Image from Amazon
I’m smitten. Brianna finished Maryellen’s first book “The One and Only” the first day it was released. It took me two days to finish it because I had to savor it just a little… and make dinner now and again.
I will not spoil the book for you because you simply must read it! My first reading of the samples that Amazon posted in their “Look Inside” feature gave me the impression that this might be a “lite” book for kids. I was very wrong.
Maryellen is a 1950s girl struggling to find her identity in a family of 6 kids. In her efforts to be “the one and only Maryellen” she makes some poorly thought out choices. Think Leave it to Beaver and I Love Lucy. I truly did “LOL” during the book! The comedic moments are accompanied by themes of being unique vs being part of a family, making our individual dreams come true vs sharing our joy with others, and seeing people as individuals vs excluding them based on groups they belong to. This book is more Molly than Addy or Caroline. So far Maryellen is not risking her life to intervene in the history of the day. Her journey in the first book is inward.
Debbie Reynolds. Read the book and learn why I pinned this photo.
Brianna thinks I can be too critical, but my complaints are that Dad isn’t a very developed character — at least so far. I’m not even sure what his occupation is. We don’t get to know him in the same was we get to know Caroline’s father in her books. My other complaint is that the loss of small drawings in the historical books is very sad. I made myself a Pinterest board as I read, looking up details like “Rosemary Clooney’s gown in White Christmas.” The story is so much richer when these details have an accompanying image. A lot of kids may not even have a reference for “coffee-cake” or “round suitcase”…. not to mention “cold cream.” I hope that the historical dolls won’t lose their appeal as new readers discover their stories without the artwork we all associate with the original books.
Surprisingly, this is a Christmas story in Daytona! It would make a wonderful gift during the holiday season, or could be read with a loved one who grew up in Maryellen’s time period. Multi-generation book club? Absolutely!
I found my heart warmed as I uncovered the deeper significance behind the clothing that is available for the doll.
The Maryellen doll may or may not be on your “wishlist” but don’t miss an opportunity to get to know her as a character. I hope to hear your thoughts after you’ve read the book too! No spoilers please.
The Dolls Between Us 
I HOPE I GET HER SOON!!! SHE IS SOOOOO CUTE!!!
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Even though I’m not purchasing the doll or any of her accessories, I will be buying the books. And yes, it is ashame that there are no pics in these books anymore. The only reason AG did this, is so that they could change the BeForever wardrobe on the other historicals, and no picture references in any of the books. It was a marketing decision. But the AG historical line began as a teaching tool; to show girls what life was like for other girls in different time periods. Now if girls want to reference these things, it’s about Google, Pinterest, or even some of the TV retro channels like Me-TV, Antenna TV or Cozi-TV. Another thing I think AG is missing the boat on is the fact that vintage pieces like MaryEllen’s TV or Kit’s radio or Julie’s egg chair, must be hooked up to or contain modern day electronic devices. I can see some little kid telling her teacher at school that yes in fact their were I-Pads in the 50s ‘cos MaryEllen has one in her TV. Again this is a marketing tool. I don’t believe Pleasant Rowland started this company just to get rich. She wanted to teach little girls history in a fun way. I don’t think she would have used historical pieces like an old-time radio or a console TV set as window dressing for modern day electronics. Anyway, I’m glad Valerie Tripp was the one to write ME’s books, b/c she really made Kit’s books come alive. I’m looking forward to reading them.
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Well stated! I agree that the integration of Apple devices is a major step away from the company’s origins. At first I was disappointed that Maryellen didn’t seem to be on the front edge of major historical events, but after reading the book I appreciate the subtle ways Valerie Tripp addresses the good and not-so-good elements of this time in our history. This book will be a better choice for kids who find some of the other historical books too scary (Addy, Josefina). That said, the book is 217 some pages with long chapters and probably a 3rd grade reading level. At Brianna’s school, most girls were over AG by 3rd grade. I hope this book finds an audience outside of AG super fans.
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I’m a little scared to read her books because then I’ll want the doll!
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I understand! The books did pique my interest for what else might be coming for Maryellen. The crinoline has a special story to it, and at its price, I think we could get some mileage out of it. I would love a round suitcase! Personally, I’m holding out for BF2016!
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Like jackyline I think if I read the books I will start wanting all of her collection! But I love reading so once Maryellen’s series hits my library I will pick it up 🙂
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Sounds like a good plan! Brianna has been saving money for a doll, but it could be a tough call with Maryellen, Lea Clark and Beforever 2016. I look forward to seeing her in person.
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Thank you for this wonderful review. The fact that they included White Christmas (my favorite Christmas movie) is a point in its favor. I love that it inspired you to make a reference board. Maybe in removing the photos they will inspire others to search too. (But I’m with you in thinking they should have kept the illustrations.)
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Can you believe I have never seen “White Christmas”??! After pinning the pictures, I definitely plan to do so this year. Now that’s a Christmas dress!
The bummer of no pictures is kids reading alone just breeze right over what they don’t know. Brianna didn’t think to think about what “cold cream” might be.
I look forward to your thoughts on the book since you enjoy books too!
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Sharry, (jaw dropped open…practically on floor) you met Shaun! LOVE him! I think one of the reasons I liked him better than David is he did seem nicer (that could have been Keith vs Joe too LOL).
Jen, I soooo remember the satin jacket. I tried to do that look too. I got close enough in my mind…the mind of an 8-year old fan girl. 😀 Da Doo Ron Ron!
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We are definitely a group of ladies with unique backgrounds! Xyra did you ever read the magazine called “Dynamite”?
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You bet! I still have a few stored away filed away. I happen upon them from time to time. I think they are in with some of my comic books (mostly Archie).
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I am in 6th grade and still love dolls! Lol! 😀
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I really enjoyed the first book. It was a good read, even for a grown-up. It gives a little insight into the things we learned as history as kids of the 70s…cold war…keeping up w/ the Joneses, baby boom. I like MaryEllen as a character, and I hope they’ll be more stories or even a movie!
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I agree! At first I thought she would be too much of a “little kid” character, but she has spunk and maturity through the two books. You do get to know Dad a little better in book two. I liked how V. Tripp showed women’s role changes from WWII to the 50s, and how mom was not “June Cleaver” or Mrs Cunningham as we have been conditioned to think of 50s women.
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And I agree about a movie!!!
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