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Dahlia
Looks can be deceiving!
When Charlotte gets a delicate doll from her aunt Edme, she is not too happy. She tells the doll that she and Bruno, her bear, "like digging in dirt and climbing trees. No tea parties, no being pushed around in frilly prams. You'll just have to get used to the way we do things." Much to Charlotte and Bruno's surprise, Dahlia seems to like getting dirty while making mud cakes and racing wagons. But at the end of the day, Charlotte's aunt arrives for a visit and wants to see how Dahlia's doing . . . and Charlotte is in for another surprise.
Charming, detailed illustrations accompany this sweet story about making room for a new friend.
When Charlotte gets a delicate doll from her aunt Edme, she is not too happy. She tells the doll that she and Bruno, her bear, "like digging in dirt and climbing trees. No tea parties, no being pushed around in frilly prams. You'll just have to get used to the way we do things." Much to Charlotte and Bruno's surprise, Dahlia seems to like getting dirty while making mud cakes and racing wagons. But at the end of the day, Charlotte's aunt arrives for a visit and wants to see how Dahlia's doing . . . and Charlotte is in for another surprise.
Charming, detailed illustrations accompany this sweet story about making room for a new friend.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2002
1 person is currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Barbara McClintock
63 books90 followersBarbara McClintock is the author and illustrator of books for children.
Her books have won 4 New York Times Best Books awards, a New York Times Notable Book citation, a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor award, numerous other awards, recommended/best book lists, and starred reviews. Her books have been made into children's videos, a ballet/opera, and a recorded books on tape.
Barbara drew constantly as a child. By the time she was seven, she knew she would be an artist when she grew up. Her older sister recommended she be a childrens' book illustrator, and this proved to be a rare instance when she followed her sister's advice. Barbara also wanted to be a cat when she grew up, and is glad she had art as a back up plan.
The first part of Barbara's growing up was in Clinton, NJ. Her early influences were her photographer father, seamstress/teacher mother, and the cartoon character Top Cat.
Barbara moved to North Dakota when she was 9 with her mother and sister after her parents divorced. She continued to draw through middle and high school, frequently in the margins of her tests and homework.
Barbara attended Jamestown College in North Dakota, where she refined her drawing skills by copying pictures in artbooks she checked out of her college library.
Two weeks after her 20th birthday, Barbara moved to New York City to begin her career on the recommendation of Maurice Sendak, whon she called from North Dakota for advice about how to become a children's book illustrator.
Barbara studied for two months at the Art Student's League in New York City. She continued to copy from art books she checked out of libraries, and sketched paintings and drawings in museums in New York City. Barbara is essentially self-taught as an artist/illustrator.
After illustrating books written by other authors, Barbara began writing as well as producing the artwork for her own books.
She currently lives in rural Connectucut with the illustrator David A. Johnson, their cats Pip and Emma, and David's truly gorgeous rose garden.
Her books have won 4 New York Times Best Books awards, a New York Times Notable Book citation, a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor award, numerous other awards, recommended/best book lists, and starred reviews. Her books have been made into children's videos, a ballet/opera, and a recorded books on tape.
Barbara drew constantly as a child. By the time she was seven, she knew she would be an artist when she grew up. Her older sister recommended she be a childrens' book illustrator, and this proved to be a rare instance when she followed her sister's advice. Barbara also wanted to be a cat when she grew up, and is glad she had art as a back up plan.
The first part of Barbara's growing up was in Clinton, NJ. Her early influences were her photographer father, seamstress/teacher mother, and the cartoon character Top Cat.
Barbara moved to North Dakota when she was 9 with her mother and sister after her parents divorced. She continued to draw through middle and high school, frequently in the margins of her tests and homework.
Barbara attended Jamestown College in North Dakota, where she refined her drawing skills by copying pictures in artbooks she checked out of her college library.
Two weeks after her 20th birthday, Barbara moved to New York City to begin her career on the recommendation of Maurice Sendak, whon she called from North Dakota for advice about how to become a children's book illustrator.
Barbara studied for two months at the Art Student's League in New York City. She continued to copy from art books she checked out of libraries, and sketched paintings and drawings in museums in New York City. Barbara is essentially self-taught as an artist/illustrator.
After illustrating books written by other authors, Barbara began writing as well as producing the artwork for her own books.
