Joan Walsh Anglund Biography and Pocket Dolls

The prolific author of many beloved children's books, whose characters have been made into pocket dolls, Joan Walsh Anglund, was born Joan Marie Walsh on January 3, 1926. As a writer, she has published over ninety-five books, her first being, A Friend is Someone Who Likes You, in 1958.

Having lived in Hinsdale, IL and Redding, CT, Joan Walsh Anglund was educated at the American Academy of Art and the Chicago Art Institute. She also is the illustrator of her written works.

Walsh's books are mostly about love, friendship and faith. Both the books and the sweet characters, with large heads, far-set eyes, and no mouths, are endearing to parents and children alike. In fact, Walsh's own children, Joy and Todd, were often her inspiration.

The instantly recognizable characters Walsh illustrated in her many books, combined with the simple, yet everlasting messages of love, friendship and spirituality having withstood the test of time, make many consider Walsh an American icon.

As a child I only owned a single Joan Walsh Anglund book, "What Color is Love?" I remember reading its pages time-and-time-again - a bit entranced by its simple, yet profound message:

"Color is something we see with our eyes, but love is something we see with our heart."

First published in 1966 by Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc., perhaps the jacket cover explains this book and illustrations by Joan Anglund Walsh the best:

"In a delicately stated text that reflects her own deep concern, Mrs. Anglund poses the question: "What color is love?" Sparkling full-color paintings and charming line drawings enhance the meaning of a book that will be treasured by young and old for its beauty of thought."

Although never explicitly stated as such, perhaps this particular book is a response to the turbulent Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1960s. Afterall, What Color is Love? followed the heels of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King's I have a Dream speech in 1963, as well as the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.

While most books by this author are now out of print, many used copies can still be purchased on various websites like: amazon.com, bn.com, or alibris.com, to name a few.

Some Joan Walsh Anglund book titles include:

• The Brave Cowboy
• A Friend is Someone Who Likes You
• Love is a Special Way of Feeling
• My Sister, My Friend
• A Pocketful of Proverbs
• What Color is Love?
• You Are Loved

Pocket doll description:

The Pocket Dolls are dolls of the characters found on the pages of Joan Walsh Anglund books. They are around 7-8 inches tall, making them pocket-sized and absolutely adorable.

Their big round sock-faced heads with only two eyes on top of a small body wearing detailed clothing make them something special compared to the dolls of today, as well as collectible to fans of Joan Walsh Anglund.

The two Pocket Dolls in my possession are nowhere in mint condition, yet they have all the appropriate tags with copyrights and listing them as "Products of Japan," as well as all their clothing, shoes and accessories.

In fact, I have yet to see the Pocket Doll wearing the raincoat with its schoolbook on any auction site, like the one pictured to the right.

Where to buy pocket dolls:

Pocket Dolls can be found on various auction sites such as ebay.com. Some current Ebay auctions of Anglund Pocket Dolls are listed below.

Determining the value of a pocket doll:

For owners of Joan Walsh Anglund Pocket Dolls curious about their value, sites such as WorthPoint.com will allow members to search their Worthopedia Price Guide for prices from an index of past sales and auctions for research purposes.

Collectors of Joan Walsh Anglund will find this artist's easily identifiable images on many types of collectible items including:

• Prints
• Figurines
• Samplers
• Plates
• Paper dolls
• Ornaments
• Birthday cards

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