No comments about Best Actresses of the 1990s Paper Dolls.

No comments about Contemporary Doll, November 2008 Issue.

4 comments about Black Dolls: An Identification and Value Guide Book II (Black Dolls).

1. Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide by Myla Perkins will open up the world of black doll collecting to its readers -- particularly if the readers did not own black dolls as children. Those who possess an interest in black dolls and thirst for more knowledge thereof, are certain to perceive Black Dolls as a satiable quencher of this thirst. Even those who have possessed little to no interest whatsoever in black dolls will develop a peaked interest in them after reading this informative book.

   Black Dolls informs readers of the multitude of beautiful black dolls that were actually in existence during and predating their childhoods. It further informs readers of the types of black dolls available at the time of its publication in 1992. This book may, in fact, prompt readers to undertake an avid search for black dolls of varied mediums from varied periods of manufacture.

   This well-written, extremely informative book that contains hundreds of pictures to help readers identify black dolls, as well as accurate pricing information, bears the responsibility for this reviewer becoming the proud owner of many of the dolls it identifies, describes, and values.

   Not only does Black Dolls provide identification and value information for black dolls, it also gives reverence to them. Black dolls and black playthings play an extremely important role in a black child's development of positive self-esteem; this first-of-its-kind book proclaims this importance.

   Reviewer's Final Comment: After reading Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, the reader will also want to purchase Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, Book II, which further identifies, values, and incites one's interest in black dolls.




2. Once I decided to expand my doll collection I needed reference material for identifying my "babies". I've combed the book stores, internet and so far Ms. Perkins two books are the best source of reference in black doll collecting available. There are other books out there but not as comprehensive. What is still surprising I have a number of dolls that were not included. That means Mrs. Perkins must be planning Vol. III. I hope so!! And thank you!



3. This book is a must have for anyone who collects black dolls.It is the reference book that gives insight into your personal treasures. In it I found dolls in my collection I have a greater appreciation for, seeing them listed as well as finding their monetary value.



4. Good details about the dolls (markings, tags etc.) Useful for helping to identify "mystery dolls". I like the arrangement of the photos as well. Nice book all around.

5 comments about The Ultimate Handbook (Littlest Pet Shop).

1. My daughter(9 y.o) loved the book. She enjoyed identifying which pets she has and which ones she wants to look for.



2. My daughter was delighted with this book which gives the inside scoop on the first 80 Littlest Pets. She is a hardcore collector, so she really enjoyed the informaiton and details.



3. This is a good quality book, but not as extensive as I thought. There are constantly new Littlest Pet Shop pets being produced, and many of the ones in this book are 'retired'.
   
   For the price,I expected a little more. And it will make your child realize which ones he/she does not have, and could possibly make them want more...



4. This is a great book, my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son were really excited to get this in the mail.
   The book is really a great guide to LPS. Although it only covers the older stuff, and not the newest stuff, it still gives my kids hours of looking at all the LPS figures. Of course, they want all of the figures too! Overall a great book.



5. This is book one that has earliest LPS animals. Every animal has a description of what they like and a story. Cute reference for the little ones. They use it a lot.

3 comments about Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan.

1. Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, a Visual Exploration
   offers both a beautiful object in its own right and a clarifying history of the dolls, leavened with nuances of cultural history and custom. For the general reader the book offers many delights, and for the specialist collector of Kokeshi, the images and marks will aid them for years to come.



2. I go to extreme length to find informative publications on Japanese dolls, and a friend presented me with this exciting new publication. The authors have threaded throughout the text, oversized photographic images of individual Kokeshi, often with the marks of the makers incorporated into the design. This links visual information to content while honing the collector's eye. I take my book to every flea market to support my buying of these wonderful Japanese dolls.



3. I collect dolls from all over the world and search for books on subjects related to all forms of dolls. After having purchased this book I was extremely excited to find a text that describes specific dolls types in detail, while informing the reader of relevant cultural history, including the traditional use of Kokeshi to embody folkloric characters. Such tidbits enrich understanding and hint at the larger importance of the Japanese Kokeshi as a cultural expression. The dolls are beautifully portrayed by brilliant photographs and relevant historical background. I highly recommend this book for any doll collector or historian.

1 comments about Making Traditional Teddy Bears: Featuring 12 Collectible Designs.

1. One of the best book I've seen on the subject. Interesting for novices and experts. Great pictures and drawings. A bit expensive, but worth the money.

5 comments about Madame Alexander Dolls, An American Legend (Robert Campbell Rowe Book).

