
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep curiosity about how people lived in different times or places, or when they are looking for inspiration for their next creative project. This global tour explores the history and artistry of dolls, showing that children throughout time have always found ways to play, even using materials like fishbones or corn husks. It is a beautiful bridge between history and art. Through vivid photographs and informative text, the book highlights the ingenuity of diverse cultures across every continent. It fosters a sense of global connection and respect for heritage. Ideal for children ages 7 to 12, it works perfectly as a reference for a history enthusiast or a spark for a young crafter who wants to see the world through the lens of toys and childhood.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book is largely secular and objective. Some dolls may have spiritual or ritualistic significance (such as burial dolls), which is handled with educational respect. There is no graphic content, though it touches on the resourcefulness of people living in poverty or during wartime who made dolls from scrap materials.
A 9-year-old child who loves 'Antiques Roadshow,' enjoys museum trips, or spends hours crafting miniature worlds. It is also perfect for a child of the African or Indigenous diaspora looking to see historical representations of their heritage's artistry.
This book can be read cold. Parents might want to keep some craft supplies on hand (scraps of fabric, twine, natural materials) because the book frequently inspires immediate DIY attempts. A parent might notice their child struggling to connect with dry history textbooks or expressing a 'boredom' with modern, plastic toys. This book serves as an antidote by showing the magic in handmade, historical objects.
Younger children (7-8) will likely focus on the photographs and the 'cool factor' of the materials used. Older children (10-12) will appreciate the map, the specific historical dates, and the nuances of cultural identity conveyed through clothing and craftsmanship.
Unlike many doll books that focus on Victorian porcelain or modern brands, Markel's work is truly global and egalitarian. It treats a doll made of fishbones with the same reverence as one made of fine silk, highlighting human ingenuity above all.
This is a nonfiction compendium of dolls spanning from 1000 B.C. to the modern era. Arranged alphabetically by material or type, each entry provides a high quality photograph alongside historical and cultural context regarding the doll's origin, use, and craftsmanship. It concludes with a map and a guide to doll collecting.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.