S y d e l l W a x m a n

"I'll give you outfits that sparkle, sequins and bows," says Dora to the mannequins in Papa's shop.

Dora dresses the mannequins in outrageous outfits. She adds a pink and red scarf and creates a hat with pizazz. What will Papa do when he finds out? Will he ban her from the shop?

A warm hearted story of love and recognition, fantasy and reality as Dora's father discovers he has a talented daughter. What happens to the talking mannequins?

A story guaranteed to please with its poetic rendering of Dora's creative adventure. The child and the child in every adult will respond as creativity triumphs amidst the nostalgia of the post war world.

Patty Gallinger's illustrations are rich and realistic. The historical note at the end parallels the immigration wave of the early 1900's with the growth of the needle industry in Canada.

"Sydell Waxman's story is about ten-year-old Dora, who works in her father's dressmaking {shop} as a production assistant but who dreams of being a designer. Set in the Toronto Garment district in the 1940s, My Mannequins evocatively presents the life of a working-class girl. Aptly complemented by Patty Gallinger's colour illustrations, the reader sees how children worked as part of a family business and learns how garments were made. Gallinger's attention to period detail is superb-from the saddle shoes Dora wears to the style of fashion worn by the mannequins to the marvelous gold, silver, and black Singer sewing machine operated by a foot treadle. Indeed, the representation of the machine that Dora works - that she considers to be almost a pet-is so vivid that it almost comes to life, and so do the mannequins. Waxman's note about anti-Semitism in the development of the garment trade period provides an important historical dimension to the tale."
Canadian Children's Literature No. 105-106 Spring-Summer

"I found this a charming picture book for middle readers... It gives the flavour of a child's own creativity, her delight in being part of the working world of her family. I think this Dad is very realistic. Beautifully illustrated by Patty Gallinger."
Michele Landsberg
CBC Radio Program THIS MORNING TONIGHT Kids Book Panel

My Mannequins combines history with the story of a young girl's dreams...Those who enjoy dressing their dolls will be inspired by Dora's creations. Those whose creativity leads them in other directions will admire her determination and her boldness in working towards what she wants...The illustrations depict the period in which this story occurs with realistic paintings that take us to a world of style and glamour…the illustrations complement the text; a winning combination.

This book can be used with Social Studies lessons. It can also be used in a unit on family. Dora is a desired and much needed role model for the youth of today.
RESOURCE LINKS VOLUME SIX, NUMBER 4

What a great book about a young girl's imagination. We need more books like this for our young people. It is nice to read a story that encourages creative thoughts in a young mind and reminds us not to forget our own dreams. Ms. Gallinger's colorful illustrations compliment the printed words. What a great combination to maintain a young reader's interest. The "historical Note" is a wonderful addition to this story. One more fine book to add to my grandchildren's library. Thank you Ms.Waxman and Ms. Gallinger.
Sue Freeman, California Amazon.com