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Weirdville
The Doll Maker
Derek’s little sister wants one of those creepy-looking dolls, staring at him from the strange new doll shop in town, and what his sister wants, she gets. Now they’re stuck with a doll that looks so human, it gives Derek the creeps.
When Derek tells his friends, Martin and Jamie, about the new shop with creepy human-like dolls, they want to see for themselves. That has “bad idea” written all over it, but he takes his friends there anyway.
They meet the mysterious doll maker, who reminds Derek of Dr. Frankenstein, and who brainwashes Martin into buying one of those scary dolls. Derek and Jamie push and pull Martin out of the shop, but something isn’t right with their friend. He’s shivering all over, and he has no memory of what happened in the shop.
Martin’s condition worsens every day, and Derek’s sister grows more and more obsessed with her new doll. Derek and Jamie have to find out what’s going on, and fast, because...
...the doll maker seems linked to a bunch of mysterious disappearances, and the last thing Derek wants is his sister, or his friend, being next on the doll maker’s list.
When Derek tells his friends, Martin and Jamie, about the new shop with creepy human-like dolls, they want to see for themselves. That has “bad idea” written all over it, but he takes his friends there anyway.
They meet the mysterious doll maker, who reminds Derek of Dr. Frankenstein, and who brainwashes Martin into buying one of those scary dolls. Derek and Jamie push and pull Martin out of the shop, but something isn’t right with their friend. He’s shivering all over, and he has no memory of what happened in the shop.
Martin’s condition worsens every day, and Derek’s sister grows more and more obsessed with her new doll. Derek and Jamie have to find out what’s going on, and fast, because...
...the doll maker seems linked to a bunch of mysterious disappearances, and the last thing Derek wants is his sister, or his friend, being next on the doll maker’s list.
86 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2013
3 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Majanka Verstraete
70 books405 followersAuthor Majanka Verstraete has written more than twenty unique works of fiction. A native of Belgium, Majanka’s novels explore the true nature of monsters: the good, the bad, and just about every species in between. Her young adult books include the acclaimed Mirrorland (YA Dark Fantasy) and Angel of Death (YA Paranormal) series of novels.
Majanka is currently developing a new YA shifter series with a fresh take on fierce female detectives called THE ADVENTURES OF MARISOL HOLMES which will be published by Monster House Books in October 2018.
Her NA paranormal romance series, Ghost Slayer, has been picked up by Fire Quill Publishing. The first volume will be released in 2017.
When she’s not writing, Majanka is probably playing World of Warcraft or catching up with the dozens of TV series she’s addicted to.
You can find more about my books on http://majankaverstraete.com
Majanka is currently developing a new YA shifter series with a fresh take on fierce female detectives called THE ADVENTURES OF MARISOL HOLMES which will be published by Monster House Books in October 2018.
Her NA paranormal romance series, Ghost Slayer, has been picked up by Fire Quill Publishing. The first volume will be released in 2017.
When she’s not writing, Majanka is probably playing World of Warcraft or catching up with the dozens of TV series she’s addicted to.
You can find more about my books on http://majankaverstraete.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 16, 2013
Full review available at www.naimeless.wordpress.com
I love children's literature, for two reasons.
1. It's where that love for reading really starts to bloom. I think parents should read to their kids on a regular basis, but I've noticed that it's often not until a youngster picks up a book for the first time and reads it on their own, that the love for reading really begins.
2.It has the potential to make kids interested in the world around them, and foster a variety of interests that parents may not think of in their busy lives. Books and imagination and turning fantasy into reality and real-world interests are part of the reason I still enjoy reading chapter books. I might not be a 'kid' anymore, but I do still enjoy chapter books from time to time. I read this one with a close eye for detail, and wanted to look at some of the deeper meanings a young child might get out of it. In short, the teacher in me came out.
What can we learn from a bunch of creepy dolls?
What will a young reader take away with them after finishing this book?
Who should buy this book, and why right now?