1. This book is excellent! I found the life of Madame Alexander very interesting and read this book from cover to cover. I hated to put it down. If it were not for Madame Alexander we might not know Scarlett O'Hara or Barbie as we know them today. We have a lot to thank her for...you will be amazed! I also enjoyed the photographs of the dolls. Lia Sargent, the leading expert on pre 1965 Madame Alexander dolls did an outstanding job on this book also. The photographs and photo captions show Lia's work is perfection..something Madame Alexander would be proud of. This book will be loved by generations to come. Doll collector or not, this book will leave you saying "WOW"!!!!



2. Photos of many dolls in outfits never seen before.All in color.So you can identify your Alexander doll or hunt for that particular doll. This should make Madame Alexander dolls go up in value.



3. The photos of Lia Sargent's dolls in this book are, indeed, beautiful, but the real draw is the way Ms. Finnegan, the author of the book, relates Alexander's life to what was going on in the world at the same time. Wonderful historical perspective, which is very unusual in a doll book!



4. BEAUTIFUL BOOK! WONDERFUL PICTURES! IT WAS GREAT HOW MANY SCARLETT O'HARA DOLLS THERE WERE! BUT THIS BOOK COSTS TOO MUCH, IT SHOULD COME IN PAPERBACK!



5. Born in 1895 in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, Madame Beatrice Alexander was the daughter of Russian immigrants who rose to become America's premier doll maker. As a child she was known as Bertha, but soon took what she considered to be a more socially acceptable name - Beatrice. This name change was but a harbinger of her determination to excel, to rise above what she considered to be humble surroundings.

   Her story is well documented and lavishly illustrated in this keepsake volume. Included are numerous full-color photos of the famous Alexander dolls.

   Early on Madame Alexander adored her step-father, Maurice,emulating his love of doll making and doll repairing. He is responsible for this country's first doll hospital located on the Lower East side of New York City. The family lived above this business.

   With the outbreak of World War I and America's ban on German goods, including the dolls which were the family's best sales items, it seemed their business was doomed. But Beatrice and her sisters would not accept this. They put their heads together to try to determine how to make dolls without porcelain or kilns. The answer was, of course, cloth toys. Their first success was a Red Cross Nurse doll. Beatrice was the creative member of this team, coming up with ideas and issuing instructions on making her concepts a reality.

   Building upon their success the Alexander Doll company moved to a large space in the late 1920s. It was not long before their efforts were rewarded with an order from FAO Schwarz.

   The Alexander Alice In Wonderland doll debuted in 1930. Today, in an updated incarnation, Alice is still one of their most popular items. There were soon Scarlet O'Hara dolls, bride dolls, Queen Elizabeth II dolls, Eloise dolls, and more.

   Today, the original issues of many dolls are prized items in collections throughout the world.

   "Alex" is among the latest creations - she's a very modern miss in an extravagant gold gown or capris and crop top. Her wardrobe is extensive as is her following. But, to many, a Madame Alexander doll is the Mercedes of toys.

4 comments about Dawn Dolls: Official Encyclopedia & Price Guide.

1. This new Dawn book is a must have for the Dawn collector! Even if you are just starting out, you should see this book. You will find this book to have large and clear photos. Very helpful to see details! The author shares her amazing collection and has some unique hard to find and variations. Other books did not do justice to Dawn dolls. I find myself scanning this book over and over. The price guide is pretty accurate in helping you seek out these lovely ladies. Thank you for sharing your collection with us Benita Schwartz!



2. A wonderful book with so many incredible photos I could not set it down until I looked at absolutely everything! Beautifully done with great photos of one of my favorite childhood "friends," Dawn. Brought back special memories for me, and also reminded me of Dawn clothes and accessories I had forgotten over the years. I loved seeing each outfit modeled by a doll too. One of the best parts for me was the chapter on knockoff and copycat dolls and toys. I was able to identify a Dawn knockoff doll that I had been previously unable to! Thanks! A great book for the new collector (like me!) or the veteran collector.



3. Lots of great pictures.
   Did not like the value format



4. This was the first book that I purchased before starting my Dawn doll collection. I played with Dawn and her friends as a child but didn't have any of my dolls. All the pictures in the book are wonderful and help you identify the 'authentic' Dawn doll stuff from the imitations. I didn't even realize that there was so much stuff about Dawn. A very fascinating stroll down memory lane. I refer to this book before purchasing ANY Dawn dolls or accessories. A MUST for any Dawn doll collector!!!

1 comments about Dolls' House Furniture (Shire Library).

1. This is a great book for ideas, but if you think that patterns are included to make the furniture, they aren't. Otherwise it is a nice book to have if you are into miniatures.

No comments about American Folk Dolls.