If you have a dark haired daughter or granddaughter, Josefina is one of the best Christmas or birthday presents that you can find for your little girl. The original style of American Girl Dolls (such as Addy, Felicity, Elizabeth, Josefina, Julie, Ivy, Kaya, Rebecca, and others) are labeled for ages eight years and up, but I disagree. I think they are perfect for six years old and up.
Actually, my youngest daughter got her first American Girl Doll when she was five, or younger, although I can’t remember which doll was her first. I know that she had Josefina at some point. Both of my daughters look Italian, with dark hair and dark eyes, though they are actually a typical American mix of backgrounds.
American Girl Dolls are for Play
While dolls like Josefina are collected by adult women for display, I believe that American Girl Dolls are meant for kids. Do not buy one of these dolls for a child and expect the doll to sit on a shelf. Get an extra Josefina for yourself if you must, because there is always a chance that your little girl might give Josefina a haircut when you aren’t looking.
I believe that dolls can be re-wigged at a doll hospital or sent to the American Girl Doll Hospital to be refitted with a new head if it is truly a problem for your daughter. If your daughter likes Josefina the way that she “fixed” her, just leave her with short hair. The coolest thing about Josefina is that she may look just like your daughter.
- Josefina doll and one book, Meet Josephina, is $95.
- Josefina Mini Doll and a shorter version of the book is $22.
American Girl Books
The most impressive concept about the American Girl Dolls is their educational value. American Girls were created by Pleasant Rowland, a teacher and textbook writer. After a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, Rowland thought up a new way to teach history to girls. Textbooks can be boring and dry, but when a girl has a doll from an important period in American history, it becomes be a fun way to learn about history and life.
One reason I believe you should get your child an American Girl or other historical doll is because your daughter will be wild with anticipation about learning to read. In the beginning, you will read the Josefina story to your daughter, but over time, she will be reading it to you. Here is how to pronounce Josefina.
Libros en español sobre Josefina Montoya
If you like, you can get Josefina’s books in English and Spanish, to help your girl become bilingual. Spanish or Chinese are, possibly, the two best languages for your child to learn. The earlier you start, the easier it will be.
- Así es Josefina, una Niña Americana
- Una Sorpresa para Josefina: Un Cuento de Navidad
- Josefina Entra En Accion / Josefina Saves the Day: UN Cuento De Verano
- Cambios para Josefina: un Cuento de Invierno
The Story of Josefina
Josefina teaches girls about New Mexico in the early 1800s (1824), when it was still under Mexican rule. The books are for grades 2-5.
Through Josefina, you and your daughter will learn about the life of Mexican settlers living near Santa Fe in 1824. In the first book, Meet Josefina, the little girl (doll) is nine-years-old and is dealing with the death of her mother. Josefina’s aunt joins the family and everyone must learn to deal with the effects of a flash flood. The book goes into Hispanic culture and history. I would not get furniture for a very young girl because it is easy to smash if your daughter likes to jump around and act like a tomboy. However, it might be fun to get the little goat, Sombrita, who goes with the Happy Birthday, Josefina! book.
Other Cute Hispanic Dolls
Here are some of the other dolls that I like, however I recommend Josefina if you have the money.
- Nighty-Night Soft Hispanic Girl Doll: Soft, lightweight, 15 inches. $26.50. Ages two and up. Machine washable.
- Little Mommy Sweet As Me PJ Hispanic Doll $27.95, by Mattel. Ages three and up.
- Lizzy Speaks Spanish Doll $68.95 at Amazon.com. This doll speaks Spanish and English phrases. Ages three and up.
When I was young, almost every doll came with blonde hair. Now, you can order great baby dolls and historical dolls to give your child or grandchild great self-esteem.
More Info:
Chinese American Girl Doll Ivy
African American Girl Doll Addy
American Girl Dolls – Ages 6 and Up
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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