Lets answer the last one first, because it's the easiest. Children up to age 12 will enjoy it, it's a pretty great theme for this holiday/Halloween season, and it's on SALE. I should also mention that a parent could probably leave this with their 10-12 year old, and they'd read the whole thing by themselves without trouble. It's very well written and targeted at a young audience. The vocabulary isn't too tough, but it's not boring either. Depending on the reader, I can see it fostering a whole pile of great questions, and 'teachable' moments for parents and teachers alike. For instance, my 11 year old self (if I hadn't already been reading Nietzsche and Dante) would totally be asking "Why do some people find dolls so creepy?" The teacher in me would have all kinds of wonderful conversations about phobias, dolls and history. Have YOU ever been to a doll museum? It's can be a great outing, and I can just imagine all the ideas it would give kids after reading this book.
What can we learn from a bunch of creepy dolls?
Well, for starters, we can learn a little bit about dolls, then there's the underlying message about not trusting strangers (always important for kids, especially as they begin to step out into the world on their own). We can also learn how toys, sometimes dolls, are a child's best friend. Often a child is so close to its toys they take on imaginative personalities of their own and become friends for life. An imaginary friend in the form of a real-looking creepy doll like Tim is a whole other matter though.
What will a young reader take away with them after finishing this book?
The book was loads of fun to read, it bordered on scary, but not so scary your mom has to read it with you. I think it's well suited to 9-11 year olds, and they could easily read it by themselves or with a parent.
This is one of those books that will keep kids reading, it's fast paced, well aimed at young children, and interesting. I think it would read equally well for boys and girls, and with so much young adult girl literature out there, this was a breath of fresh air. It has some great action scenes including one in the doll maker's shop, and lots of description to get the imagination flowing. It also ends on a cliff-hanger, and I can only hope there are more Weirdville books to come in the future.
I wanted to come up with a great recipe to feature with this book, but instead ended up looking at pumpkin carving and other scary Halloween fun-ness on Pinterest the other day. So, I made soup instead as I have also been suffering from the flu for a few days now, and my mommy lives far away :( . For once, I didn't include it at the bottom either. Trust me, you'll have more fun looking at pinterest boards than regurgitating soup. :S
I love children's literature, for two reasons.
1. It's where that love for reading really starts to bloom. I think parents should read to their kids on a regular basis, but I've noticed that it's often not until a youngster picks up a book for the first time and reads it on their own, that the love for reading really begins.
2.It has the potential to make kids interested in the world around them, and foster a variety of interests that parents may not think of in their busy lives. Books and imagination and turning fantasy into reality and real-world interests are part of the reason I still enjoy reading chapter books. I might not be a 'kid' anymore, but I do still enjoy chapter books from time to time. I read this one with a close eye for detail, and wanted to look at some of the deeper meanings a young child might get out of it. In short, the teacher in me came out.
What can we learn from a bunch of creepy dolls?
What will a young reader take away with them after finishing this book?
Who should buy this book, and why right now?
Lets answer the last one first, because it's the easiest. Children up to age 12 will enjoy it, it's a pretty great theme for this holiday/Halloween season, and it's on SALE. I should also mention that a parent could probably leave this with their 10-12 year old, and they'd read the whole thing by themselves without trouble. It's very well written and targeted at a young audience. The vocabulary isn't too tough, but it's not boring either. Depending on the reader, I can see it fostering a whole pile of great questions, and 'teachable' moments for parents and teachers alike. For instance, my 11 year old self (if I hadn't already been reading Nietzsche and Dante) would totally be asking "Why do some people find dolls so creepy?" The teacher in me would have all kinds of wonderful conversations about phobias, dolls and history. Have YOU ever been to a doll museum? It's can be a great outing, and I can just imagine all the ideas it would give kids after reading this book.
What can we learn from a bunch of creepy dolls?
Well, for starters, we can learn a little bit about dolls, then there's the underlying message about not trusting strangers (always important for kids, especially as they begin to step out into the world on their own). We can also learn how toys, sometimes dolls, are a child's best friend. Often a child is so close to its toys they take on imaginative personalities of their own and become friends for life. An imaginary friend in the form of a real-looking creepy doll like Tim is a whole other matter though.
What will a young reader take away with them after finishing this book?
