The Doll People's Christmas

Christmas is Annabelle Doll's favorite time of year. She loves celebrating with her family, and she especially loves all the beautiful decorations Kate and Grandma Katherine put up in the dollhouse. She can't wait to have Tiffany and the rest of the Funcrafts over for their very first Christmas. But when the angel topper for the Dolls' tree breaks, Annabelle is convinced the holiday is ruined. And things only get worse when Kate and Nora decide to use the dolls to create a nativity scene downstairs, meaning Annabelle won't be able to keep her special traditions at all! But as Christmas spirit fills the Palmers' home, Annabelle realizes that all she needs for a truly perfect holiday is to share it with her friends and family.

“Praise for The Doll People: "[Readers] are in for a marvelous treat in this delicious fantasy." -- Kirkus, starred review”

"The fourth installment of 'The Doll People' series is an adventure on the high seas...This is a good choice for independent readers ready to try something longer."
--School Library Journal
Other accolades for the Doll People series:

An ALA Notable Children's BookA Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title for Children and TeensCCIRA Colorado Children's Book Award Runner-UpA Child Magazine Best Book of the YearDorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book award Masterlist
A Garden State Children's Book Award NomineeAn Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee
A Junior Library Guild SelectionKentucky Bluegrass Award Master ListMaryland Children's Book AwardMassachusetts Children's Book award Master ListMaud Hart Lovelace Book AwardA National Parenting Center Seal of ApprovalPennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Master ListA Publishers Weekly Best BookA Rhode Island Children's Book Award NomineeA School Library Journal Best BookA Texas Bluebonnet Award NomineeA Volunteer State Book Award Nominee

Praise for The Doll People Set Sail:

"Readers are guaranteed very smooth sailing."
--Kirkus

Praise for The Doll People:

"[Readers] are in for a marvelous treat in this delicious fantasy." --Kirkus, starred review

Praise for The Doll People's Christmas:

"The beloved Doll People series of novels for middle graders extends to a younger audience with this Christmas story."--Kirkus

Praise for The Meanest Doll in the World:

"With its indelible mingling of wit, action, characterization, and art, this stands alone, but will especially thrill expectant fans of the original Doll People."--Kirkus, starred review

Praise for The Runaway Dolls:

"Fans of the first two Doll People stories will be thrilled with number three."

--Kirkus, starred review

"[I]n the pantheon of living toys, the Doll and Funcraft families of Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin's admired Doll People series reign supreme."

--The New York Times

"A thoroughly charming exploration of the fantasy that dolls are secretly alive. In this action-packed sequel, things heat up even further."

--Booklist

"Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture."

--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Gentle humor, believable characters with distinct personalities, and a strong plotline will keep readers coming back for more."

--Booklist

"The book's broad humor and action balance with smaller, more personal dramas...Selznick's illustrations, in their wit and profusion, tie it all together in one appealing package."

--Horn Book
"'The Doll People' is part of a solid tradition of doll stories. But Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin have given their amusing novel a decidedly contemporary twist: 19th-century porcelain meets 20th-century plastic."--The New York Times
"A lighthearted touch and a dash of drama make this a satisfying read. Selznick's illustrations are perfectly suited to the innocent charm of the dolls and do much to draw readers into their world."
--School and Library Journal
"A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action...and personable new dolls to discover."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Black-and-white pencil drawings illustrate this lively addition to the doll-fantasy genre."
--Horn Book
"Fans of the "Doll People" chapter books will welcome seeing the familiar characters in a slight but engaging holiday story. It is sure to spark renewed interest in those popular titles."--School Library Journal
"It's not easy to write a good book about dolls. Martin and Godwin not only set up a realistic doll world but also provide a credible mystery. The story gets a wonderful boost from Brian Selznick's pencil drawings...he catches every bit of humor."
--Booklist
"Martin and Godwin inventively spin out their own variation on the perennially popular theme of toys who secretly come to life...Doll lovers may well approach their imaginative play with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of wonder after reading this fun-filled adventure." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Readers...will hope for many more tales in the series for years to come."--Bookpage
"The authors' gentle storytelling and Helquist's intimate images of the dolls' miniature world create a Christmas story that's rich with emotion."--Publishers Weekly
"The team behind The Doll People serves up a second helping of fanciful fun."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"This fantasy is destined to be a favorite for years to come."--School Library Journal
"Though it's not necessary to have read the first three entries, it's the stalwart fans who will be cheering 'Doll power!' the loudest as these beloved characters prove once again they can all work together."--Horn Book

Author Bio: ANN M. MARTIN is the author of many books for young readers, including Rain Reign, Belle Teal, A Dog's Life, and A Corner of the Universe, a 2003 Newbery Honor Book. She is also the author of the Baby-sitters Club series and the Family Tree series. Ms. Martin makes her home in upstate New York.

LAURA GODWIN, also known as Nola Buck, is the author of many popular picture books for children, including Oh, Cats!; One Moon, Two Cats; This Is the Firefighter; and Christmas in the Manger. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she now lives in New York City.

Illustrator Bio: BRETT HELQUIST is the illustrator of the best-selling A Series of Unfortunate Events books, as well as many other popular titles. He worked as a graphic designer before becoming a full-time illustrator. Brett lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York. See more of his work online at bretthelquist.com.

Christmas is Annabelle Doll's favorite time of year. She loves celebrating with her family, and she especially loves all the beautiful decorations Kate and Grandma Katherine put up in the dollhouse. She can't wait to have Tiffany and the rest of the Funcrafts over for their very first Christmas. But when the angel topper for the Dolls' tree breaks, Annabelle is convinced the holiday is ruined. And things only get worse when Kate and Nora decide to use the dolls to create a nativity scene downstairs, meaning Annabelle won't be able to keep her special traditions at all! But as Christmas spirit fills the Palmers' home, Annabelle realizes that all she needs for a truly perfect holiday is to share it with her friends and family. Praise for the Doll People series: The Doll People "[A] marvelous treat." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review The Meanest Doll in the World "Wrapped in humor and adventure are serious considerations of self-esteem, the power of intimidation, and the nature of friendship." - Kirkus Reviews , starred review The Runaway Dolls "Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture." -Publishers Weekly, starred review The Doll People Set Sail "A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action (on a miniature scale) and personable new dolls to discover." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

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