She currently lives in rural Connectucut with the illustrator David A. Johnson, their cats Pip and Emma, and David's truly gorgeous rose garden.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 14, 2008
I love this book! And tomorrow I would love to wake up and spend the day with Charlotte and Bruno and Dahlia. What a sweet story, and the pictures are very pretty. I really appreciate Charlotte's character; she loves nature and playing outdoors, climbing trees and fishing... but she also knows how to take care of her dolls. I was much the same as a girl. I can't say enough about this darling story except READ IT and fall in love yourself.
January 4, 2020
Charlotte was not the kind of girl who played with dolls. No, she enjoyed making mud cakes with her stuffed teddy-bear, Bruno, climbing trees, and beating the neighborhood boys at wagon-racing. So when her Aunt Edme sends her a delicate doll, with a prim mouth and fancy clothing, Charlotte is less than thrilled. "You'll just have to get used to the way we do things," she informs the newcomer, which means no tea parties, and no being pushed in frilly prams. Luckily, Dahlia - as she is soon christened - for all that she may look prissy, has an adventurous spirit, and takes to Charlotte and Bruno's outdoor activities like a duck to water. A little wear and tear never hurt a doll, if she is loved by her little girl - which Dahlia soon is - but will Aunt Edme see it that way...?
This picture-book is an absolute delight - I understand now why so many of my friends have raved about it! With charming illustrations that perfectly capture the Victorian setting - the ivy-covered house, Charlotte's girlish pinafore - as well as the excitement and fun of the action, and a narrative that features a non-girly-girl who finds she does like some dolls after all, what's not to love? I was reminded of my own girlhood, when I was equally happy racing around the neighborhood and hanging upside-down from trees, and playing with my dolls. It's good to see a story that highlights the fact that girls don't have to choose one or the other!
This picture-book is an absolute delight - I understand now why so many of my friends have raved about it! With charming illustrations that perfectly capture the Victorian setting - the ivy-covered house, Charlotte's girlish pinafore - as well as the excitement and fun of the action, and a narrative that features a non-girly-girl who finds she does like some dolls after all, what's not to love? I was reminded of my own girlhood, when I was equally happy racing around the neighborhood and hanging upside-down from trees, and playing with my dolls. It's good to see a story that highlights the fact that girls don't have to choose one or the other!
September 30, 2022
A sweet story about a little girl who receives a doll and plays with her in a very earthy manner. I loved Charlotte's room--it looks like what a young Beatrix Potter's room might have looked like. The illustrations are quite fun, and I remember some toys from childhood that received a Dahlia-like makeover due to their constant companionship in outdoor play.
There is room to start a conversation here about caring for gifts and the like. Not all gift-givers will have the gracious awareness of Aunt Edme. But for very young readers, this book makes a lot of sense and is good fun.
There is room to start a conversation here about caring for gifts and the like. Not all gift-givers will have the gracious awareness of Aunt Edme. But for very young readers, this book makes a lot of sense and is good fun.
December 13, 2008
A very sweet story about a young girl who gets a delicate doll from her aunt. At first the girl doesn't want the doll (she's a bit of a tom boy) but after a while the doll is able to join in on the girl's adventures and becomes a happier doll for it. It's a very sweet story and the illustrations are lovely. A great book for remembering that we each make our toys into something unique, and that the fun and imagination is in what the child brings to the toy, not the other way around.
March 11, 2010
This is one of my all time, favorite-ever picture books. I adore Barbara McClintock. Her illustrations exude a detailed elegance that bring to mind Victorian parlors, frilled cuffs, and high tea. But in this book she pairs that elegance with the fresh, rough air of the outdoors. These two opposing forces combine in her head-strong protagonist, Charlotte.
The premise of the story is this: Charlotte is a born naturalist. A two page spread of her bedroom reveals collections of abaondoned birds nests, walking sticks, and an assortment of creepy crawly pets. When Charlotte's elderly Aunt Edme presents her the gift of a beautiful, lace-covered doll, Charlotte is skeptical. But she names the doll Dahlia, and decides to bring her along on some of her outdoor adventures, which include making mud pies, and beating the neighborhood boys in wagon race down the big hill. By the end of the day, Dahlia has won Charlotte over. Her lace petticoat is in rags and her perfect complexion is splattered with mud, but her face has visibly softened into a warm, happy smile.
