Rocking Horse Land : And Other Classic Tales of Dolls and Toys

by Naomi Lewis (Editor), Angela Barrett (Illustrator)

This collection of classic stories celebrates the relationship between child and treasured toy. This anthology includes tales of Rag Bag, by Ruth Ainsworth; the doll which saved Vasilissa from the fearsome witch Baba Yaga, as retold by Naomi Lewis; the adventures of Hans Anderson's Steadfast Tin soldier; and the enchanted rocking horse Rollande, as told in the title story by Laurence Housman. There's also an excerpt of The Memoirs of a London Doll by Mrs. Fairstar (Richard Henry 'Hengrist; Horne) and the story The Town in the Library by E. 'Edith' Nesbit.

The stories in this anthology were originally collected in "The Silent Playmate: A Collection of Doll Stories" edited by Naomi Lewis. This book adds many paintings by Angela Barrett.

127 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

British poet, essayist, literary critic, anthologist and reteller of stories for children. She is particularly noted for her translations of the Danish children’s author, Hans Christian Andersen, as well as for her critical reviews and essays. She was a recipient of the Eleanor Farjeon Award.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some nice illustrations, some felt too small though. Stories were okish -a bit dull, creepy in parts.

[Lexi V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. I don’t know why it isn’t a more popular addition to children’s libraries. I loved the creepy/spooky elements of a couple of the stories. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this because I love Angela Barrett's illustrative style. While I would rate that portion of the book as flawless, the writing is a bit archaic and probably wouldn't hold a modern kiddo's interest (let alone be comprehensible to them). I did try valiantly, but it was a tad too dull for my tastes. Not bad, just reads like a classic and requires more energy to explain vocab and phrases than desired.

[Cheryl]

Note that many of these stories are available in other collections or as stand-alone picture-books. Most notably in The Silent Playmate: A Collection of Doll Stories. Barrett's art is nice, especially the silhouettes, but imo not worth tracking down this particular book for.

My favorite story is probaby the title one, so poignant. And I def. want to read Memoirs of a London Doll (aka Memoirs of a London Doll: Written by Himself... but shouldn't that be 'her'self?) and more by Ruth Ainsworth (apparently more of Rag Bag's adventures are not avl.). The Town in the Library is rather odd but fans of Nesbit should look it up. And the other tales are familiar to me (though if they're not to you, I do recommend them).

Rating depends on how much you, personally, like Barrett's art, and how much you want to read a collection of doll stories, and how many you know. I didn't find this book necessary, but you might adore it.

Btw, I opine Andersen's lovely little romance doesn't even belong here, because this is about actual beloved playmates. But Lewis is an Andersen-phile, so she chose to include it, and I can't really say I blame her.