Language: PG (13 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
11yo Tiph is enamored with the dollhouse shop near her house, but the owner has forbidden her to come inside until an incident with a tiny cuckoo clock is resolved. But when she meets a Hungarian woman who also has an interest in dollhouses and a need for a dog walker and litterbox cleaner, Tiph finds more than employer; Néni Szilvia is a good listener, a kind soul, and a much-needed friend, and she has a beautiful dollhouse! But when Tiph discovers that the doll of her dreams is much more expensive than she could ever afford, she makes a choice that could change everything, including her relationship with Néni Szilvia.
I loved this story so much - told in alternating perspectives, the dolls are sentient when no one can see them, and they play together, particularly Gretel and Red Riding Hood. There is also a dog and a cat who can talk to the dolls and interact with them. It was like pieces of magic interspersed through a story about a girl making friends, fixing mistakes, growing up and discovering she's a pretty good actress. I could totally relate. There's a lot of nostalgia for readers of my (advanced) age which certainly added to my enjoyment. I hope young readers also find the magic engaging, and love The Winter of the Dollhouse as much as I did. Tiph and her family are white.
Lisa Librarian
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