Good Books
Matters of Joy and Chickadees
Ivy F. DeShield, contributing editor
In a town once described as the poorest place in America, author Patricia C. McKissack discovered joyous memories in the home of Miz Mary, a musician, gifted quilter and survivor of the Great Depression. Miz Mary’s engaging recollection of a special doll she received many years past inspired the Newberry-Honor winning author’s holiday children’s tale, The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll. Teaming up once again with her friend and celebrated illustrator, Jerry Pinkney, McKissack revives the true spirit of the season of giving through the warmth-filled hearts of an impoverished, yet close-knit and endearing, young family.
The delightful, stair-step Pearson sisters, Eddy Bernice, Laura Nell (Nella) and Odessa Mae (Dessa), reflect the spirit of Miz Mary’s memorable Christmas and childhood in every way as they sing carols, tell stories and snuggle together in bed on Christmas Eve with hopes that “Santy Claus” will pay them a visit this year. But Nella, alone, dreams of receiving a store-bought Baby Betty doll, “the color of chocolate, with rosy cheeks, black curly locks, and thick eyelashes”. And to the surprise of Nella and her sisters, “Santy” brings more than ever before, including Nella’s much-desired Baby Betty. The high spirits of the day are soon tested though when each sister immediately claims the beautiful doll for herself. Caldecott-Honor winning Pinkney’s keen artistic talent and imagination are at their peak as Eddy Bernice, Nella and Dessa, curly black pigtails flying, dance around the room with lovely Baby Betty, “[tugg]ing, [yank]ing, and [shov]ing” until their father intervenes and reprimands them soundly for their behavior. Added to that is a simple command from their mother, “Okay, chickadees, fix it,” which prompts Nella to remind her sisters that she is the one who dreamed of receiving Baby Betty and had written a letter to “Santy”. Nella’s persistence wins the argument and Baby Betty, but disappointment arises when she realizes that a toy, even one as beloved as Baby Betty, cannot replace the love and amusement of her dear sisters, “chattering, twittering, and sharing everything they had...”
In this charming story, McKissack weaves a spell-binding web of love, hope and understanding in the midst of the Depression through strongly attentive and affectionate dialogue between parents and children. Also, the fierce attachment of the three young sisters is strengthened by their enjoyment of each other and their mother’s perfectly coined nickname for them, chickadees. To compliment, Pinkney awakens the humble beauty of their world through strikingly vivid watercolors and soft brush strokes depicted in the smallest of details from the sisters’ animated expressions, their mother’s lovely patchwork quilt, the fresh newspapers used to stuff between wall cracks, to the striped tabby cat perched lazily atop the rickety wooden porch. Both McKissack and Pinkney have infused the joy and excitement of the holiday season into every aspect of this unforgettable children’s work, and the author’s message to young readers is simple but profound: Sometimes, we already have all we have ever wanted.
If you want to share the perfect gift this season with the Eddy Bernice, Nella or Dessa in your life, I highly recommend The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll as a gift to place at the top of your list. Enjoy the read; and Happy Holidays!