An analysis of dollhouse story themes and related authentic learning activities

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the themes in children's literature for preschool through middle school readers involving dollhouses with dolls that come alive or act out stories imagined by their owners. Recurrent themes of imagination, science fiction changes in time and space related to the dollhouse, diversity and friendship, courage and independence, creativity, and care of belongings are found in the thirty-six books examined. Suggested authentic learning activities for relating the literature to several content areas are given. An annotated bibliography that describes story plots follows the text.