Author-illustrator Johnny Guelle created several adorable doll characters in the early 20th century. Originally written to amuse his own invalid daughter, Marcella, these simple tales with minimum plot, conflict and violence became a bedtime staple for millions of American children for decades. The most well known dolls, of course, is the actual doll, Raggedy Ann, and then her brother, Raggedy Andy; but these two famous dolls barely speak in this eleven-chapter collection.

Beloved Belindy, a black Mammy doll sporting a red kerchief, is clearly the star here, for it is she who orchestrates many games for her nursery brood and organizes rescues when necessary. Each chapter is a complete tale in itself--delightfully illustrated with bright, cheerful drawings which make it easy for children to visualize each doll's distinctive features.

The real humans (Marcella, Mamma, Daddy, Grandma) are frequently referenced, but do not interact verbally with the dolls. You see that toys must remain limp wherever their little mistress has left them; they may only speak and move when the "folks" are gone or asleep. However, the dolls can communicate verbally with Hairy, the puppy dog and Dickie bird, the canary. In this book they even speak with a wooden cuckoo and two tiny elves.