THE GO-AWAY DOLL

The story is secondary to purpose in this entry in a new series, Dr. H Books. Cara’s doll, Monica, is missing, and her neighbor, Mr. Sidney, immediately suggests that the doll is traveling around the world and brandishes a note from Monica to prove it. Postcards addressed to Cara begin to arrive via Mr. Sidney, detailing the doll’s adventures among the Apache and the Zulu, and throughout Sweden and Japan. In the end, it’s all a ruse to smooth over Mr. Sidney’s own departure. Stiff prose, heavy on intent, relate the coincidences or deceptions that propel the story forward, while a lack of an established prior relationship between Cara and Mr. Sidney makes his endeavors seem strained. Genial but stiff illustrations in smooth earth tones accompany the story. (Picture book. 4-6)