The book was loads of fun to read, it bordered on scary, but not so scary your mom has to read it with you. I think it's well suited to 9-11 year olds, and they could easily read it by themselves or with a parent.
This is one of those books that will keep kids reading, it's fast paced, well aimed at young children, and interesting. I think it would read equally well for boys and girls, and with so much young adult girl literature out there, this was a breath of fresh air. It has some great action scenes including one in the doll maker's shop, and lots of description to get the imagination flowing. It also ends on a cliff-hanger, and I can only hope there are more Weirdville books to come in the future.
I wanted to come up with a great recipe to feature with this book, but instead ended up looking at pumpkin carving and other scary Halloween fun-ness on Pinterest the other day. So, I made soup instead as I have also been suffering from the flu for a few days now, and my mommy lives far away :( . For once, I didn't include it at the bottom either. Trust me, you'll have more fun looking at pinterest boards than regurgitating soup. :S
November 7, 2013
When a doll in a store window catches Annie’s eyes one day, Derek rolls his eyes. After their mother buys the doll, Derek soon wonders if there is more to this doll than meets the eye. Is the doll really alive?
Look out former fans of Chucky (and those who just ran away from here screaming)! I was just waiting for this doll to sit up and say, “Hi, I am Timmy. Wanna play?” Okay, so maybe I am exaggerating. This book, of course, was much tamer than Child’s Play. After all, this is a children’s book. What you have here is suspense and mystery but without all of that gore. It is a delightfully, spooky tale.
It’s nice to read a kids story with a boy as the main character. The tone and mindset was spot on for a 10 year old boy. Derek felt realistic. He would never be caught dead playing with a doll. Dolls are for girls. Little sisters are annoying brats. Friends are there for you no matter what. And Mom fixes all.
I foresee kids begging to continue on with the story to find out what happens at the end. It’s one of those where parents will need to set up clear boundaries before beginning, like, “We’re only going to read one chapter tonight, okay?” The mystery keeps those pages turning.
The ending was wonderful. Boys showed that they can make plans, be smart, and thwart bad adults. And yet, the door is open for the following books in this series. After a book like this, I would be surprised for anyone not continuing with this series.
If I had to give some feedback for the author, I would suggest including an exaggerated characteristic or two with the characters. Martin and Jamie seemed pretty interchangeable. Something to define them would help. In the end, they become distinguishable by their circumstances. It’s just a thought.
I enjoyed this. Although this is written for kids, geared for the 6-12 age group, anyone really who loves scary stories will enjoy this. This doll was definitely creeptastic!
Disclaimer: All books reviewed by me have been received via purchase, lending, or given to me by an author or publisher for the purposes of an honest review. No reviews are purchased. They are my own opinion. For more reviews such as this, please visit http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com
Look out former fans of Chucky (and those who just ran away from here screaming)! I was just waiting for this doll to sit up and say, “Hi, I am Timmy. Wanna play?” Okay, so maybe I am exaggerating. This book, of course, was much tamer than Child’s Play. After all, this is a children’s book. What you have here is suspense and mystery but without all of that gore. It is a delightfully, spooky tale.
It’s nice to read a kids story with a boy as the main character. The tone and mindset was spot on for a 10 year old boy. Derek felt realistic. He would never be caught dead playing with a doll. Dolls are for girls. Little sisters are annoying brats. Friends are there for you no matter what. And Mom fixes all.
I foresee kids begging to continue on with the story to find out what happens at the end. It’s one of those where parents will need to set up clear boundaries before beginning, like, “We’re only going to read one chapter tonight, okay?” The mystery keeps those pages turning.
The ending was wonderful. Boys showed that they can make plans, be smart, and thwart bad adults. And yet, the door is open for the following books in this series. After a book like this, I would be surprised for anyone not continuing with this series.
If I had to give some feedback for the author, I would suggest including an exaggerated characteristic or two with the characters. Martin and Jamie seemed pretty interchangeable. Something to define them would help. In the end, they become distinguishable by their circumstances. It’s just a thought.
I enjoyed this. Although this is written for kids, geared for the 6-12 age group, anyone really who loves scary stories will enjoy this. This doll was definitely creeptastic!
