Barbara McClintock creates another picture book with a Victorian look and feel while its young protagonist is wholly in step with many contemporary children. Charlotte has never like dolls, so when her elderly Aunt Edme gives her one, “dressed in linen and lace and delicate silk ribbons” Charlotte is not very excited. In her bedroom filled with bugs and birds nests, Charlotte explains to the newcomer that she and her dog, Bruno, like “digging in dirt and climbing trees….You’ll just have to get used to the way we do things.” The doll—whom Charlotte names Dahlia after flowers in her mother’s garden—turns out to be more resilient than she looks. After a day spent accompanying Charlotte and Bruno on their many activities and adventures, Dahlia is muddy and torn and tangled, but she feels wonderful. When Aunt Edme arrives and asks to see her gift to Charlotte, the little girl is anxious because of Dahlia’s unruly state. But her aunt surprises her: “When I saw your doll in a shop window, I thought she needed to be out in the sunshine, and played with, and loved. I knew that is just what you would do for her.” (Ages 4-8)

Looks can be deceiving!

When Charlotte gets a delicate doll from her aunt Edme, she is not too happy. She tells the doll that she and Bruno, her bear, "like digging in dirt and climbing trees. No tea parties, no being pushed around in frilly prams. You'll just have to get used to the way we do things." Much to Charlotte and Bruno's surprise, Dahlia seems to like getting dirty while making mud cakes and racing wagons. But at the end of the day, Charlotte's aunt arrives for a visit and wants to see how Dahlia's doing . . . and Charlotte is in for another surprise.

Charming, detailed illustrations accompany this sweet story about making room for a new friend.