My Mannequins

Valentina Cesaratto is a high-school teacher specializing in dramatic
arts and film studies.

“Production! Production!” is what Papa shouts out in his Spadina
Avenue dressmaking shop. Dora helps after school by making boxes for the
dresses. While making the boxes she daydreams of becoming a famous
designer when she grows up. Dora shares her secret with the mannequins,
and with them as her models she decides to have some fun and dresses
them in sequins, fabric, hats, threaded wood spools, buttons, tassels,
and rickrack trim. What a sight! But before she can undo her designs,
Papa shouts to her that they have to go home.

The next day, the mannequins are seen by passers-by, who use such words
as “outrageous,” “daring,” “innovative,” and “creative”
to describe Dora’s creations. Dora thought that Papa would be upset,
but he is happy because the customers are happy. Dora is happy, too, and
her mannequins, whose voices encouraged her to believe in herself and
her dream, smile back at her. Dora now hears her own voice saying,
“Dora the Designer. Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Sydell Waxman’s delightful story, set in Toronto’s bustling garment
district, is sure to encourage children to hold fast to their dreams.
The story could also be used to teach children about the garment trade,
which, according to an author’s note, was run mainly by European Jews
who came to Canada to escape persecution. Patty Gallinger’s realistic
illustrations have a wonderful 1940s nostalgic appeal. Highly
recommended.