Disclaimer: All books reviewed by me have been received via purchase, lending, or given to me by an author or publisher for the purposes of an honest review. No reviews are purchased. They are my own opinion. For more reviews such as this, please visit http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com
October 12, 2013
With the feel of a story told around a campfire, or during a sleepover, Majanka Verstraete tells the story of the new doll maker in Weirdville, and the trouble one doll brings to an older brother. When Annie gets ‘everything’ and wants the doll, Tim, Derek is convinced something isn’t quite right with the doll or the shop it came from.
Lifeless in front of everyone but his sister, Derek is convinced the doll is stalking him, and that the doll maker is up to no good. When he recounts tales of the animating doll, his parents believe he is lying, and while he doesn’t claim to always be honest, he is deeply hurt.
The twists in this story are deliciously creepy: scary in that give you a chill and perhaps make you put all the dolls in the house under lock and key. In a fairly short time, Derek is easy to relate to with those issues common to all siblings, and a curiosity that begs to be fed. Geared for readers aged 6 – 10, this story is a perfect read for the Halloween season, with just enough creep factor to be scary, but not so much that nightmares will ensue.
The kids in this story are in the forefront: with appropriate recognition of their own limits and abilities, and honest communication of their fears and concerns: even when the adults are not listening. Enough twists and action to keep engaged, while the story does present a satisfactory ending, for the moment. I look forward to the next in this clever series.
I received an eBook from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Lifeless in front of everyone but his sister, Derek is convinced the doll is stalking him, and that the doll maker is up to no good. When he recounts tales of the animating doll, his parents believe he is lying, and while he doesn’t claim to always be honest, he is deeply hurt.
The twists in this story are deliciously creepy: scary in that give you a chill and perhaps make you put all the dolls in the house under lock and key. In a fairly short time, Derek is easy to relate to with those issues common to all siblings, and a curiosity that begs to be fed. Geared for readers aged 6 – 10, this story is a perfect read for the Halloween season, with just enough creep factor to be scary, but not so much that nightmares will ensue.
The kids in this story are in the forefront: with appropriate recognition of their own limits and abilities, and honest communication of their fears and concerns: even when the adults are not listening. Enough twists and action to keep engaged, while the story does present a satisfactory ending, for the moment. I look forward to the next in this clever series.
I received an eBook from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 15, 2013
This book was like stepping back into my childhood and reading Goosebumps under my blanket with a flashlight.
The Doll Maker by Majanka Verstraete is the kind of book that has you getting very nervous for these boys that come across theses weird dolls. The depiction of them reminded me why I am VERY picky about dolls and had more stuffed animals than them.
A little bit twisted Pinocchio, a little bit Chucky for young kids (I hate to use that analogy but it's the only one aside from The Doll House movie that I can think that describes that so much!) it was a fun read and a relief in a good way to figure out what happens in the end.
I loved that Verstraete captured that R.L. Stine feel with out being too scary and still very enjoyable. My favorite part is where Derek and Jamie figure the whole thing out and try to confront the bad guy very nonchalantly. It was great! I can't wait for the rest of the Weirdville series to come out!
The Doll Maker by Majanka Verstraete is the kind of book that has you getting very nervous for these boys that come across theses weird dolls. The depiction of them reminded me why I am VERY picky about dolls and had more stuffed animals than them.
A little bit twisted Pinocchio, a little bit Chucky for young kids (I hate to use that analogy but it's the only one aside from The Doll House movie that I can think that describes that so much!) it was a fun read and a relief in a good way to figure out what happens in the end.
I loved that Verstraete captured that R.L. Stine feel with out being too scary and still very enjoyable. My favorite part is where Derek and Jamie figure the whole thing out and try to confront the bad guy very nonchalantly. It was great! I can't wait for the rest of the Weirdville series to come out!
October 30, 2013
I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have read The Doll Maker for myself, but am currently reading it for my (almost) 7 year old son.
As an adult, this book wasn’t scary, but an amazingly good read. The plot was different, the building of the story, using the small boys POV to tell the story, the villain… everything was masterly done for me.
