Benji's Doll

Facial features are exaggerated in this Spanish import—eyes are large, noses upturned, ears stick out—but no one exudes a more toothy joy than Benji when his wish for a doll finally comes true. Though slight on story, it’s big on heart and makes for a long-overdue replacement for the venerable William’s Doll, by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by William Pène Du Bois (1972). Friendship trumps gender norms. — Kirkus

Charming, original, entertaining, and with a positive gender message, "Benji's Doll" is very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.— Midwest Book Review, Childrens Bookwatch

"This is laugh-out-loud funny, and just the right ending. VERDICT: With highly comic illustrations, children with good hearts, and a happy ending, this is not just another doll story" –  School Library Journal

"Many useful concepts are modeled in this brightly illustrated story, including allowing children to form their own identities and interests, learning to resolve simple conflicts, and admitting to mistakes." – Booklist

Goofy expressions dominate the colored-pencil illustrations of this chipper and encouraging tale. – Foreword Reviews

a sweet and gentle story that highlights the importance allowing children the freedom to select whatever toy they want for playtime, regardless of how the toy is perceived or marketed (ie, a "girl's toy" or a "boy's toy"). – Let's Talk Picture Books

This was really cute! I liked how we see Benji wanting and playing with a doll. And his girl friend plays with his truck. It shows that any child can play with any toy. – NetGalley-Librarian

This is a short book, but it will lend itself to a long productive discussion about what happened. And the emotions in the book. – NetGalley-Educator