William's Doll
Product ID: 12554121
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"An excellent book about a boy named William who wants the forbidden—a doll. The long-awaited realistic handling of this theme makes it a landmark book."— School Library Journal More than anything, William wants a doll. “Don’t be a creep,” says his brother. “Sissy, sissy,” chants the boy next door. Then one day someone really understands William’s wish, and make it easy for others to understand, too. William gets a doll, so he can learn to be a loving parent someday. Written by beloved author Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Newbery Medal-winning author and Caldecott Honor Book illustrator William Pène du Bois, William’s Doll was published in 1972 and was one of the first picture books to deal with gender stereotypes. William's Dol l has been welcomed by teachers, librarians, and other caregivers as a springboard for discussion about gender roles and intolerance, whether shared one on one or with groups in a classroom or library setting. Review: Great book for boy moms - I am so glad I remember this book from childhood! As the mother of four boys, two of whom love their dolls very much but are also as boyish as can be, this book helps them feel comfortable about being prepared to be fathers. Review: An adventure with books - As a children's librarian, I wander through the children's book section on desertcart quite often. When I found William's Doll, I knew our library had to have it. The day I brought it in to share with second grade, one sharp boy spied the book with, "She has William's Doll. Hahahaha." Then boys surrounding William (I deliberately picked this class because "William" is in it) began to laugh and call him names. Immediately, I squashed the teasing. We talked about dolls, the various kinds, what dolls are for, and why William wanted one. We talked about whose daddies changed diapers, put babies to bed, and so on, and why they did these things. We talked about maturity and immaturity. I asked if second grade could be mature. One boy blurted, no, we're just kids. So we talked about maturity again. William wanted a doll because he envied the neighbor girl who had one. He wanted to change it, sing to it, coo with it, put it to bed. His brother and brother's friend walked in while William was acting out these emotionally charged moments. Of course, they laughed and called him names. His daddy gave him a basketball and goal, and a train set. William mastered layups, goal throwing, then beat his brother and friend. He used engineering (guy) skills to build stations and storage areas. Finally, granny bought him a doll, exactly the one he wanted with eyes that went blink and clicked when they closed, and told the worrying dad that William wanted to grow up to be a good father who helped with the tending of a baby. My second grade class took in the entire story without once snickering. They were totally on William's side in acquiring a doll. Books cause adventures. Magic happens. This book is highly recommended!
| Best Sellers Rank | #227,279 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1,721 in Children's Classics #5,999 in Children's Literature (Books) #8,212 in LGBTQ+ Books |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 215 Reviews |
N**K
Great book for boy moms
I am so glad I remember this book from childhood! As the mother of four boys, two of whom love their dolls very much but are also as boyish as can be, this book helps them feel comfortable about being prepared to be fathers.
J**S
An adventure with books
As a children's librarian, I wander through the children's book section on Amazon quite often. When I found William's Doll, I knew our library had to have it. The day I brought it in to share with second grade, one sharp boy spied the book with, "She has William's Doll. Hahahaha." Then boys surrounding William (I deliberately picked this class because "William" is in it) began to laugh and call him names. Immediately, I squashed the teasing. We talked about dolls, the various kinds, what dolls are for, and why William wanted one. We talked about whose daddies changed diapers, put babies to bed, and so on, and why they did these things. We talked about maturity and immaturity. I asked if second grade could be mature. One boy blurted, no, we're just kids. So we talked about maturity again. William wanted a doll because he envied the neighbor girl who had one. He wanted to change it, sing to it, coo with it, put it to bed. His brother and brother's friend walked in while William was acting out these emotionally charged moments. Of course, they laughed and called him names. His daddy gave him a basketball and goal, and a train set. William mastered layups, goal throwing, then beat his brother and friend. He used engineering (guy) skills to build stations and storage areas. Finally, granny bought him a doll, exactly the one he wanted with eyes that went blink and clicked when they closed, and told the worrying dad that William wanted to grow up to be a good father who helped with the tending of a baby. My second grade class took in the entire story without once snickering. They were totally on William's side in acquiring a doll. Books cause adventures. Magic happens. This book is highly recommended!
R**A
Beautiful book for fathers of baby boys.
This book helps dispel the stereotype of children’s toys. Dolls are not just for little girls.
K**S
One of the best read alouds of all time
I first read Williams Doll to my oldest son back in the bad old 70's when he was three years old. I had bought him a doll for his 'big' first birthday present, and his father had made some noises about boys & dolls. Williams Doll was the perfect rebuttal and a wonderful discovery back then. This time around I bought it for my year old grandson - too young to understand it yet - but he will grow into it. Williams Doll is a terrific read aloud for kids (male and female)from two to six - and for the record my son nurtured his doll, as did his two sisters after him, and my son is now a wonderful father himself.
P**I
still a good an relevant story
My 5 yo loved the story. Very relevant these days. Gray book to teach and provoque conversations around being true to yourself, having tolerance and being patient - great book
A**E
2nd generation!
UPDATE! I now have a 4 year old son with whom I read this wonderful book. And guess what? He likes to play with dolls, trains, balls and my iPad. I am so pleased to read this to him and to support him in whatever style of play he wishes to engage. This was helpful for me when I was a little boy who liked to play with dolls and got teased for it. My mom bought it and read it to me and it was just the thing. Now I'm pleased to be able to read it to my 3 yr old daughter.
P**E
Beautiful story
I give this book to every baby boy I have the opportunity to gift a book to. It has been a favorite of mine for 50 years.
C**N
Buy this book to read to your son or grandson:)
My mother bought this book for my son when he was born. I used to read it to him and it was one of my favorite books. It is a great book to gently explain why there do not have to be distinctions between 'girl' and 'boy' toys. It is a very gentle, sweet book.
R**O
Best Gift for a Son
The language was just right for a child. The message was loud and clear. Listen to your children and let them become who they are meant to be not what you want them to be.
A**R
It has a fantastic ending.
A must-read for everyone. It has a fantastic ending.
M**D
Simply Beautiful!
A loving story about a boy who wants a doll to care for so he can grow up and know how to care for his own child one day. This book has special meaning to us, for we are parents of a beautiful young man, William, who was taken from us all too soon. Please buy this book for every little boy you know.
J**N
William’s Doll
Breaking stereotypes. A memorable message for everyone.
A**R
Heartwarming
My son was given this when he was one and loved it. I bought this for my grandson
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