Doll Trouble

by Kim A. Larson, Nataa Vertelj (Illustrator)

Genres: Friendship, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

About the author

Kim A. Larson is the author of Doll Trouble (Clavis Publishing, 2026) and Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (The Little Press, 2024). She’s a recipient of the SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award and multiple grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Lake Region Arts Council. She writes to entertain, educate, and foster a lifelong love of reading in children through stories that are warm, humorous, and full of heart.

In her Bible study “Unraveling Fairly Tales: Learning to Live Happily Ever After,” Kim shares insights from her spiritual journey with God. She’s convinced of God’s goodness and his ability “to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, KJV).

Reviews

[Andrew Hacket]

A beautifully illustrated and relatable book for kids about friendship, empathy, and adjusting and overcoming setbacks.

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This friendship story which shows (not tells!) empathy and bravery begins by introducing Emma and her best friend, her doll Mia.

The reader finds out that Mia is with her when they capture creepy crawlers, sample strange new food, and snuggle during scary storms. Emma feels brave with Mia, until the day she finds a scrap of her dress and almost loses her to a lawnmower. Emma decides to bandage Mia, but her friends tease her.

Her father brings home a new doll which Emma is reluctant to accept. Eventually, she decides to take the new one to the park and tucks Mia into her backpack. Her friends admire the new doll, but when Mia falls out of Emma’s backpack, the kids start teasing Emma again.

The story is satisfactorily resolved when her friend Sophia shows up and understands how Emma feels. This book, a tribute to friendship, courage, and empathy, should be shared in pre-school and kindergarten classrooms. The soft illustrations by Nataša Vertelj enhance the text beautifully.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and seeing how Emma dealt with the injury of her beloved doll Mia. With Mia, her best friend, Emma could be brave and adventurous. But when disaster struck, Emma had to figure out what to do next. Without ruining the ending, I can say that Emma faced negative comments about Mia, tried different strategies to live with the problem of what happened to Mia, and eventually arrived at a confident just-right-for-her solution. Enchanting illustrations add to Emma and Mia's story. This book will be good for talking about feelings, disappointments, teasing, and getting beyond accidents. Great read!

[Inbal Alon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender, powerful story about love, loss, and the courage to stand tall

Doll Trouble is a beautifully heartfelt picture book that captures the emotional world of childhood with honesty and compassion. Emma’s bond with her beloved doll, Mia, is instantly relatable, and when a sudden accident leaves Mia disfigured, the story handles themes of loss and embarrassment with remarkable gentleness. Emma’s journey—from hiding her hurt to discovering true friendship through Sophia—is both moving and empowering.

Kim A. Larson crafts a narrative that validates children’s big feelings while also guiding them toward empathy and bravery. The message is clear and uplifting: real courage means standing by those we love, even when it’s hard, and using our own experiences to help others feel seen.

With its warm storytelling and emotional depth, Doll Trouble is a meaningful read‑aloud for families, classrooms, and anyone who believes in the healing power of kindness. I can’t wait to share this book with the young readers n my life.

[Alayne Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many things going for it. First, the illustrations are gorgeous and enhance the emotion behind the story. Thinking on a deeper level, beyond the story and art, I can see this book being useful in so many areas that children might struggle with.

A family member or friend whose appearance changes due to an accident or an illness.

Overcoming teasing and standing up for friends who might get bullied.

Loyalty to friends and family.

Sharing.

Bravery.

Friendship.

Grief.

Empathy.

I’m sure I’ve missed some. What I love about Emma is her inability to turn her back on her friend (doll) or give up on her when times get tough, and really, when her friend needs her the most. Mia (the doll) may look different, but she is the same friend she has always been. And when Emma finds a kindred spirit in a girl who accepts Mia just the way she is. Together, they are the best doll owners one can find. My favorite thing about this story is that Emma loves Mia no matter what.

[Cathy Stefanec Ogren · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any child or adult who has or has had a favorite doll they absolutely loved, this book is a perfect choice. Kim A. Larson’s book is a heartfelt tribute to dolls that bring happiness, comfort, and security to their owners. Emma and Mia are best friends. They do everything together. Mia, the doll, makes Emma feel brave, but when Mia goes missing, everything changes. When Dad says he accidentally mowed over Mia. An upset Emma kisses Mia’s boo-boos, bandages them, and hugs Mia tightly as they head to the park. Other children make fun of Emma’s doll, which distresses Emma. A caring dad replaces Emma’s doll with a new one, but it isn’t the same. When Emma meets a girl at the park who lost her doll to a rambunctious dog, Emma’s decision to share her doll is an unexpected twist and a wonderful gift. Charming illustrations accompany the author’s heartwarming book, filled with love, empathy, and friendship.

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Emma’s treasured doll, Mia, is accidentally damaged by her father in a lawnmower mishap, Emma is heartbroken. Other children make fun of the disfigured doll which causes Emma to struggle with her feelings of sadness and embarrassment. Emma’s father tries to console her with a new doll, but Mia can’t be easily replaced. At the park, Emma meets a girl who has lost her beloved doll to a dog and she realizes that she can help to ease this girl’s pain by gifting the new doll. Not only does she realize that her doll doesn’t need to be perfect to be loved but she also makes a new friend in this satisfying picture book that will touch the hearts of readers. Natasa Vertelj's soft illustrations are a perfect match for Kim A. Larson's beautifully written text which explores the themes of loss, love, forgiveness, and friendship. I highly recommend this beautiful book which will be one that children will want to read and discuss.

[Deborah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma never calls Mia a doll. She calls her “my best friend.” Together they bravely “capture creepy crawlers” and “snuggle during scary storms.” (I love the alliteration!) After Mia is injured in a lawnmower accident, Emma bandages her up and continues to take her everywhere. Emma’s dad gives her a beautiful new doll, but Emma remains loyal to Mia. When mean kids make fun of torn-up Mia and her “mummy” bandages, Emma hides her in her backpack. She takes the new doll out in the stroller, knowing that no one will make fun of this one. But when she meets a girl who has no doll at all (destroyed by a dog), Emma bravely offers her the new doll and stays loyal to Mia, no matter how the other kids might tease. The book is never preachy but shows in a kid-friendly way that it’s important to stay loyal to a dear friend, even if it takes bravery.

[Darcie Naslund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this powerful story of love and friendship that goes beyond what someone looks like or what others think. Emma has a strong bond with her doll Mia, but things change after her accident. It feels safer to hide Mia in her backpack so others don’t tease her or stare. A replacement doll just isn’t the same. As someone who is disabled, this moment hit hard. It’s difficult to get over the stares and comments of others.
Through the kindness of a new friend, Emma realizes how brave Mia is and that now it’s her turn to be brave. Vertelj’s beautiful illustrations and Larson’s heartfelt story together make a emotional picture book packed with themes of friendship, joy, resilience, worry, shame, kindness and bravery.

[Laura De · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOLL TROUBLE is a sweet, heartfelt picture book that beautifully captures the close bond between a girl and her beloved doll, Mia. Emma and Mia are best friends—they do everything together. But one day, Mia is damaged in a terrible accident. Emma tries to patch her up as best as she can, but when she takes Mia out in public, she faces embarrassment and teasing, while learning an important lesson about love, acceptance, and seeing beyond imperfections. Paired with warm, expressive illustrations, DOLL TROUBLE is a touching read-aloud that will spark meaningful conversations about kindness, empathy, and embracing imperfections. An excellent addition to homes, classrooms, and libraries everywhere.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As mom to a little girl who has just entered her baby doll era, this story struck close to home. My daughter's dolls are so precious to her, I don't know what I'd do to support her if something happened to one of them. This book actually helped prepare me for the possibility, and I am excited to receive a hard-copy to read to my child. It's a lovely story about processing grief, navigating change, dealing with peer pressure and teasing, and how to be empathic to friends. The lessons learned really do extend beyond dolls, and it shows kids how to respond to other instances of "looking different" and worrying about what people will think if you are seen socializing with someone who looks different than society expects. A lovely lesson and applicable to many areas of a child's life!

[Mary Helen Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. DOLL TROUBLE written by Kim A. Larson and softly illustrated by Natasa Vertelj, took me by surprise. It packs an emotional punch in a simple way that will resonate with every child who has loved a toy as their best friend. When Emma’s doll Mia is injured in a lawnmower incident, Emma tries to patch her up. But when other kids laugh at Mia’s “mummy” bandages, Emma is too embarrassed to be seen with her. She still loves Mia but needs to find the courage to stand by her. When Emma remembers how Mia has helped her through tough times, she’s able to dig deep and do right by her best friend. A wonderful, touching, and original story about friendship and courage that will be read and re-read.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOLL TROUBLE, a lovely story written by Kim A. Larson and beautifully illustrated by Natasa Vertelj, is a story that children will want to hear over and over again.

Emma loves her doll, Mia, more than anything. But when Mia is in an accident, the other kids laugh at her. Emma feels bad, but Mia is brave. Using fun language that young children can relate to, Larson weaves a story about friendship, bravery, and overcoming challenges without being preachy or talking down to the reader. I highly recommend this adorable book.

[Ellen Kolman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a doll lover since I was a little girl, I totally identified with Emma's love for Mia. This story stands out above the others because of its emotional heart. We feel Emma's anguish when Mia is damaged, and we cheer when she loves her doll just the same. The illustrations are beautiful and add to the emotional pull of the story. The ending is touching and extremely satisfying as Emma gives the best example of friendship and generosity. Every child who has ever held a special doll or toy will adore this story.

