The Grandmother Doll. Rev. ed.

Christina Pike is an English and a Learning Resources Centre teacher at
Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland.

The Grandmother Doll is the story of a young girl, Katy, and the
relationship that she develops with the Grandmother Doll that used to
belong to her mother.

When Katy is housebound because she has the flu, she gets very bored,
causes trouble, and is sent to her room. While in her room, the
Grandmother Doll entertains Katy. With every complaint Katy utters, the
doll helps Katy to realize that she doesn’t have it so bad. When Katy
gripes that she isn’t allowed to watch TV, the Grandmother Doll points
out that at least Katy has a TV. Similarly, when Katy complains about
not being able to eat as many cookies as she wants, the Grandmother Doll
challenges Katy to make her a stove so the doll can bake some cookies.
Finally, when Katy is made to go to bed, the Grandmother Doll reminds
her that she is fortunate to have a bed; Katy then makes a bed for the
doll. When Katy’s mother checks in on her daughter, she whispers to
the doll, “You’re at it again.”

This story, although simple, is very meaningful. On the surface, it’s
about a little girl and the friendship she finds with her new
“imaginary” friend, the Grandmother Doll. On a deeper level, it
successfully conveys how one should appreciate and be thankful for what
one has.

Dusan Petricic’s vibrant, cartoonish illustrations complement the
text perfectly. Highly recommended.