I home schooled my four children in the 1980’s and 90’s. We made weekly treks to the library and filled two milk crates with books each time. My kids often acted out what they learned from the books, sometimes battling imaginary Red Coats, or pretending to be pioneers.

I was reminded of those years when our recent remodeling unearthed boxes of papers I’d saved. Among them, some stories my youngest two collaborated on. They illustrated their stories with photographs they took of their stuffed animals in a variety of settings and poses. Some of the photos show favorite stuffed friends up trees or under bushes. What triggered that burst of creativity?

Library books, of course. We repeatedly checked out several books with photos of a doll. I could not remember the title or author, so I searched. Sure enough, I found The Lonely Doll books by Dare Wright. Those imaginative books have been restored, reissued, and are available again. Although originally published between 1957 and 1964, the books are just as charming now as they were when they made the best sellers list.

The Lonely Doll Series

The doll, Edith, is lonely and prays for a friend. Mr. Bear and Little Bear come to live with her. Mr. Bear acts as a parent and supplies opportunities for fun, needed guidance, and discipline. Little Bear and Edith have great adventures inside and out. They get into lots of mischief. One story, Edith and Mr. Bear, is an adorable retelling of the Prodigal Son. Edith does something naughty and lies about it. She feels so bad and is so unhappy that she runs away. Only when she realizes how much she loves Mr. Bear does she return to confess and be forgiven.

Delightful black and white photographs created by the author illustrate the books. Dare Wright, a professional freelance photographer and fashion model, wrote this series. They star Edith, her childhood doll, with some new friends. Children will love both the pictures and the adventures. The books brim with love, friendship, joy, determination, remorse, and forgiveness. While not written with today’s exacting editorial standards of brevity, they are excellent fodder for forming character in today’s children. The books are perfect for any child who loves dolls and stuffed animals, ages of 6 to 10.

Do you have a favorite book or series that helps children grow? Please comment. You may help someone else find just what they need.