I LOVED this book as a child. Unfortunately, it is out of print and quite pricey on Amazon. I would love to own a copy of it, but if I have to save money to buy this book or a Blythe doll, I know where my money's going. Anyway.........in this story, Ruth's parents own a doll shop which always keeps them too busy to repair Ruth's doll, Katy. When asking for new eyes or a new wig for her doll, Ruth is told, "Katy comes next." Unfortunately, "next" never seems to happen. Then one morning, Ruth wakes up to find that her parents have closed the doll shop for the day. Instead, they have declared it "Katy Comes Next" day. On this special day, Ruth's parents spend the whole day fixing Katy and getting her a new wardrobe. Can I just say how much I loved this book as a little girl? I checked it out from the library MANY, MANY times. Do any of you remember reading this as a child? If so, did you love it as much as I did? The one weird thing I remember, though, is that Katy looked completely different after they were done with her. She got a new wig, new eyes, etc., and was truly a different doll at the end. I remember that bothering me on some level. Still, my overriding memory after reading it decades ago is of complete enchantment. I think Ruth even got to pick out a really cool doll trunk for Katy and fill it with lots of beautiful new clothes, shoes and accessories. How fun!!
When I read this post I was touched by your memory of this book. When I think back about a book on dolls from my childhood I have a memory of one I loved. It was more of a beginning chapter book. I could remember the cover but could not remember the name! I knew it was about a porcelain doll and she moved around trying to find her owner. I couldn't remember much more but I thought about it all day trying to bring back the memory of the title. I was so excited to have it come to me a flash as I was washing the lunch dishes. I couldn't wait for a chance to hop on the computer and see if I could find it from what I remembered.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see it again. It is titled, "Henriette: The Story of a Doll by Tracy Friedman.
It is available used but at a lot less than your Katy book :( I wish I was able to get that book in your hands!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your special memory. I will have to check out the book you mentioned. I know I would love it. As I have been reflecting on books from childhood in preparation for the Dolls in Lit posts here on N2O4, I'm amazed at how many books I can remember that featured dolls in some way. Maybe it's not so amazing since I've always loved dolls. Anyway, thanks for sharing, friend!
I had a Horsman doll as a child who went to the doll hospital. She came back with a completely repainted head, giving her a very different appearance! I no longer remember her original look but I can't imagine her any different than she has been for the past 60+ years! She continued to be loved and went through "wars" which gave her a broken top of her head and broken leg which has been wrapped with cotton medical gauze for as long as I can remember!
ReplyDeleteLaughing I so would love a copy of this book too but not for the price. It was published when I was six and we took it out of the library and could not find it to return and then when I was in the hospital having my tonsils out it was found and my mother brought it to the hospital. That book meant a lot for me as my name is Kathy so Katy had a ring to it. I am also the oldest child in my family so the younger ones got more attention as my mother went to work the day I went to kindergarten and my father took me to school. So after school my sisters got attention. Oh memories of about 60 years ago.
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