Doll News Spring 2014 - (Page 160)
I
is for
Inspiration
"A children's story that can
only be enjoyed by children is
not a good children's story in
the slightest." - C.S. Lewis
A
by Nicki Burley
lphabet books are a tricky business. At first glance,
they seem the simplest of children's literature. How
could they fail in their sole purpose to teach letters
to little ones? And yet they often do, miserably. Whether the
artwork is bland, or the rhymes lack rhythm, countless sterile
alphabet books have been published and as quickly forgotten.
But if ever there was an author who could take "simple" and
turn it into timeless magic, it would be Tasha Tudor.
Tudor wrote and illustrated the little book A is for
Annabelle in 1954. Through well-measured rhyme and
gentle watercolor paintings, it tells of two little sisters who
like to spend their days playing with Grandmother's doll.
Collectors quickly recognize the doll as an early French
fashion, in possession of an enviable, extensive 1860s
wardrobe with marvelous accessories. At the time the book
was published, of course, doll collecting was still a young
hobby, and "Annabelle" would have been less than 100 years
old. Still, few girls would have had such a doll, to play with
unattended...unless they were Tasha's little girls!
In A is for Annabelle it is obvious that w e are watching
real little girls who have the luxury of time to be imaginative.
There are no hovering, helpful, or disapproving adults, just
an occasional mouse or cricket. Readers can only glimpse
their child-centered world through flower-framed windows,
with watercolor illustrations to further soften the view.
Sometimes we see the girls dress Annabelle or chat with
Using Tudor's book as a model, Marie Scopel created a Modern Doll's Alphabet photo book for her
grandchildren, showing dolls playing with today's toys. Photo books like these, offered by several companies,
are a beautiful way to share your dolls with family and friends.
Mason and Marianna spend a lazy holiday morning in their living room, playing Xbox games, complete with
their own miniature controllers. Photos courtesy of Marie Scopel
160
SPRING 2014
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Doll News Spring 2014
From the Editor
UFDC Officers and Regional Directors
President's Message
Conference Calendar
Welcome Newer Members
Fundraising Committee Report
Shared Passions - 2014 UFDC Convention
Tasha Tudor + Dolls = Enchanting Art
Early Juneau Bebe Part II
My Dear Hitty
A Capital Affair 2013 Antique Competitive Exhibit Part II
A Capital Affair 2013 Modern Competitive Exhibit Part II
A is for Annabelle - the story of a doll
Annatasha - A Paper Doll
A Visit to the Coleman Collection
Unending Delight - Tasha's World of Dolls
A Capital Affair 2013 Special Exhibit - The Four Seasons of Sandra Sue
A Capital Affair 2013 - Beautiful Boys, Gorgeous Girls - Asian and American BJDs
All About Lavinia Loring, A French Fashion Doll Reprinted from THE LETTER, Volume 3, Number 1, Summer 1983
Life before TV - UFDC Region 1 Conference
Christine Crocker - The Pastoral Dollmaker
Capturing the Classics - The Classic Plaything Collection of Wendy Lawton
The Story of Marjorie Tudor
Behind the Scenes - Regional Director Training
Isn't It Romantic
In a More Romantic Time - A Paper Doll
I is for Inspiration
Judging Dolls in UFDC Competitions
Club Notes
Reviewing Resources
Region Director Candidates
Donations
In Our Memories
News & Notes
Doll News Spring 2014
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