William's Doll

"An excellent book about a boy named William who wants the forbidden--a doll. The long-awaited realistic handling of this theme makes it a landmark book."--School Library Journal

More than anything, William wants a doll. "Don't be a creep," says his brother. "Sissy, sissy," chants the boy next door. Then one day someone really understands William's wish, and make it easy for others to understand, too. William gets a doll, so he can learn to be a loving parent someday.

Written by beloved author Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Newbery Medal-winning author and Caldecott Honor Book illustrator William Pène du Bois, William's Doll was published in 1972 and was one of the first picture books to deal with gender stereotypes. William's Doll has been welcomed by teachers, librarians, and other caregivers as a springboard for discussion about gender roles and intolerance, whether shared one on one or with groups in a classroom or library setting.

William Pene du Bois, as both artist and writer, charmed generations of readers with his distinct combination of inventiveness and elegant simplicity. Two of his most popular books are The Twenty One Balloons, winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, and Lion, a Caldecott Honor Book in 1957. With handsome, delicate artwork, William Pene du Bois tailored his unmistakable style to suit Charlotte Zolotow's groundbreaking and tender story of a boy who wants a doll.

Charlotte Zolotow--author, editor, publisher, and educator--has one of the most distinguished reputations in the field of children's literature. She has written more than seventy books, many of which are picture-book classics, such as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present and William's Doll. She lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

William Pene du Bois, as both artist and writer, charmed generations of readers with his distinct combination of inventiveness and elegant simplicity. Two of his most popular books are The Twenty One Balloons, winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, and Lion, a Caldecott Honor Book in 1957. With handsome, delicate artwork, William Pene du Bois tailored his unmistakable style to suit Charlotte Zolotow's groundbreaking and tender story of a boy who wants a doll.