The Birthday Doll — Jane Cutler

Pretty is as pretty does

Franny gets two dolls for her birthday. Rose has yellow curls, big blue eyes, and a frilly dress. She chants "Ring around the Rosy" when you squeeze her hand. Suzie is an old rag doll, all floppy and faded. Franny's grandmother sees some lovely qualities in Suzie, but Franny is unconvinced. After her birthday party, Franny climbs into bed with beautiful Rose, while Suzie is left alone atop the toy shelf in the bedroom. But Rose's frilly dress starts to scratch, and her yellow curls smell like plastic. Maybe Franny will give Suzie a try after all.

With its deceptively simple text and sweet watercolors, this book feels like a classic doll story, as soft and familiar as Suzie herself.