Sophie and Rose (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Wendy Anderson Halperin (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sophie is overjoyed to discover Rose, a doll who has been in the family for two generations and is "so old-fashioned that she seemed like a visitor from another time." Sophie soon learns that Rose is fragile: when Sophie combs the doll's hair, a chunk falls out; a fall from a precarious perch chips Rose's nose; and when Sophie leaves her in the garden overnight, she loses an eye. Poor Rose is quite a sight by the book's end, but the doll's vulnerability endears her to Sophie all the more, and the two become inseparable: "[Sophie] knows she will always love her Rose, who listens with her seashell ears... and who was so brave through the long garden night." Moving but never sentimental, Lasky's (Marven of the Great North Woods) text proves the poetic power of simple, straightforward language, while Halperin's (Once Upon a Company) watercolors possess an old-fashioned quality with a muted palette and classic fabric and wallpaper patterns. The artist frequently breaks up the action into a series of freeze-frames that expand the action beyond the text (showing, for example, how Sophie inadvertently leaves Rose behind in the garden). An uplifting affirmation that beloved toys and imaginative play stand the test of time. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Sophie finds an old doll that once belonged to her mother and grandmother and names her Rose. The doll's hair is thinning and her dress is threadbare, but the girl loves her and takes her everywhere. Later, Rose falls from a shelf and chips her nose and some of her stuffing falls out. On a camping trip she's stained with chocolate and loses an eye when left out overnight. Through it all, Sophie loves her more and more. Lasky's writing is solid but there's not much of a story here. The saving grace is Halperin's watercolor-and-pencil artwork; done in soft colors with lots of flowers and patterns, the paintings have an antique look that creates a soft, warm atmosphere. The text appears in half-moons at the bottom of the pages. The full-page illustrations alternate with small vignettes that show Sophie playing with her doll, reading to her, and taking her on bike rides. Lacking a story line, the book is more a reflection of a loving relationship heightened by artwork that visually reinforces the pair's closeness. It might appeal to young girls who have a favorite doll and those older girls who remember a special friend.
Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 7, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763604593
• ISBN-13: 978-0763604592
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,518,402 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The simple pleasures of loving a doll, June 4, 1999

By A Customer

My seven year old and I sat down to read this book. It brought back memories of the little dolls that I had loved. The wear and tear on the little doll did not matter to Sophie. No matter what happen to Rose, Sophie loved her. The illustrations were wonderful. My little girl loved to follow the boxes around the edge. Everytime we read it, she discovers something new. I bought this book for her to keep and share with her children someday.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A modern day Velveteen Rabbit!, January 14, 2000

By A Customer

A truly touching story, brought to life with delightful illustrations from Wendy Anderson Halperin, about the special bond between a child and a treasured toy. As a collector of children's books, this one is a winner and will be treasured for years to come.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous drawings for a simple story, November 2, 1998

By A Customer

Wendy Anderson Halperin brings this simple story to life through her drawings! The "all-around-the-page" drawings will be recognizable as Halperin's trademark style. The intimacy and detail in which she traces the everyday relationship between a girl and her doll gives depth and warmth to an otherwise simple story. This book reinforces that imagination and simple pleasures are still part of the life of modern girls. It is a beautiful book! (And WHO is the mysterious lamb puppet??!!