Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll
What’s inside...
An inspiring, uplifting picture book biography about iconic doll creator Madame Alexander, whose love for dolls and bringing joy to others began at a young age and only continued to grow. Beatrice Alexander’s family ran a doll hospital in their home in New York’s Lower East Side, where she grew to love fixing and making dolls. Beatrice dreamed of becoming an artist, but her family couldn’t afford to send her to sculpting school. She never stopped dreaming, even as she stayed home, graduated from high school, and got married. When World War I broke out, she came up with the idea to make unbreakable, cloth dolls modeled after nurses to support the war effort and help keep children happy. After the war, Beatrice founded Madame Alexander and redefined the doll industry, creating some of the first plastic and collectible dolls, dolls that never break. With beautiful, vivid art by Sarah Dvojack, author Susan Goldman Rubin tells the powerful story of savvy, feminist entrepreneur Beatrice Alexander, who founded the Madame Alexander Doll Company and became one of America’s most celebrated toy makers.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Madame Alexander so successful in creating her dolls?
How do you think the dolls from Madame Alexander help children learn about history and culture?
Why do you think preserving the legacy of iconic toys like Madame Alexander dolls is important?
Can you think of a doll or toy that you feel attached to like Madame Alexander felt about her creations? What makes it special to you?
If you could create a doll, what would it look like and what story would it tell?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about what makes a toy special, mirroring Madame Alexander’s passion for her creations.
Discuss the historical and cultural backgrounds of different Madame Alexander dolls mentioned in the book, expanding their understanding beyond the text.
Share stories of your favorite childhood toys and ask your child to compare them with Madame Alexander dolls.
Relate the perseverance and creativity of Madame Alexander to real-life scenarios your child might face, fostering a deeper connection with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Innovation
Explanation: The book highlights Madame Alexander's journey from a young immigrant to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing her relentless innovation in the doll-making industry.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying determined and continuously seeking inventive solutions, which are vital skills in problem-solving and achieving goals in real life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Madame Alexander's success was largely due to her creative vision in designing dolls that represented cultural diversity and historical figures, showcasing creativity as a key to success.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to express themselves creatively, whether in art, writing, or play, helping them develop a unique perspective and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
Explanation: Through her diverse range of dolls, Madame Alexander introduced children to different cultures and historical periods, promoting diversity and cultural appreciation.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and respect cultural differences, enhancing social harmony and personal development through diverse experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The narrative illustrates Madame Alexander’s commitment to her craft, despite challenges, stressing the importance of hard work and dedication.
Real-World Application: Children learn that success often comes from hard work and dedication, values that are applicable in school, future careers, and personal projects.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through Education
Explanation: Madame Alexander's story demonstrates how education and learning new skills can lead to empowerment and success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and skills actively, showing them that education is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.