To my son? He loves it. This book holds many of the things he likes; it’s scary, there are BOYS in it, they have a mystery to solve (yes, he loves Scooby Doo –so does my daughter, and she’s turning 3), and he is so hooked into the story, he’s begging me to keep reading, because he wants to know what happens! (I have NOOO idea where he gets that from!! *whistles*)
So, if you like a good book to read as an adult, or you have a kid that likes to read, or like to hear scary bedtimes stories – make sure to check out The Doll Maker. Loved it!!
I have read The Doll Maker for myself, but am currently reading it for my (almost) 7 year old son.
As an adult, this book wasn’t scary, but an amazingly good read. The plot was different, the building of the story, using the small boys POV to tell the story, the villain… everything was masterly done for me.
To my son? He loves it. This book holds many of the things he likes; it’s scary, there are BOYS in it, they have a mystery to solve (yes, he loves Scooby Doo –so does my daughter, and she’s turning 3), and he is so hooked into the story, he’s begging me to keep reading, because he wants to know what happens! (I have NOOO idea where he gets that from!! *whistles*)
So, if you like a good book to read as an adult, or you have a kid that likes to read, or like to hear scary bedtimes stories – make sure to check out The Doll Maker. Loved it!!
September 26, 2013
When I started to read this book, geared for ages 6-10, I expected a cutesy supernatural/paranormal ghost story that would have no affect on me. Forget about age! Any story with creepy dolls that come alive is frightening! The story was very well written. It was an interesting story line that I think children will enjoy....even if they need to keep a night light on for a few days afterwards. I love that this book is the first in a series and ended in a way that makes you anticipate the release of the next one! I highly recommend this book for any kid that enjoys scary stories.
September 27, 2020
Many young readers may not know much about “Twilight Zone,” an anthology series hosted by Rod Serling that ran for five seasons from 1959-1964. Episodes included psychological horror and thrillers, fantasy and science fiction. Usually an episode ended with a macabre twist.
Author Majanka Verstraete undoubtedly was influenced by Serling’s TV show when she wrote The Doll Maker, a psychological thriller for pre-teens.
When Derek passes a new doll shop in town his sister Annie wants one of the dolls. Mother eventually gives into her demands and purchases the life-like toy named Tim, who resembles a three-year-old boy with “tiny eyebrows, a turned-up nose, and a mouth with miniscule teeth.” The doll freaks Derek to the core.
Derek tells his best friends about the doll after his first run-in with the Chucky-like wanna-be. The little monster even bites him.
Of course no one really believes the ten-year-old with an over active imagination until Derek takes friends Jamie and Martin to the doll shop and Martin falls under the influence of the doll maker’s spell.
Verstraete knows how to build tension in this 86-page middle-grade horror story. Readers will find themselves white-knuckled as they flip pages to the book’s unexpected climax.
This reviewer rarely reads a book in one sitting, but The Doll Maker was an exception. However, there is a warning: If you want to sleep at night, don’t read this book before bedtime.
Author Majanka Verstraete undoubtedly was influenced by Serling’s TV show when she wrote The Doll Maker, a psychological thriller for pre-teens.
When Derek passes a new doll shop in town his sister Annie wants one of the dolls. Mother eventually gives into her demands and purchases the life-like toy named Tim, who resembles a three-year-old boy with “tiny eyebrows, a turned-up nose, and a mouth with miniscule teeth.” The doll freaks Derek to the core.
Derek tells his best friends about the doll after his first run-in with the Chucky-like wanna-be. The little monster even bites him.
Of course no one really believes the ten-year-old with an over active imagination until Derek takes friends Jamie and Martin to the doll shop and Martin falls under the influence of the doll maker’s spell.
Verstraete knows how to build tension in this 86-page middle-grade horror story. Readers will find themselves white-knuckled as they flip pages to the book’s unexpected climax.
This reviewer rarely reads a book in one sitting, but The Doll Maker was an exception. However, there is a warning: If you want to sleep at night, don’t read this book before bedtime.
