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Impunity Jane
A tiny doll lives an adventurous life in a little boy's pocket and as a member of a gang of boys.
47 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1954
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267 people want to read
About the author
Rumer Godden
152 books552 followersMargaret Rumer Godden was an English author of more than 60 fiction and non-fiction books. Nine of her works have been made into films, most notably Black Narcissus in 1947 and The River in 1951.
A few of her works were co-written with her elder sister, novelist Jon Godden, including Two Under the Indian Sun, a memoir of the Goddens' childhood in a region of India now part of Bangladesh.
A few of her works were co-written with her elder sister, novelist Jon Godden, including Two Under the Indian Sun, a memoir of the Goddens' childhood in a region of India now part of Bangladesh.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 30, 2021
Impunity Jane is freed from the toy store only to languish on a beaded cushion (uncomfortable) as three generations of girls play around her without giving her the opportunity to really live. Then along comes Gideon. He swipes Jane and puts her in his pocket on a whim. She lives in there with a snail and other pocket detritus having the time of her life. When older boys search Gideon's pockets he thinks quickly to avoid being called a sissy. Then the fun really begins. Still, though, Gideon remembers that Jane is not rightfully his. Should he give her back to Ellen, her rightful owner? This short chapter book is nearly 70 years old, but I would argue the message is timeless. Impunity Jane is happiest when she is out living life and that is a message we can all take to heart. I also want to note that the ink and color illustrations by Adrienne Adams are a delightful complement to the narrative. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2019
Enjoyable though old-fashioned, Impunity Jane is the tale of a tiny doll and her adventures with different children, throughout decades of changing culture. This is a children’s book by Rumer Godden, published in 1954, which holds up pretty well by today’s standards. I have been re-reading children’s books by this author, over the last month or two.
Beginning with: “There was once a little doll who thought she belonged in a pocket. That was what she thought. Everyone else thought she belonged in a doll’s house. They put her in one but, as you will see, she ended up in a pocket,” the story follows a doll named Jane as she is possesed by a succession of children.
From Effie in the 1890s or early 1900s (based on clothing), through Elizabeth (1920s most likely), Ethel (1930s or 40s), to Ellen (1950s), Jane wishes to have adventures; to be put in a pocket and taken out into the world. Instead, she initially has the usual doll’s life of sitting in a dollhouse; being dressed in clothing sewn by little girls; keeping company with a child during her lessons; and being ignored by a child more interested in television and radio.
The story has some things to say, in its undercurrents, about the limitations of children’s activities and sometimes about lack of imagination.
(There is also a later theme about taking responsibility.)
Eventually, Impunity Jane is secretly (and thankfully!) appropriated by Gideon, a small boy who is Ellen’s cousin. Gideon is full to the brim with imagination, from wanting to place the dollhouse in a tree or onto a raft, and when he makes off with Impunity Jane, the excitement really begins!
I particularly love the segment about Gideon handling teasing from older boys, when they find out about his doll (and how he intuitively overcomes it and makes buddies out of bullies). This part reminds me slightly of another children’s book, William’s Doll (Charlotte Zolotow, pub. 1972), which I loved as a child. Also, I was happy to be reminded that Rumer Godden was a 1950s children’s author, already writing about the lack of gender specificity in toys. Good for her!
The story has a satisfying ending, and despite its age, I think it’s still worthy of being shared with kiddos. Imaginative kids (probably aged 5-8) would enjoy hearing about things from Impunity Jane’s perspective, and cheer her on as her wish for adventures finally comes true.
The illustrations are done by Adrienne Adams, 39 of them in this 48 page book, though none are full-page. Sketched in what appears to be black pencil, pictures are highlighted by a limited color palette of red and blue, but do a nice job of accenting many story events.
Similar to others of Godden’s, this book was likely meant for a slightly older childhood audience of independent readers (8-12), and some old-fashioned vocabulary may need to be explained, including the word “impunity” from the title. Today’s younger children might enjoy this as a read-aloud with a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver. From a teacher viewpoint, I don’t think this would lend itself to any specific curriculum area, but might be nice to include on a classroom-library bookshelf.
I first read this in my childhood, probably around 1970-73. As a child who loved dolls, the tale of a doll cognizant of her surroundings and activities had great appeal. I really enjoyed re-reading this as an adult, and recommend it.
{ Library archive copy; hardbound; seventh printing, June 1966. }
Beginning with: “There was once a little doll who thought she belonged in a pocket. That was what she thought. Everyone else thought she belonged in a doll’s house. They put her in one but, as you will see, she ended up in a pocket,” the story follows a doll named Jane as she is possesed by a succession of children.
From Effie in the 1890s or early 1900s (based on clothing), through Elizabeth (1920s most likely), Ethel (1930s or 40s), to Ellen (1950s), Jane wishes to have adventures; to be put in a pocket and taken out into the world. Instead, she initially has the usual doll’s life of sitting in a dollhouse; being dressed in clothing sewn by little girls; keeping company with a child during her lessons; and being ignored by a child more interested in television and radio.
The story has some things to say, in its undercurrents, about the limitations of children’s activities and sometimes about lack of imagination.
(There is also a later theme about taking responsibility.)
Eventually, Impunity Jane is secretly (and thankfully!) appropriated by Gideon, a small boy who is Ellen’s cousin. Gideon is full to the brim with imagination, from wanting to place the dollhouse in a tree or onto a raft, and when he makes off with Impunity Jane, the excitement really begins!
I particularly love the segment about Gideon handling teasing from older boys, when they find out about his doll (and how he intuitively overcomes it and makes buddies out of bullies). This part reminds me slightly of another children’s book, William’s Doll (Charlotte Zolotow, pub. 1972), which I loved as a child. Also, I was happy to be reminded that Rumer Godden was a 1950s children’s author, already writing about the lack of gender specificity in toys. Good for her!
