THE WINTER OF THE DOLLHOUSE, by Laura Amy Schlitz, Candlewick, Sept. 2, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 9 and up)
A girl, an old lady and a doll become intwined in each other’s lives in The Winter of the Dollhouse, a middle-grade novel by Laura Amy Schlitz.
On a gloomy November night, eleven-year-old Tiphany Stokes saves an old lady from collapsing in the street. An antique doll named Gretel watches them, longing for Tiph to rescue her from life in a shop window. Though none of these three characters realizes it, their worlds are about to change: Gretel will no longer be a precious prisoner. The old lady—is she a witch?—will discover the secret hidden in her long-neglected dollhouse. And Tiph—whose parents rejoice that she is “never any trouble”—will become a thief, a dog walker, an actor, and best of all, a friend. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
The Winter of the Dollhouse is a warm middle-grade read that feels fresh and classic at the same time.
The story alternates between Tiph, a girl with a tough exterior, and Gretel, a doll who is alive (think Toy Story). Both have hopes and dreams and know they belong together from the moment they lay eye on each other.
The third main character is the old lady (aka Neni Szilvia). And it’s through Tiph and Gretel’s eyes that readers get to know her.
It’s Tiph’s relationship with Neni Szilvia that makes this story worth reading. Neni Szilvia becomes like a grandmother to Tiph, supporting her, encouraging her, correcting her when needed.
You can’t go wrong with anything by author Laura Amy Schlitz. Her prose is inviting and her tone calm. She sets the stage beautifully and transports readers to each setting with ease.
The biggest problem with The Winder of the Dollhouse is getting kids to move past the youngish cover and what looks like a childish story. Once kids get into the story, they’ll be hooked. I’d start it as a read-aloud, even if only for the first few chapters.
It’s a multilayered novel with lots of draws step-parents, friendship, new school, telling the truth, finding your place, being seen — that’s definitely worth reading.
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