11. The Meanest Doll in the World by Ann M. Martin

The Meanest Doll in the World by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin*
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
The Doll People, Book 2

Pages: 260
Finished: Jan. 18, 2009
First Published: 2003
Genre: children, fantasy
Rating: 4/5

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

First sentence:

Annabelle Doll sat in the soap dish high above the bathtub in the Palmers' house.

Comments: Tiffany and Annabelle are almost caught walking in the hall by one of their owner's and they quickly jump into a nearby backpack. Before they can get back to their respective homes, the backpack is zipped and they find themselves on the way to school. There, they explore and as they get back into the backpack to go back home they realize they are in the wrong one and end up at someone else's home.

It is a nightmare here, all the dolls are being terrorized by the Princess Mimi Doll who thinks she will one day become Queen of All the Dolls. Annabelle and Tiffany are stuck there for the weekend and try to help the dolls get rid of Mimi.

A really, fun book which was a pure delight to read. I'm really enjoying this fun series about the Doll People. This book has a lovely theme of friendship and the Doll characters are so charming and endearing, while the plot is fun and exciting. I never really read these types of books as a kid but am really fond of this book and the series. Selznick's illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and a huge part of the enjoyment of the book is contained within the illustrations. Highly recommended for up to ten years old and anyone who loves a little bit of childish fun and fantasy. I'll be reading the last book shortly.

*Laura Godwin was born and raised in Alberta, Canada, hence the Canadian Author tag.