The Doll People Set Sail

This much-awaited fourth installment of the Doll People series (which sees Helquist stepping in for Brian Selznick) has the antique Doll family and the contemporary Funcrafts on a nautical adventure after the box they’ve been packed in is mistakenly sent to a charity in England. If being separated from their owners, Kate and Nora Palmer, isn’t enough of a disaster, Nanny Doll, Dad Funcraft, and his son, Bailey, fall from a hole in the carton and disappear aboard the cargo ship. Luckily, heroines Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft are experienced at finding missing persons and quickly form a rescue party, with help from fellow passenger dolls. Once again, the shared values of Doll Power, friendship, and familial love bridge the differences between the plastic, modern Funcrafts and the fragile, ancient Dolls. In this episode, however, Tiffany Funcraft is less daring than usual, while Annabelle plays the role of risk taker, using courage and quick thinking to save the day. A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action (on a miniature scale) and personable new dolls to discover. Art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)