The story has a satisfying ending, and despite its age, I think it’s still worthy of being shared with kiddos. Imaginative kids (probably aged 5-8) would enjoy hearing about things from Impunity Jane’s perspective, and cheer her on as her wish for adventures finally comes true.
The illustrations are done by Adrienne Adams, 39 of them in this 48 page book, though none are full-page. Sketched in what appears to be black pencil, pictures are highlighted by a limited color palette of red and blue, but do a nice job of accenting many story events.
Similar to others of Godden’s, this book was likely meant for a slightly older childhood audience of independent readers (8-12), and some old-fashioned vocabulary may need to be explained, including the word “impunity” from the title. Today’s younger children might enjoy this as a read-aloud with a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver. From a teacher viewpoint, I don’t think this would lend itself to any specific curriculum area, but might be nice to include on a classroom-library bookshelf.
I first read this in my childhood, probably around 1970-73. As a child who loved dolls, the tale of a doll cognizant of her surroundings and activities had great appeal. I really enjoyed re-reading this as an adult, and recommend it.
{ Library archive copy; hardbound; seventh printing, June 1966. }
January 27, 2008
I am reading this to my daughter right now and it brings back so many memories. The copy that I own is my mom's original...I have very fond memories of lying on my bed reading this over and over as a little girl. Its just a simple tale but something in it sparked my imagination then and still holds it now. Its very special to cuddle up with my girl and read it to her. I've never seen a copy in the library or in a bookstore but if you ever do ...pick it up.
July 3, 2008
This is the story of a doll who believes she belongs in a pocket, but no one will put here there! What I liked most about this story was that the Jane's favorite owner was a boy. I have a huge issue with parents who won't let their boys play with dolls. Really, aren't these young men going to be fathers someday? I can tell you that my boys both had a collection of Polly Pockets for a while and they and I thought it was great! Unfortunately they have both bought into the stereotypical "these are girls toys, these are boys toys" attitude that is so rampant in our society. Ugh...bugs me to no end!!!
September 20, 2018
Loved this! Impunity Jane follows a doll who doesn't want to stay in her doll's house and a boy who wants a doll to bring on adventures with. A really short story that ruptures the "only girls can play with dolls" and "only boys are adventurous" stereotypical nonsense.
August 4, 2025
Such a lovely little book! the illustrations are darling.
January 10, 2020
I am quite sure I have reviewed this on GR before, but the edition I read is gone so my review apparently went with it. I loved this story of an adventurous little doll who deals with four (or was it five?) generations of dull little girls who don't care for dolls before she meets her match in a young boy who finds her as much fun as she could want.
This title was unavailable at the library when I was young, in spite of the huge popularity of all Godden's other Doll Books, but in my small Midwestern town in the sixties and seventies I suppose the mere idea of a young boy choosing to carry a small bisque doll with him wherever he goes and actually play with it was just too outré for words. I am quite sure that neither the head librarian nor the children's librarian approved. Sucks to them, it's a great story.
This title was unavailable at the library when I was young, in spite of the huge popularity of all Godden's other Doll Books, but in my small Midwestern town in the sixties and seventies I suppose the mere idea of a young boy choosing to carry a small bisque doll with him wherever he goes and actually play with it was just too outré for words. I am quite sure that neither the head librarian nor the children's librarian approved. Sucks to them, it's a great story.
September 19, 2014
Darling little book - a perfect read for girls who'd rather do boy things and boys who'd rather do girl things.
I loved the idea of a little boy with a pocket doll and a pocket doll who loved sailing in a sailboat, gliding in an airplane, pretending to dig to Australia, acting out as a fossil mouse, and oh-so-many things.
A very short book, appropriate for grades 2/3
I loved the idea of a little boy with a pocket doll and a pocket doll who loved sailing in a sailboat, gliding in an airplane, pretending to dig to Australia, acting out as a fossil mouse, and oh-so-many things.
A very short book, appropriate for grades 2/3
January 16, 2009
Impunity Jane, the pocket doll, languishes until a young boy takes her along on his fun adventures. Out of the dollhouse and into the world! Laugh out loud funny and good opportunity to discuss "how times have changed" etc. if read to a child.
April 24, 2015
Sweet little short story about a pocket doll who longs for a life of adventure. First read it as an 8 year old. Just read it to my 5 year old son. ❤️❤️❤️
September 3, 2021
Very short, concise. I read it in a collection; I wonder if illustrations enhance. I would have loved it when I was a child, but I'm not too sure how well it holds up, and I wasn't terribly impressed atm. 3.5 stars.
August 5, 2022
This was cute and innocent.
September 6, 2022
Gorgeous book, loved the ending
December 20, 2025
We love this sweet tale.
December 6, 2021
I really liked this one.
September 11, 2016
Everything that I've read so far by Rumer Godden has been 5 stars! I really loved this story! I think that it first came out in 1956 or there-abouts, so she was ahead of her time in the kinds of stories that she wrote for children. This book is about a boy that has a doll that he goes on adventures with. In the end, he is afraid that he will be teased for having a doll, but he stands up for her and does not get teased! The other boys want to take her on adventures too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2008
doing some research on Rumer Godden and revisiting her kid books - oh how I love her doll books. Only she can pack the angst of being a woman into a small wooden doll.
December 5, 2009
Loved, loved loved this book. Beautiful illustrations, and a sweet sweet story where even a boy can love a doll.
May 31, 2012
Just a short book about a doll imprisoned in a dollhouse who wants to see the world. Finally she is put into the pocket of a boy and has some adventures.
October 19, 2015
A doll and her boy!
March 20, 2016
Fun Rumer Godden doll story for spunky kids.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews