Trouble Dolls

by Jimmy Buffett, Savannah Jane Buffett, Lambert Davis (Illustrator)

The second picture book from American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett and his daughter Savannah Jane, this time about a little girl who embarks on a daring adventure to rescue her father with the help of animal friends and a bit of Guatemalan tradition. “A welcome blend of myth and reality, set in modern times but connected by folklore to the world of animals and magic.” — Publishers Weekly When Lizzy Rhinehart’s father is lost in the Florida Everglades, she calls on the help of her golden retriever, tiny Guatemalan “trouble dolls,” and a magic blue macaw to save him before a ferocious storm begins. Trouble dolls, also known as worry dolls, come from the Guatemalan tradition of children speaking their worries to small, colorful dolls and placing those under a pillow at night. The dolls soothe the children during the night and, by morning, as the tradition explains, will grant the child the wisdom needed to address their fears and anxieties.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Picture Books, Fantasy, Magic, Young Adult

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

James William "Jimmy" Buffett (born December 25, 1946) was a singer, songwriter, author, businessman, and recently a movie producer best known for his "island escapism" lifestyle and music including hits such as "Margaritaville" (No. 234 on RIAA's list of "Songs of the Century"), and "Come Monday". He had a devoted base of fans known as "Parrotheads". His band was called the Coral Reefer Band.

Aside from his career in music, Buffett was also a best-selling writer and was involved in two restaurant chains named after two of his best known songs, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville". He owned the Margaritaville Cafe restaurant chain and co-developed the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant concept with OSI Restaurant Partners (parent of Outback Steakhouse), which operates the chain under a licensing agreement with Buffett.

Reviews

[Hannah Sidel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book by Jimmy Buffett and Savannah Jane Buffett tells of a young girl, Lizzie Rhineheart and her famous environmentalist father, Michael Rhineheart. One day, Lizzie comes home and learns that her father’s plane has gone missing in the Everglades, where he is currently working. Devastated, she runs into her room and pulls out a small box from the trunk at the end of her bed. Inside the small box, contains four tiny dolls called Trouble Dolls from Guatemala. Lizzie puts the dolls under her pillow and whispers her troubles to them. Julio, Esmeralda, Pedro and Maria respond saying they will do everything they can to help find Dr. Rhineheart. Lizzie, the trouble dolls, and Lizzie’s dog, Spooner, embark on an adventure on her small boat in hopes of finding Lizzie’s father.
I did not enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed Jimmy and Savanah Jane Buffett’s first story, The Jolly Mon. Even though there was more magic in this second story, it did not flow the same way. However, I could see Trouble Dolls being a good story to talk about different environments. The setting of Trouble Dolls is a tropical one – wildlife, water features and weather patterns are mentioned, which are factors that make up various environments. This story would be most enjoyable for middle elementary school readers.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been years since I last read this one. I remember that my older two kids loved this book with its magic and Florida vibes. I do think that I like Jolly Mon better, but this one is also wonderful. It has the same feel as the movie Nim's Island only with a bit of magic along with a brave and brilliant young lady. It should be noted that this is not a fast read, there are a lot of words on every page and it needs to be offered to children who are a little older.

[Andrew Jameson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was about a little girl who went on a trip to find her Dad. These four trouble dolls helped her. Trouble dolls are dolls that come alive when you need them. They are about 2 inches tall. She finds her Dad and a storm comes and his plane breaks so they have to get out of the storm quickly and get back home. They got the Dad back home safely. I didn't like this book because it is weird how the trouble dolls come alive. It is weird how the trouble dolls can talk and help the little girl save her Dad. I think it was hard on her journey. It was hard because the storm was there. I was in a storm that was reaally rainy and windy and I did not like it.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my son's favorites as a young child...of course as a parrothead in training, he didn't have much choice.

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of courage and bravery as a young girl searches for her father whose plane has crashed in the Florida everglades.

[Jessica Bearden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this story is so cute. I love how it uses the dolls and how she wants to help save her dad.

[Sheila Embry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet children's book Mr. Buffett wrote with his daughter.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great picture book to read. Good for kids wanting to go on an adventure!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepson loved this. Jimmy's daughter Savannah joins him in a wonderful childrens book.