January 15, 2019
For as long as he could remember, Derek always had a creepy feeling about The Dollmaker, a toy shop in the town of Weirdville. He was especially creeped out by the doll his bratty sister kept wanting. Such life-like features. Kinda reminds me of the Chuckie doll.
"What would the world be like without Annie or creepy dolls?"
Before he knew it, he was face-to-face with his little sister's new doll. The one whose plastic skin looked like flesh! No matter how many times he admonished himself that toys were not real, he could not get over the fact that the doll breathed. That doll was alive and seeking a friend. The mystery is further embellished when Charlie discovers that the dolls were named after kids that have gone missing recently. Coincidence? Probably not.
What I like best about these books is how much they remind me of the Goosebumps series (my favorite as a kid.) Stories are so youthful, spooky, and full of adventure.
"What would the world be like without Annie or creepy dolls?"
Before he knew it, he was face-to-face with his little sister's new doll. The one whose plastic skin looked like flesh! No matter how many times he admonished himself that toys were not real, he could not get over the fact that the doll breathed. That doll was alive and seeking a friend. The mystery is further embellished when Charlie discovers that the dolls were named after kids that have gone missing recently. Coincidence? Probably not.
What I like best about these books is how much they remind me of the Goosebumps series (my favorite as a kid.) Stories are so youthful, spooky, and full of adventure.
June 10, 2014
When I was a kid, we had the Mr. Midnight books. Stories like The Demon Dentist, My Handphone is Haunted, etc all stared Singaporean kids (well, they had Singaporean names) and the familiar sounding names and environments made them scary. I was reminded of this series (minus the Singaporean aspect) when I read the Weirdville series - starting with The Doll Maker.
In The Doll Maker, Derek's sister gets a new, creepy doll. Derek can tell something's not right with the doll - or the doll shop, but none of the grown ups will listen to him. To make things worse, after a trip to the shop with his friends Martin and Jamie, Martin buys a doll and falls starts of loose his memory. So it's up to Derek and Jamie to find out what's going on and fix everything.
Although this book is rather short, since it's a kid's book, it packs a punch. The characters are well-sketched out and the doll maker is creepy. In fact, the book even contains a plot twist, which I did not see coming. I may be well-above the age of the target audience, but I was definitely scared for a little while. Thankfully, the way the ending was written helped to negate that a bit (at least, I didn't have any nightmares).
If you know a child that loves being scared, or that loves horror stories, then give them this book. It's not too long, and it will probably send chills downs your back for a little while.
Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of Enchanted blog tours in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
In The Doll Maker, Derek's sister gets a new, creepy doll. Derek can tell something's not right with the doll - or the doll shop, but none of the grown ups will listen to him. To make things worse, after a trip to the shop with his friends Martin and Jamie, Martin buys a doll and falls starts of loose his memory. So it's up to Derek and Jamie to find out what's going on and fix everything.
Although this book is rather short, since it's a kid's book, it packs a punch. The characters are well-sketched out and the doll maker is creepy. In fact, the book even contains a plot twist, which I did not see coming. I may be well-above the age of the target audience, but I was definitely scared for a little while. Thankfully, the way the ending was written helped to negate that a bit (at least, I didn't have any nightmares).
If you know a child that loves being scared, or that loves horror stories, then give them this book. It's not too long, and it will probably send chills downs your back for a little while.
Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of Enchanted blog tours in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
May 14, 2014
Review from my 13 year old - The Doll Maker is a cleverly written horror story for kids ages 6-10 years old. However, it won't, or should I say shouldn't, give them nightmares. Yet, it is still creepy enough for older kids and even adults to enjoy.
When a doll shop suddenly appears in town, and no one can remember anyone moving into the store, strange things begin happening in the small town of Weirdville. One afternoon Annie, along with her mother and older brother Derek, stroll past the store. Annie begins to beg for a doll sitting in the display window but her Mother tells her no. After all, she just had a birthday. Derek inquires why she would even want something so creepy. As their Mother drags Annie away, Derek glances back and notices the creepy Doll Maker standing in the shop window.
