
A curious little girl wanders into a bustling doll shop, eager to find the perfect companion. The shopkeeper greets her with a promise of a “dress parade,” and one by one the dolls step onto the stage—soldiers, farmers, sailors, and tiny figures from far‑off lands, each introducing themselves in playful rhyme. Their distinct voices—from the sturdy rag doll’s practical charms to the elegant French doll’s aristocratic grace—bring the shop to life, turning a simple selection into a vibrant, musical showcase.
The narrative unfolds like a miniature theater, with bright costumes, jaunty verses, and a chorus that invites every girl to imagine a new friend. While the child marvels at the colorful array, the story gently celebrates diversity and imagination, inviting listeners to picture the wonder of choosing a doll that might travel with them on countless adventures. The charming, lyrical style makes the experience feel like a sing‑along parade, perfect for young ears and the adults who love to share it.
Language
en
Duration
~12 minutes (12K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Emmy, MFR and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2016-12-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1884–1975
Best known for lively school plays, pageants, and comic verse, this New Jersey teacher turned classroom life into stories and performances children could actually use. Her work helped shape generations of school programs, from Christmas plays to patriotic pageants.
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