The Runaway Dolls

This wholesome, award-winning classic that has sold more than 1 million copies is written by bestselling authors and illustrated by a Caldecott-winning artist, telling the story of a 100-year-old china doll who discovers surprising friendships and thrilling adventures.

Best friends Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft have stumbled upon an unexpected visitor, a new doll named Tilly May. She’s arrived in a mysterious package…but she looks so familiar. Could she be Annabelle’s long-lost baby sister? It’ll take a runaway adventure to find out for sure. Are the dolls ready for life on the road?

This fresh twist on the beloved genre of doll stories will spark imagination and a sense of wonder in young readers and will send them on a search for the fourth book in the series, The Doll People Set Sail.

• Praise for The Doll People:

  "[Readers] are in for a marvelous treat in this delicious fantasy."  

  Kirkus, starred review

• "Martin and Godwin inventively spin out their own variation on the perennially popular theme of toys who secretly come to life…Doll lovers may well approach their imaginative play with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of wonder after reading this fun-filled adventure."  

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

• "It's not easy to write a good book about dolls. Martin and Godwin not only set up a realistic doll world but also provide a credible mystery. The story gets a wonderful boost from Brian Selznick's pencil drawings...he catches every bit of humor."
   

  Booklist

• "Black-and-white pencil drawings illustrate this lively addition to the doll-fantasy genre."
   

  Horn Book

• "A lighthearted touch and a dash of drama make this a satisfying read. Selznick's illustrations are perfectly suited to the innocent charm of the dolls and do much to draw readers into their world."
   

  School and Library Journal

• "'The Doll People' is part of a solid tradition of doll stories. But Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin have given their amusing novel a decidedly contemporary twist: 19th-century porcelain meets 20th-century plastic."

  The New York Times

• Praise for The Meanest Doll in the World:

  "With its indelible mingling of wit, action, characterization, and art, this stands alone, but will especially thrill expectant fans of the original Doll People."

  Kirkus, starred review

• "The team behind The Doll People serves up a second helping of fanciful fun."

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

• "Readers...will hope for many more tales in the series for years to come."

  Bookpage

• "A thoroughly charming exploration of the fantasy that dolls are secretly alive. In this action-packed sequel, things heat up even further."

  Booklist

• "The book's broad humor and action balance with smaller, more personal dramas…Selznick's illustrations, in their wit and profusion, tie it all together in one appealing package."
   

  Horn Book

• "This fantasy is destined to be a favorite for years to come."

  School Library Journal

• Praise for The Runaway Dolls:

  "Fans of the first two Doll People stories will be thrilled with number three."

  Kirkus, starred review

• "Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture."

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

• "[I]n the pantheon of living toys, the Doll and Funcraft families of Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin's admired Doll People series reign supreme."

  The New York Times

• "Gentle humor, believable characters with distinct personalities, and a strong plotline will keep readers coming back for more."

  Booklist

• Other accolades for the Doll People series:

  An ALA Notable Children's BookA Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title for Children and TeensCCIRA Colorado Children's Book Award Runner-UpA Child Magazine Best Book of the YearDorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book award Masterlist
  A Garden State Children's Book Award NomineeAn Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee
  A Junior Library Guild SelectionKentucky Bluegrass Award Master ListMaryland Children's Book AwardMassachusetts Children's Book award Master ListMaud Hart Lovelace Book AwardA National Parenting Center Seal of ApprovalPennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Master ListA Publishers Weekly Best BookA Rhode Island Children's Book Award NomineeA School Library Journal Best BookA Texas Bluebonnet Award NomineeA Volunteer State Book Award Nominee