Helen Priest

When I was younger I loved the Amelia Jane books, about a group of toys that came alive when humans weren't around (way before Toy Story!) and so reading this children's novel was very reminiscent of that series.

It's something that lots of children wish would happen, our dolls come alive when we're not there. But, alas, we just have our imagination!

The book covers what happens when after dwindling interest children grow out of playing with dolls. In this case Laura's parents move her dolls, doll house and other toys up to the attic, where they quickly rebuild their community, but what happens when they find out they're not the first toys that have been put up there and are replacements for other toys that fell out of favour years ago.

This book is aimed at under 10s and I think it would be great to read with children. It's really well written and I could totally picture the dolls and loved the descriptions of their matchbox beds and how cutoff fabric from favourite clothes had made their blankets and covers.

Overall I really enjoyed it, although felt for Willow in the same way I felt for Amelia Jane in the books from my childhood!