William wanted a doll so he could hug it. William's brother made fun of him, and told him he was a sissy. His father suggested a basketball, and he played with his new basketball. William still wanted a doll. Then, his father bought him an electric train. He still wanted a doll. William's grandmother came to visit him one day. William showed her basketball, trains, and they then went on a walk. They went to buy a doll. It was perfect. The father was upset, but then she told him how when he is a dad he will love it and show it the love the baby deserves. This is a great book for parents because it shows that dolls are not sissy it shows great fatherhood. ( )

More than anything, William wants a doll but everyone makes fun of him. Then one day, someone really understands William's wish, and makes it easier for others ot understand it too.

This wonderful book by acclaimed children's book author Charlotte Zolotow is the story of a boy named William who wants a doll. The story describes the various responses that William gets when he tells people about his desire. These responses vary from outright mocking (calling him a "sissy") to diversionary tactics (buying him a basketball and a train set instead of a doll). The story ends on a very happy note, as William's grandmother realizes the importance of having a doll for future parents of all genders.

This book is delicately illustrated by William Pène de Bois' watercolor and pencil drawings. I especially appreciated the beginning illustrations which depict William's miming of parental actions, such as putting a baby to bed, and how these mimed actions are responded to with laughter by William's brother and neighbor. Here, we can see how insensitive these boys can be when a boy goes against gender norms. The illustrations in this story tell as much as the words do. The last illustration we see is of William, gingerly holding the doll that his grandmother bought for him. It's a wonderful image.

For its questioning of gendered playtime activities, this book is a fantastic read for young readers. The illustrations are great to look at, too. ( )

An absolutely simple explanation of how we raise our sons to become fathers. ( )

My cynical side thinks, boys - ask for a doll to ensure lots of other cool presents. It reminds me of my last year as an undergraduate when I decided to work as a bartender - my parents offered me complete tuition payments to alleviate their fears. But the 'practice being a father' is so very touching.