Elizabeti’s Doll

* "Charmed by her new baby brother, Elizabeti decides that she wants a baby of her own; she picks up a smooth rock, names it Eva. . . [T]he illustrations reflect the story's simplicity; accompanied by an attentive hen, Elizabeti follows her indulgent mother about, mimicking each nurturing activity. The object of Elizabeti's affection may be peculiar, but the love itself is real. . . Stuve-Bodeen's debut is quirky but believable, lightly dusted with cultural detail, and features universal emotions in an unusual setting."

* "In an impressive debut, Stuve-Bodeen warms the heart and hearth with this sweetly evoked tale inspired by her experiences in the Peace Corps. . .Stuve-Bodeen's well-balanced prose strikes just the right tranquil, gently humorous tone. She lovingly delineates the mother-daughter relationship, and offers a rare, intimate view of another culture while sounding a universal chord. Hale (Juan Bobo and the Pig), meanwhile, deftly captures the story's mood in softly shaded mixed-media illustrations, juxtaposing brightly printed motifs in African fabrics against an earthy, sun-drenched palette. A little slice of perfection."

"This book is a splendid celebration of life and the power of a child's imagination."