Certain story lines and premises simply resonate with children. One of these is toys that come alive and have subplots and dramas beyond what we see in our world. Naturally Toy Story comes to mind, that blockbuster movie series with the voice of Tom Hanks, but kids have warmed to stories about toys long before the movie. Remember the Velveteen Rabbit?
The Tub People, by Pam Conrad is an unassuming tale of a family of bath toys who are neither animated nor prone to excessive conversation. However, children love this story of the child toy who washes away in the whirlpool of an unplugged drain which results in a clogged tub. The Tub People is a good read-aloud for children of all ages, as well as a suitable book for 6 to 8 year olds to read independently.
The Doll People by Ann Martin tells the story of cross generational doll houses, a modern plastic version interacting with dolls living in hundred year doll house. The dolls never age, and both sets of dolls have complex interactions and emotions as they pursue their adventures and find their places and senses of self and friendship in their world. Illustrations accompany most pages, adding to the readability of this ambitious chapter book for 7 to 9 year old girls. The story line is compelling enough though to encourage readers to read independently to the end.
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