Ivy Cottage

Biscuit, Buttons & Pickles

by E.J. Taylor

Rag doll Violet Pickles is not happy when her owner, Miss Biscuit, retires and moves them both to an ivy-covered cottage in the country, but things begin to look better when Miss Biscuit makes Violet a doll companion

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retired nanny Miss Biscuit and sentient rag doll Violet Pickles move to the country in this first picture-book in author/illustrator E.J. Taylor's Biscuit, Buttons & Pickles series. Violet, who is very attached to her home in the city, is not best pleased by this move, and has to be continually encouraged by Miss Biscuit. The two experiences some difficulties finding Ivy Cottage, left to the former nanny by her uncle, but eventually they do arrive, and begin to settle in. Violet however, is still unhappy, and her boredom one rain day leads to the creation of another rag doll, by the name of Ruby Buttons...

I have long had Taylor's The Thorn Witch - another entry in the Biscuit, Buttons & Pickles series - on my to-read shelf, and recently obtained a copy through interlibrary loan. Looking into the matter more thoroughly, I realized that some of the other books about these characters were published first, and finding them on The Internet Archive, decided to read the earlier books before picking up The Thorn Witch . Ivy Cottage is the first title in the series, and was an appealing little book, with a sweet story about adjusting to a new home, and artwork that is full of old-fashioned charm. I particularly loved the first image of Ivy Cottage itself, which struck me as my dream house! This one is a little text-heavy compared to other, more recent picture-books - it was first published in 1984 - so I would recommend it to slightly older picture-book audiences (perhaps ages 5-7?) who enjoy stories about sentient dolls.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book and several others in the series as a kid. The main characters are Miss Biscuit, an elderly lady and Violet Pickles, a rag doll, who move together to Ivy Cottage. When Violet seems lonely, Miss Biscuit creates another doll, Ruby Buttons to be her friend. This was a book that was a million times better in my memory than in reality. Miss Muffet did listen attentively, but she didn't seem that into the story, and I'm not sure I will bother to read any of the others to her.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I and all my children and grandchildren, love this books series. and this is the first. it's also the favorite - but the others are fun too. a british woman retires with a doll she has made (who thinks, moves and speaks), to the country, but when they get off the train, there is no one to meet them and they cannot find the cottage in the dark....

[Laura Morrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A childhood favourite I used to borrow from the local library. I loved the story of the living rag dolls and the old lady who cares for them. It was sweet, and just a little melancholy (in my opinion). I do agree that it should be reprinted, it has a wonderful innocence and magic.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated children's book telling the adventure of a rag doll come to life.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember my mother reading this to my brother and me when we were little. When I happened across it at a library book sale, you better believe I snatched it up. It’s a delightful book about an elderly woman’s and a rag doll come to life. The story is wonderful enough but the illustrations are enchanting.

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy story of a retired nanny and her doll that she takes with her to live in the country. Most stories with dolls are creepy along the line of clowns and creepy kids. However, this doll story is a nice one with great illustrations.

[DocNora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Studying for my last fellowship exam and can't do longer books. Came up with the fabulous idea of taking short breaks with child hood fav's. Oh this cozy book! Miss Biscuit is utterly adorable. It just occurred to me I dress rather like her!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books when I was young

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books from when I was a youngun. The illustrations are wonnnderful, the characters are lovely, and the story is engaging. It might be out of print, but if it's not it would make a great gift for a young niece or nephew (probably niece... the main character is a female doll so it tends to appeal more to the girls).

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happened to all of Miss Biscuit's luggage? And her bicycle? When the bicycle tire goes flat, Miss Biscuit crashes, and the wheel comes off, Miss Biscuit and Ivy leave the bicycle and continue on foot...but they also seem to leave behind Miss Biscuit's two suitcases and hat box. No mention is ever made again of the luggage, the damaged bike, or going back to get any of it.

[Cws]

JE-Tay

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww. Such a cute story. I loved this one as a kid.

[Deana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my all-time favorite books as a child. I wanted an Ivy Cottage of my own!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read for nostalgia's sake...a childhood favorite...and still so sweet.

[Izzi Douet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book as a child.