Aunt Edme comes for a visit, and has something to say about the state in which she finds her gift, but it ends up being the perfect conclusion to a charming story that celebrates natural beauty and the spirit of exploration that discovers it out.
The premise of the story is this: Charlotte is a born naturalist. A two page spread of her bedroom reveals collections of abaondoned birds nests, walking sticks, and an assortment of creepy crawly pets. When Charlotte's elderly Aunt Edme presents her the gift of a beautiful, lace-covered doll, Charlotte is skeptical. But she names the doll Dahlia, and decides to bring her along on some of her outdoor adventures, which include making mud pies, and beating the neighborhood boys in wagon race down the big hill. By the end of the day, Dahlia has won Charlotte over. Her lace petticoat is in rags and her perfect complexion is splattered with mud, but her face has visibly softened into a warm, happy smile.
Aunt Edme comes for a visit, and has something to say about the state in which she finds her gift, but it ends up being the perfect conclusion to a charming story that celebrates natural beauty and the spirit of exploration that discovers it out.
October 21, 2009
Oh, I’m so glad I’ve found Barbara McClintock. This is another winner from her.
Unlike Charlotte, the girl in the book, I did like dolls when I was a girl, but I liked dolls who make appearances in books even better.
This is a fabulous book where a doll becomes a central character.
The story is funny and sweet and engaging. Charlotte and Bruno and Dahlia, and Aunt Edme, are memorable characters. McClintock remembers exactly what it feels like for a child to play with stuffed animals, dolls, and toys, and how being imaginative is an important part of play and how dolls and bears are real for a child.
The illustrations are lush and fit the story so well. The cover illustration is actually my least favorite of the bunch.
This would make a wonderful gift for most young girls.
Unlike Charlotte, the girl in the book, I did like dolls when I was a girl, but I liked dolls who make appearances in books even better.
This is a fabulous book where a doll becomes a central character.
The story is funny and sweet and engaging. Charlotte and Bruno and Dahlia, and Aunt Edme, are memorable characters. McClintock remembers exactly what it feels like for a child to play with stuffed animals, dolls, and toys, and how being imaginative is an important part of play and how dolls and bears are real for a child.
The illustrations are lush and fit the story so well. The cover illustration is actually my least favorite of the bunch.
This would make a wonderful gift for most young girls.
May 24, 2019
This book was so unexpectedly good--when a young girl receives a doll as a gift, she's not what you would call excited. But the more she plays with the doll, the more she discovers that dolls can do more than look pretty and sit still. Instead of this gift urging her to conform to feminine standards, it allows for yet another vessel of creativity. And not only that, but McClintock's illustrations once more illuminate imagination as Dahlia, the doll, has facial expressions and a personality of her own. Overall, this book was just so sweet and detailed and perfect for the young girl who loves the outdoors. Great for grades 1-4.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
April 19, 2018
Utterly delightful with several clever twists!
February 9, 2019
I liked this story of a little girl who prefers to play outdoors and was dubious of her fancy new doll at first, but quickly grew to love it. The illustrations are very detailed and enrich the story with subtle changes in the doll's expression and cute positioning of the teddy bear. The picture for the scene when Charlotte shows her well-played-with doll to Aunt Edme effectively conveys the tension of the moment!
March 25, 2011
This is a wonderful story about a fun-loving little girl named Charlotte (who loves to climb trees and is not afraid of getting dirty) who is given a fancy doll and proceeds to love her and play with her. The eventual meeting with the aunt who gave the doll to Charlotte offers a very pleasant surprise.
I loved that it depicts the little girl as being adventurous and free-spirited, but also loving and nurturing. I like that she can be rough and tumble and keep up with the boys and still knows how to clean up nicely and be feminine and pretty, too. I love the philosophy of the story that shows that our things are for loving and playing with, not just displaying. That is exactly why I do not have "guest towels" that no one uses or fancy table settings that are kept tucked in a china cabinet for display only. To me, life is too short and stuff is just stuff. Nice dishes and towels are for using and nice dolls are for playing with. But I suppose I digress...
The illustrations are nicely rendered, with soft pastels and an old fashioned feel that complements the story. The expressions on Charlotte's face are priceless. And the tale is engaging and fun, too. We really enjoyed reading this story together. It's a great tale for tom-boys of all ages.
