The Wheat Doll

Title: The Wheat Doll

Author: Allison L. Randall

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

Date: 2008

Number of pages: 32 pages

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Children's Picture book 

Summary: Mary Ann is a  young pioneer girl who lives in the plains of a Utah farm with her mother and father. Her best friend is her homemade wheat-filled doll. One day Mary Ann sets Betty on a stump while she pulls carrots in the garden. Suddenly a storm sweeps across the valley, and Mary Ann's parents hurry her into the safety of the cabin. After the storm, the girl searches everywhere but she cannot find her beloved doll. Mary Ann is lonely without it all winter, but in spring she discovers a doll-shaped patch of wheat sprouting from the mud near where the toy was lost. She tends the sprouts and makes a new doll from the grains. When the grains grow healthy enough, she harvests the wheat and makes a new doll. Her best friend returns and she is happy. 


My reaction: I thought this book was a great example of the theme and morals it portrays. It teaches Mary Ann the protagonist to not give up - even after the long hard winter, Mary Ann has faith that her best friend Betty is still nearby. I know most children can relate to a lost beloved toy that they care deeply for, especially little girl's who have developed close bond relationships with their dolls.


Potential problems: I don't see any problems with this short story picture book.


My Recommendation: This book could be used as an aid to help comfort children whom have lost a toy which is dear to them. Especially toys or blankets they have become dependent on growing up. Little girls can connect with the story so well, so it could be used in lower elementary educational programs and classes (preschool - 2nd grade).