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Doll Trouble, Emma's cherished doll, Mia, is damaged in a lawnmower incident. Emma is upset, but the real heartbreak comes when other kids make fun of her patched-up companion: the embarrassment stings. When Emma's parents surprise her with a brand new doll, she hopes the replacement will be more "socially-acceptable," but her heart belongs with Mia. A chance encounter with a girl who lost her own favorite doll brings about a warm and satisfying conclusion that shows the power of empathy, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

Beautifully illustrated and tenderly told.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many children will relate to this sweet story about how everything is different for Emma after her beloved doll, Mia, has a run-in with the lawn mower. Emma still loves Mia, but when others make fun of Mia after the accident, Emma starts to lose her courage. Mia always helped Emma feel brave before, and this story shows how Emma learns to be brave for her doll and make a new friend in the process. Lovely themes and lovely illustrations for an all-around lovely picture book!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her doll has an accident, Emma wonders how she will ever feel brave without her “bestie” by her side. Author Kim Larson weaves a beautiful tale of loss, compassion, and bravery through this touching story about a girl and her beloved doll. Nataša Vertelj’s soft illustrations are like a warm hug that gently walks with young readers through the healing process—one step at a time. Beautiful book for children who are navigating change and simply trying to be brave.

[Natalia Iacobelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and gentle story that helps children understand that accidents can happen and that it's okay to feel sad when something special is lost. The doll's adventure is told with warmth and kindness, and the ending offers comfort without feeling preachy. The book opens the door to meaningful conversations about caring for our belongings, handling disappointment, and finding hope after an upsetting moment.

A touching read for children and families alike. Highly recommended!

[Maritere Rodriguez Bellas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about friendship, empathy, and unconditional love. This beautiful picture book gently introduces young readers to unexpected situations that may feel hurtful but can also become opportunities for courage, resilience, and new beginnings. Kim A. Larson's tender text is perfectly complemented by Natasa Vertelj's whimsical, expressive illustrations, creating a story that children will want to revisit again and again. A wonderful addition to every home, classroom, and library.

[Lizzie Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable book in both text and illustrations. Kids and adults will relate to the experience of having a loved doll, stuffed animal, blanket, etc. that falls apart over time or breaks in some way. Despite this, we still love our special item just as much--looking to it in times of joy as well as sadness. I found this, as well as the delightful friendship element, to make this a sweet and satisfying read. Highly recommend for homes, schools, and libraries!

[Donna Rossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, heartwarming story about seeing the good in a beloved toy—even when it’s a little less than perfect—and showing compassion to someone who could use both a toy and a friend. I loved the beautiful message that what makes something special isn’t perfection, but the love and memories we share with it. A sweet and touching story about friendship, compassion, acceptance, and seeing the beauty in things that may be a little worse for wear.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is Emma's best friend. They do everything together. When Mia is injured, she is put on bed rest. Emma's father brings her a new doll, but Emma discovers having the new doll is not the same as having Mia. Sophia becomes Emma's friend when the other children tease her about her doll Mia. Colorful illustrations enhance the heartfelt emotions in the book. Children with favorite toys will relate to the attachment Emma has to Mia. A wonderful book about feelings and friendship.

[Lauri Fortino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma loves her doll, Mia, more than anything, even after Mia accidentally gets damaged by a lawn mower and some of the other kids laugh at how Emma bandaged her up, because Mia isn't just a doll, she's Emma's best friend. But there's another child who understands completely how Emma feels. Could a brand-new friendship be forming? Perfect for any doll-loving little.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a darling picture book that captures the heartbreak of a unfortunate incident with a beloved keepsake, but with a heartwarming resolution. Lovingly crafted with a tender, relatable story that's sure to comfort little ones who've encountered similar mishaps—this book is a good, heart-filled addition to any library collection!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doll Trouble is a friendship story about Emma and her favorite doll, Mia. When Mia becomes broken, Emma is challenged to face their new reality together. Beautifully illustrated and packed with important themes of empathy, kindness, and overcoming obstacles, this story will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about a girl who wants to remain loyal to a special doll, even after the doll is "injured." You'll be rooting for Emma as she defends her beloved doll, Mia. This book is a perfect reminder that loyalty is a wonderful thing, and that old things, even broken things, are not something we need to discard. Sometimes, they're worth keeping.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

So relatable for kids, showing that even things that get broken or aren’t perfect can still be special. I loved how it gently teaches kids to notice when someone else is hurting and to respond with kindness. The ending is really heartwarming, and it beautifully shows that caring for others and treasuring what we love is what truly matters.

[K G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, sensitive, meaningful story--one that is a totally relatable winner! It speaks to children and adults alike about compassion, trust, and how even seemingly small acts of various types can be examples of bravery. Finding all instances of bravery in this story is the basis for a great conversation between kids and adults to have after reading it. I highly recommend this book!

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOLL TROUBLE is a story about a girl’s love for her doll, and how she stays loyal to the doll even after facing ridicule from peers. There’s also a sweet message about friendship, understanding, and giving as the main character makes a new friend. Kids who have a special doll or stuffie in their life will definitely relate to this sweet story!

[Karen Nespoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doll Trouble by Kim Larson is a charming and relatable story filled with humor and heart. Young readers will delight in the playful mishaps and gentle lessons about responsibility and friendship. With engaging storytelling and warmth, this book is a sweet, satisfying read for children and families alike.