I loved that it depicts the little girl as being adventurous and free-spirited, but also loving and nurturing. I like that she can be rough and tumble and keep up with the boys and still knows how to clean up nicely and be feminine and pretty, too. I love the philosophy of the story that shows that our things are for loving and playing with, not just displaying. That is exactly why I do not have "guest towels" that no one uses or fancy table settings that are kept tucked in a china cabinet for display only. To me, life is too short and stuff is just stuff. Nice dishes and towels are for using and nice dolls are for playing with. But I suppose I digress...
The illustrations are nicely rendered, with soft pastels and an old fashioned feel that complements the story. The expressions on Charlotte's face are priceless. And the tale is engaging and fun, too. We really enjoyed reading this story together. It's a great tale for tom-boys of all ages.
October 17, 2012
More vintage-y Victoriana from Barbara McClintock, this time in the form of a little tomboy (Charlotte) who is given a doll (Dahlia) that she initial thinks she hates. Friendships can be formed from the strangest pairings, and Charlotte and Dahlia become besties by the end. McClintock's story is sweet and fun, and her gentle descriptions of the doll's changing attitude and face, from cold to warm, is quite lovely. Aunt Edme could have been the stock mean old maid aunt, but instead McClintock creates an elderly Victorian female who isn't all prim and proper and who loves her niece for who she is.
November 25, 2012
A truly magical little book about a young girl who loves to run around and play outside and the doll she is given by her aunt. Charlotte has never wanted a doll and doesn't want to be forced into tea parties and dress up games. She'd much rather play outside, race with the boys and make mud cakes. But quickly she finds that her doll is the perfect playmate. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed. Though it is a fairly recent publication, it has a timelessness that makes it feel like an old weathered book I pulled out of my grandmother's attic. A must read!
May 11, 2018
Loved the imaginary play pictured and put in the story. Something kids could do more of, and perhaps this story would help spur their imaginations. Loved the twist at the end of the aunt happy about how the doll turned out.
December 5, 2007
Great book about a tomboy girl that gets a china doll from an elderly aunt. The doll, by the end of the day of playing, doesn't look perfect anymore, but it does look loved.
August 3, 2022
This historical fiction picture book has exquisite illustrations and a fun twist ending. It will appeal to both children and adults who can relate to loving dolls and spending lots of time outdoors, regardless whether or not they would have shared the main character's initial skepticism about the doll.
October 12, 2020
The illustrations were nice and attractive and
appropriate.
The storyline was good.
I thought this children's picture book was good
not absolutely great.
Children in general would probably enjoy it.
appropriate.
The storyline was good.
I thought this children's picture book was good
not absolutely great.
Children in general would probably enjoy it.
April 5, 2018
A book for little girls like I was: constantly in dresses, and climbing trees playing at Robin Hood.
Delightful and surprising.
Delightful and surprising.
May 7, 2018
Picture Book
December 26, 2019
Loved this story for how it switched expectations. My wife and I are not really about reading our daughter too many stories about princesses or girls who are frilly and delicate, because she'll get those messages from society just fine anyway. But I loved this book which, down to the illustration style, seems like it's going to be the story of an 1800's little girl and her beloved doll. Which it is, actually! But the girl is an explorer, and a digging in the dirt, climbing trees type of adventurer. And she loves the doll because it turns out, they are two of a kind! A great read to flip the idea of who little girls (and dolls) are and have been right on its head in satisfying ways.
March 27, 2020
wonderful twist at the end! Very fun
October 20, 2021
Charlotte is a girl after my own heart. (:
January 13, 2022
Plant art, etc is lovely, the people/ doll..maybe, a lil creepy
November 4, 2022
A cute story of a tomboyish girl coming to love a gifted doll in a non traditional way.
November 2, 2023
Charlotte is my kind of kid.
Read
December 16, 2023I can't decide if it's cute and sweet, or kinda creepy. Maybe a bit of both.
July 27, 2024
A little girl is not so sure about the doll she recieved as a gift, until she discovers that dolls can love nature and adventure too. Very charming.
December 7, 2024
Fantastic book for all ages about a young girl who gets a doll from her aunt and loves it to pieces
August 31, 2025
A very soft and pleasant story of a tomboy little girl, and how she gives life, to a prim and lonely doll.
February 13, 2026
really sweet and cute. such a precious illustration style!
April 5, 2024
I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews