched on her visor, Lizzy and her dog take off to find her father. This emotionally charged story is a welcome blend of myth and reality, set in modern times but connected by folklore to the world of animals and magic. Davis's atmospheric illustrations glow with the warm colors of the tropics and the same flavor as these collaborators' The Jolly Mon. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- Dr. Rhinehart, a scientist, is lost when his plane crashes in the Everglades. His young daughter, desperate to know what has happened to him, unpacks her Guatemalan trouble dolls. The four tiny figures come alive on her pillow and offer to guide her to her father. Encouraged by her wise Seminole housekeeper, Lizzy clambers aboard her sailboat and travels through alligator-infested waters. The dolls Pedro and Julio fly off on the back of a blue parrot, locate the downed plane, and lead Lizzy to her father. The lengthy, detailed plot with its predictable outcome depends too much on the unbelievable premise that the dolls can become actors in the world of real people, and that a nine-year-old child can fearlessly accomplish a dangerous rescue. However, the acrylic paintings, styled like Mexican murals and executed in bright Caribbean colors, are pleasant, and the affection between father and daughter is a touching feature. Youngsters attracted by the romance of the Everglades and by the celebrity status of Buffett and his daughter will enjoy the story for the make-believe adventure that it is. --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (April 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152015019
• ISBN-13: 978-0152015015
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TROUBLE DOLLS PROVES NOT TROUBLING TO READ!, December 27, 1999

By 

Maryanne Barr (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trouble Dolls (Hardcover)

TROUBLE DOLLS by JIMMY BUFFETT and SAVANNAH JANE BUFFETT is a really great story! It has many elements within it that are similar to the life of JIMMY BUFFETT, which PARROTHEADS will be sure to notice. The imagination runs wild in reading TROUBLE DOLLS! Mental pictures of the Florida Keys and longing for them are results of reading this book. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, too! I highly recommend this book to people of all ages - PARROTHEADS . . . lovers of the tropics . . . children . . . adults that need a getaway for just a few minutes. The book is great! Find out for yourself!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HE writes like he sings, November 16, 1999

By 

Karen (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trouble Dolls (Paperback)

I read this book and JOLLY MON to my fourth and fifth grade students. They LOVED it and wanted to know if he had written any more books. The story is sweet and my students were impressed with Lizzie's courage and sailing ability.

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduce your kids to Jimmy Buffett's imagination, September 9, 2008

By 

Jerrod (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trouble Dolls (Hardcover)

I haven't read this myself but I've read all of Jimmy's novels and his autobiography. I figured his children's books would inspire the same imagination for kids that his other books have done for me.

The twins' mom tells me that the girls love it.