The Gingerbread Doll

by Susan Tews, Megan Lloyd (Illustrator)

“This is a warm and engaging Christmas story set during the Great Depression. Rebecca is nine years old when her large, close-knit family moves into a tarpaper farm house in Wisconsin. Because times are hard, she does not find the porcelain doll she had hoped for under the Christmas tree. Instead, her mother surprises her with a thick gingerbread doll named Button Marie, which she loves ‘in a way you could never love anything from a store.’ . . . These paintings (which are reminiscent of the work of Andrew Wyeth) convey a strong sense of the affection that pervades the family over the generations. The emphasis on such familiar things as family storytelling and rituals makes this a slice of Americana that the picture book crowd can savor.”—ALA Booklist

“Lloyd’s sharply observed realistic watercolors—in a palette somewhat grayed as if to recall old b&w photos—beautifully reflect this well-told story’s warmth and focus on essential values.”—Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 1993

Reviews

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a heartwarming story, perfect for Christmas.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor kids at Christmas is like my #1 heartstring puller. Me when the Grandma says that the cookie doll was her best doll: *crying at the library*

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red 1st

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely story.

[Jeani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a memorable book. While it is a simple idea of a girl and her doll, it's a nice insight to the time period surrounding the Great Depression. Our family had a nice discussion of the time period and how we can love the things that are made for us just as much - or more - than those 'perfect' store bought items.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great read about Christmas which helped me learn how to be thankful for what I have

[Joella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas story. If you love reading good Christmas picture books, add this to the holiday list!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little girls would probably like this story.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you you love old timey sentimental picture books, this one is for you. I found it by asking for all the books illustrated by Megan Lloyd. I cry every time i reread it.