The Runaway Dolls (Doll People, 3) - Tapa dura

A fantasy with one foot in reality, this third adventure for the mismatched team of antique porcelain Annabelle Doll and contemporary plastic plaything Tiffany Funcraft (previously encountered in The Doll People and The Meanest Doll in the World) has the daring duo running away from home, accompanied by Annabelle's newfound baby sister and soon joined by their brothers. Regretting their decision, not knowing the way home, they eventually land in the toy department of a large store, where they face new danger-being sold to separate owners. Obeying the Doll Code of Honor, the toys must wait until closing time to spring to life, which complicates their escape. Characters and their exploits are fresh: cowgirl Dakota Jane drives a wind-up truck; Elsipad is thrilled that proceeds from her sale "will be used to fight world hunger." The book opens with a narrative sequence of Selznick's (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) shaded b&w pencil drawings, which lure readers into the story and anticipate the first chapter, "The Mysterious Package." The lush illustrations-full bleeds as well as spot drawings and vignettes throughout -are integral expressions of the novel's spirit. Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture. PW"

"[I]n the pantheon of living toys, the Doll and Funcraft families of Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin's admired Doll People series reign supreme." The New York Times NYTBR"

Horn Book Guide Spring 2009. Illustrated by Brian Selznick. This third Doll People book introduces Annabelle's long-lost sister. Upset by the adults' cautious reaction to the baby, the kids run away. After some misadventures, they end up in a department store, where Annabelle solves a mystery and re-encounters (gasp!) Mean Mimi. The fast pace, sharp characterizations, and profusion of Selznick illustrations (including an extended wordless opening) make this a runaway success. Horn Book"

Annabelle Doll is thrilled to discover a five-year-old sister doll, Tilly May, in the mysterious package that arrives just as her owners, the Palmers, leave on vacation. This new member of the Doll Family, though, might put Dollkind in jeopardy. Unwilling to part with her newfound sister, Annabelle runs away, taking her friend Tiffany Funcraft and Tilly May with her. This intriguing premise sets up the action in this suspenseful addition to the Doll People series. Selznick's numerous, softly-shaded pencil drawings, some extending across two pages, greatly enlarge the story. This sequel can be read on its own, but fans of the series will welcome the references to earlier adventures and the nail-biting return of Mean Mimi. Gentle humor, believable characters with distinct personalities, and a strong plotline will keep readers coming back for more. Grades 3-6 Booklist"

Fans of the first two Doll People stories will be thrilled with number three. China doll Annabelle and plastic doll Tiffany are ready for an adventure when the human Palmers leave on a two-week vacation, but when a mysterious box arrives, the dolls discover a baby doll is in inside! Annabelle is convinced it's her lost baby sister. The only solution seems to be to take Tilly and run away. Risking "Permanent Doll State" numerous times, the girl dolls and their two brother dolls wind up in a toy store with antique and robotic dolls and the hateful, mean Mimi, returning from book two. How can they overcome their size obstacles and escape in time to get home before the humans return? Selznick's charming, black-and-white scenarios make the doll personalities believable; he adds a number of full-page drawings at the beginning ( la Hugo Cabret) that build the drama, while the action leaves plenty of dollhouse room for future escapades. Hmmm, the dolls visit Dollywood? Kirkus"

Best friends Annabelle and Tiffany risk placing all of dollkind in danger when they run away while trying to prevent Tilly from being sent back to London before they can determine if she is Annabelle's long-lost baby sister. 175,000 first printing.