When Derek visits the store with his two friends, Martin and Jamie, something strange happens and Martin falls ill. Unbeknownst to the three boys at the time, The Doll Maker has placed a cursed on Martin. Then Derek learn kids have gone missing in their town and one has a very similar name to Annie's new doll, Tim. Could it be a consequence or is something going on with the creepy new Doll Maker? Derek is determined to find out.
The Doll Maker will keep you on the edge of your seat while wanting more and more. You'll quickly turn each page to learn more while curled up in your bed. Just be sure to leave the lights on!
When a doll shop suddenly appears in town, and no one can remember anyone moving into the store, strange things begin happening in the small town of Weirdville. One afternoon Annie, along with her mother and older brother Derek, stroll past the store. Annie begins to beg for a doll sitting in the display window but her Mother tells her no. After all, she just had a birthday. Derek inquires why she would even want something so creepy. As their Mother drags Annie away, Derek glances back and notices the creepy Doll Maker standing in the shop window.
When Derek visits the store with his two friends, Martin and Jamie, something strange happens and Martin falls ill. Unbeknownst to the three boys at the time, The Doll Maker has placed a cursed on Martin. Then Derek learn kids have gone missing in their town and one has a very similar name to Annie's new doll, Tim. Could it be a consequence or is something going on with the creepy new Doll Maker? Derek is determined to find out.
The Doll Maker will keep you on the edge of your seat while wanting more and more. You'll quickly turn each page to learn more while curled up in your bed. Just be sure to leave the lights on!
March 29, 2016
Ten year old Derek, his mother, and his little sister Annie live in the town of Weirdville. One day they spot a new shop called The Doll Maker that seems to have sprung up overnight. Annie whines all day until her mother buys her the creepy and extremely life-like doll they saw in the window earlier that day. Why do all the kids have to have one of these dolls after they see them? Derek sets out with his best friends, Jamie and Martin, to investigate the doll shop, and they discover that something very weird indeed is going on.
The author does a great job of creating a creepy and foreboding atmosphere. The story is slightly predictable but well executed and with a twist in the tale. It is reminiscent of R. L. Stine's Goosebumps series, which the author cites as one of her influences. This book is best suited to children ages 6 to 12 who don't mind a bit of a fright.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
The author does a great job of creating a creepy and foreboding atmosphere. The story is slightly predictable but well executed and with a twist in the tale. It is reminiscent of R. L. Stine's Goosebumps series, which the author cites as one of her influences. This book is best suited to children ages 6 to 12 who don't mind a bit of a fright.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2013
Majanka Verstraete has mastered a great skill in crafting an adorable picture book for the Halloween season and a marvelous chapter book series to give the older kids a little chill.
Welcome to Weirdville with The Doll Maker, another excellent masterpiece from Verstraete. Venturing into the genre of chapter books, geared for the early reader from age 6-10, Majanka has swung a home run. When reading this with my nephew, age 8, the words were not too difficult for him to understand and the story, while suspenseful, did not leave him with nightmares. Might have scared me though, I've always had issues over dolls. The only thing I would like to see with this series is maybe some scattered illustrations, as even the early reader, likes a picture to capture the story.
Welcome to Weirdville with The Doll Maker, another excellent masterpiece from Verstraete. Venturing into the genre of chapter books, geared for the early reader from age 6-10, Majanka has swung a home run. When reading this with my nephew, age 8, the words were not too difficult for him to understand and the story, while suspenseful, did not leave him with nightmares. Might have scared me though, I've always had issues over dolls. The only thing I would like to see with this series is maybe some scattered illustrations, as even the early reader, likes a picture to capture the story.
May 3, 2014
This is the first story in the Weirdville Series, it's a spooky story for youngsters. My 12 year old daughter is always asking for scary stories or movies and this was perfect for her. Not too scary but scary enough to keep her interested. We read this one together and we both really enjoyed it! We are looking forward to reading book 2 and would highly recommend this one to kids looking for a spooky story!
December 26, 2015
Read this to see if was ok for a five year old. I enjoyed it very much but I think it was a little scary for her. Looking at getting some of the other titles to read and saving them till she gets a little older. Good character development.
August 5, 2013
This is my book, so of course I'm biased. Lovely cover was created by the talented Noelle Giffin.
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