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"The Dollmakers" by Lynn Buchanan is an inventive but uneven debut novel set in a world plagued by ravenous monsters called the Shod. The protagonist, Shean, is an orphan who has dedicated her life to creating sentient dolls to fight against the monsters. However, when she is told her dolls are better suited for art than combat, she sets out to prove her worth. While the premise and character development are satisfying, the story is slowed down by the introduction of new lore and characters who pause during action sequences to reflect. Despite its flaws, fans of empowering feminist fantasy will find "The Dollmakers" worth exploring. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the introduction by the European Space Agency (ESA) of two Barbie dolls modeled after astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti during the World Space Week in October 2021 to inspire young people, especially women, to become space explorers. Cristoforetti will become the first woman to command the International Space Station. Also mentioned is the comment by space scientist Nicol Caplin on the efforts.

A biography of Robert Tonner Dolls Co. owner Robert Tonner is presented. He and his twin brother was born on July 14, 1952 in Bluffon, Indiana, and studied in various colleges and universities by just supporting his self. He also enrolled in a summer session at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where his talent in designing was developed. It says that in 1994, Tonner introduced the American Model Collection that consists of 19-inch vinyl dolls in porcelain figures.

Focuses on Emme, the first full-figure fashion doll, from dollmaker Robert Tonner. How the doll is based on the supersize supermodel; Size of the doll; Cost.

Reports that Lindsey Bergman, the American Girl's first 'Girl of Today' and the company's first Jewish doll is being retired. Details on American Girl's flagship line, a series of seven dolls from pivotal times in American history, which is considering adding a Jewish character to it.

The article reports that Kathy Dickinson knit, sewed and crocheted clothes for dolls. The hobby stayed with her into adulthood and, eventually, she started a small home-based business selling vintage patterns that had entered the public domain. She discovered that a popular computer-aided design program commonly used by mechanical engineers could be easily tweaked to provide everything needed for her doll-pattern business. Some computer aided design vendors now sell programs specifically for jewelry design.

The author focuses on the life and works of doll maker Izannah Frankford Walker. Walker, born in Bristol, Rhode Island, made her living in dolls and her skilled carpentry was admired by local townsmen. In 1873, Walker patented the design for an unbreakable doll that was inexpensive and could be easily kept clean. Walker's dolls are admired by folk art enthusiasts because their faces resemble the primitive portraiture of her contemporaries, Erastus Salisbury Field and William Matthew Prior.

The article discusses the growing demand for dolls called "reborns" which look like newborn babies. Doll maker Michele Barrow-Belisle explains that women often purchase, or "adopt," the dolls to feel that they have a real baby. Secrist Dolls owner Pat Secrist notes the growing popularity of reborns in 2007 and 2008. Some reborn owners claim that the dolls help them to emotionally deal with the loss of a child or inability to conceive.

The article focuses on the involvement of doll manufacturer Lee Middle Original Dolls in the production of the horror film "Bubble." The company allowed its doll factory in Ohio to be used in the production with assurance that it will not affect its reputation. Lee's vice-president of marketing Mark Putinski is confident that the film will not make an impact on the company's product placement. Several of the company's employees played a part in the film.

The article reports on a new Barbie doll designed by Mattel. Mattel released an African American Barbie doll in 1967 called "Colored Francie" which did not sell well and was discontinued. Another African American Barbie doll has been released called "So In Style Barbie" and features wider noses, larger lips, different ranges of skin tones, and curly hair.

The article reports on the career and work of toy designer David Socha, who was alarmed by how many toys glorified violence, evil, and promiscuity. Socha began in 2007 making and selling Biblical dolls resembling Jesus, Mary, and Moses. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. picked up his toy line called "Messengers of Faith," and sells them in 400 of its stores.

Profiles doll maker Cozbi A. Cabrera. Description of her passion for doll making; Views on doll collectors and consumers; Recommendation on becoming a doll collector.

Features dollmaker Joanne Helbig. Prices per doll; Reason for choosing to be a dollmaker.

Features doll maker Barbara El Wilson, owner of the company Sugarfoots based in Washington, D.C. Her passion for Raggedy Ann dolls; Factors that make Sugarfoots dolls unique; Clients of the company; Information on the Sugarfoots Theatre Workshop.

Mentions the activities of three Albertans. Character dolls crafted by Tracy Tremblay of Edmonton; Calgarian Jeff Gottfred's interest in western Canadian history; Monica Wilson of Cardston honored as the Cowboy of the Year at the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.