The Meanest Doll in the World

Laura Godwin, also known as Nola Buck, is the author of many popular picture books for children. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she now lives in New York City.

Brian Selznick is the remarkable illustrator of many books for children, including The Doll People, a 2000 Notable Children’s Book; Barnyard Prayers by Laura Godwin; Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan; and The Houdini Box, winner of the 1991 Texas Bluebonnet Award, which he also wrote.

Ann M. Martin is the author of many books for young readers, including Belle Teale, A Dog’s Life, and A Corner of the Universe, a 2003 Newbery Honor Book. She is also the co-author, with Paula Danziger, of P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More. Ms. Martin makes her home in upstate New York.

Lynn Redgrave's reasonable tone and measured reading lend credence to a fantasy about dolls that come to life when humans aren't paying attention. This sequel to THE DOLL PEOPLE, which can stand alone, follows best friends Annabelle and Tiffany as they find adventure. Redgrave sensitively takes cues from the text to create voices for the characters. Annabelle and her family have light British accents appropriate for dolls crafted in England in 1898. Plastic Tiffany has a squeaky and distinctly American voice. The paper dolls have breathy singsong voices, and Mean Mimi sounds believably mean. Well-timed side breaks combine with Redgrave's performance to create a light and fun listen. A.F. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine