Annabelle Doll is eight years old-she has been for more than a hundred years. Not a lot has happened to her, cooped up in the dollhouse, with the same doll family, day after day, year after year. . . until one day the Funcrafts move in.
For use in schools and libraries only. This clever blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure revolves around a family of porcelain dolls that have lived in the same house for 100 years and another family of new plastic dolls that moves into the house with them. With striking illustrations from
Annabelle Doll, Tiffany Funcraft, and their families are whisked out to sea when the Palmers accidentally place them in a box destined for charity donation. And it turns out they're not alone-there are plenty of other doll people on the ship, too. Af
Annabelle Doll, Tiffany Funcraft, and their families are whisked out to sea when the Palmers accidentally place them in a box destined for charity donation. And it turns out they're not alone-there are plenty of other doll people on the ship, too. After traveling thousands of miles, will they be able to find their way home? In the fourth installment in the beloved Doll People series, Brett Helquist joins Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin on another exhilarating adventure from a doll's-eye view. Praise for The Doll People Set Sail * "A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action (on a miniature scale) and personable new dolls to discover." -Publishers Weekly, starred review "Fans will welcome aboard Helquist, whose artwork is inspired by and takes off from the excellent illustrations established in the earlier books by Brian Selznick; indeed, Annabelle is even more winsome and expressive here.... Readers are guaranteed very smooth sailing." -Kirkus Reviews "This is a good choice for independent readers ready to try something longer." -School Library Journal "Though it's not necessary to have read the first three entries, it's the stalwart fans who will be cheering 'Doll power!' the loudest as these beloved characters prove once again they can all work together despite their very different personalities, the Dolls and the Funcrafts combining their traits of caution and courage in the best way possible." -Horn Book Praise for The Runaway Dolls * "Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture." -Publishers Weekly, starred review Praise for The Meanest Doll in the World * "Wrapped in humor and adventure are serious considerations of self-esteem, the power of intimidation, and the nature of friendship." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review Praise for The Doll People "Entertaining and satisfying." -The New York Times * "Doll lovers may well approach their imaginative play with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of wonder after reading this fun-filled adventure." -Publishers Weekly, starred review * "[A] marvelous treat." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Six friends are returning home from a night out when they end up in a town called Stokes. They discover they are trapped there, as Stokes does not really exist. The actual town had burned to the ground more than fifty years ago. The Stokes they are in is a nightmare version of the former town, engineered by a deranged and undead mind, a supernatural machine of wrath that will destroy them one by one … unless they submit to its dominance and become living dolls.
This eclectic overview of horror cinema offers up a collection of horror films for practically any occasion and literally every day of the year. For example, the author recommends commemorating United Nations Day (October 24) with a screening of The Colossus of New York, whose startling climax takes place at the U.N. Building. Each day-by-day entry includes the movie title, production year, plot summary and critique, along with a brief explanation of how the film fits into the history of that particular day and interesting anecdotes on the film's production.
When Ann M. Martin was asked to write the first four Baby-sitters Club books in 1985, she had no way of knowing she was about to change the face of children's publishing.
Anne Tyler's novels strike a deep chord of responsiveness in her readers because her novels bring to life contemporary characters to whom we can instantly relate and in whose experiences we can see mirrored our own. Tyler's novels deal with the human experience: relationships between marital partners, between parents and children...between siblings; the meaning of love; the nature of identity; impermanence and change; and loss and continuity. In Anne Tyler novels, life is a complexity whose texture is built out of multiple layers. In this insightful study, Paul Bail shows us how Tyler constructs the complex reality of life through character, narrative point of view, theme, and literary devices. With the exception of Tyler's earliest two novels, which she prefers to forget, a chapter is devoted to each of the other novels she has written. Among the twelve are her unforgettable novels of family relationships and love...loss and renewal, such as Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Accidental Tourist, and Breathing Lessons. Also included is an analysis of Tyler's most recent novel, A Patchwork Planet. Following a biographical chapter that relates Tyler's life to her work, Bail discusses the novels within the literary tradition of Southern regional literature, women's literature, and popular culture. He also explores the influence of religion on her writing. Each novel is discussed in an individual chapter that includes sections on plot, characters, themes, literary devices, historical setting, and point of view. Bail also offers an alternate critical approach from which to read the novel, such as feminist or multicultural criticism. This study is ideal for students and readers of Anne Tyler and will enrich the reading and appreciation of her novels.
In 'The Mary Frances Garden Book; or, Adventures Among the Garden People', Jane Eayre Fryer takes readers on a whimsical journey through the magical world of the garden populated by charming anthropomorphic characters. The book combines storytelling with practical gardening advice, making it a unique blend of fiction and non-fiction. Fryer's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring the garden and its inhabitants to life, creating an enchanting reading experience. The book's charming illustrations add to the sense of wonder and magic that permeates the narrative. Set in the early 20th century, the book reflects the era's interest in nature and the outdoors, making it a valuable literary artifact of its time. Jane Eayre Fryer, a prolific children's author and educator, drew inspiration from her own love of gardening and nature to write 'The Mary Frances Garden Book'. Her background in education and her passion for storytelling are evident in the book's engaging and informative style. Fryer's unique approach to combining storytelling with practical information sets her apart as a writer who is both imaginative and educational. 'The Mary Frances Garden Book; or, Adventures Among the Garden People' is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the magic of nature and enjoys a good story. With its enchanting narrative, charming characters, and valuable gardening tips, this book is sure to delight readers of all ages.