The Lonely Doll

Infobox Book
name = The Lonely Doll
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Dare Wright
illustrator = Dare Wright
cover_artist =
country =
language = English
series =
subject = Fiction
genre = Children's literature
publisher = Doubleday
pub_date = 1957
media_type = Print (Hardcover)
pages = 64
isbn = 9780395899267
oclc =
preceded_by =
followed_by = Holiday for Edith and the Bears

"The Lonely Doll" is the first children's book in a series by photographer and author Dare Wright. Dare was born in Canada, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She moved to New York City in her twenties to become an actress, model and fashion photographer, before beginning her career as writer.

It tells the story of a doll named Edith, who lives by herself until two teddy bears, called Mr. Bear and Little Bear, appear in her life. One day, Mr. Bear goes out for a walk leaving the two alone in the house; He returns to find they have rummaged in a closet for dress-up clothing, smeared themselves with makeup, and written "Mr. Bear is just a silly old thing" in lipstick on the mirror. Mr Bear proceeds to discipline both Little Bear and Edith, leaving Edith to worry that he will take Little Bear and leave. Mr. Bear assures her that he will never, ever, leave her.

About The Author

Edith, the main character of many of her books, looks a great deal like Dare herself, with a blonde pony tail and golden hoop earrings. As in Dare's own childhood, the doll in the story spends much of her time alone and longs for friends.

Edith was named after Dare's mother, Edith Stevenson Wright, a portrait artist.

Toys

The doll is a felt Lenci Doll from the 1920s which belonged to Dare as a child. She sewed Edith's outfits for the books and changed her eye color to blue, resembling the author's looks.

Mr. Bear was manufactured by Schuco, and Little Bear was a special edition Steiff "Jackie Bear." Both were purchased in the 1950s with the help of Dare's brother, Blaine Wright.

Critical Acclaim

The book was first published in 1957, and made The New York Times children's books best seller list. It is now being enjoyed by its third generation of readers.

Film

A biopic of Dare Wright's life will be co-produced by Number 9 Films and Killer Films.

External links

* [http://www.darewright.com/ Dare Wright's official website]
* [http://www.lenci-dolls.net/ Lenci Doll Collector's website ]