Doll-E 1.0

Charlotte is a little tech whiz (her "head was always in the cloud"), but while her parents appreciate having the personal IT support ("Easy fix, Mom. Just press this, this, and this") it's clear they're worried, too; readers see them watching an alarmist news report, "Are Your Kids Too Techy?" They surprise Charlotte with the lowest-tech doll possible, which, to her mind, is like giving her a "human shaped pillow." Then Charlotte learns that the doll has a battery-driven voice box--even if the doll only says "Mama." This discovery, coupled with an unfortunate doll dismemberment by Charlotte's terrier, enables the heroine to discover the fun to be had in the middle ground between analog and digital. Debut author McCloskey overcrowds her book with a few too many tech-themed nudges and winks (even Charlotte's dog is named Blutooth). But her pencil and watercolor cartoons have a fetching exuberance, and the bespectacled, brainy Charlotte, who never doubts her talents, is an admirable whirlwind of energy and ideas. Ages 4-7. Agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary Studio. (May)

PreS-Gr 2--Parents and children will enjoy this original take on the wired generation. Bespectacled Charlotte always has her head "in the cloud" as she tinkers with coding and downloading, teaches her parents how to use technology, and frolics with virtual reality, along with her faithful terrier, Blutooth. Concerned with her obsession, Charlotte's parents gift her an old-fashioned "mama" doll. When the "human shaped pillow" only sits and says one word, Charlotte takes it apart, discovers a power supply, and begins planning upgrades. Gradually getting more and more frustrated with lack of Charlotte's attention, Blutooth shreds the doll. Persistent Charlotte dons goggles and gloves, uses her spare parts collection, and creates Doll-E 1.0. Once the doll is more interactive, Charlotte enjoys her modified toy and Blutooth is happy it can take him for a run and offer biscuits. McCloskey's watercolor cartoons were edited in Photoshop. The pages are loaded with elements of Charlotte's zany collections. Her long electric blue hair, plaid dress, and yellow pearls are eye-catching. VERDICT McCloskey's picture book debut is not one to miss. A fun addition.--Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA