Native American doll, toys or books?

[citymama]

My 3.75 yr old DD is really interested in all things Native American. I am not sure how or why, but she has some of my DH's (politically incorrect) books from the 60s with photos of Native American villages and life and she is hooked. Although she doesn't like dolls, she is begging for a Native American doll and accessories.

I love the AG Native American doll, but she is really *not* into dolls so I can see it gathering dust which is not an option given how pricey it is! (Unfortunately I don't think they have a miniature version of that doll.) Does anyone have reccs for favorite books about Native American life or featuring Native American girls? Is there something like a Playmobil Native American village? I did see the Plan Toys Native American set (made me cringe a little, since Plains Indians didn't have totem poles) but it is out of stock.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[lizzywednesday]

Yes, they do make a mini version of Kaya:

http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/EndecaForwardServlet?dest=%2Fagshop%2Fhtml%2FProdu ctPage.jsf%2FitemId%2F140459&event=topRecordsReport&sku=47499

HTH!

[kristac]

Schleich makes some figures- ashamed to say I don't know how historically correct they are:

http://www.amazon.com/World-American-Frontier-Mailer-2/dp/B000UI2LT0/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261413498&sr

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000IOWOTS/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Some from Wild Republic
http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Republic-Polybag-North-American/dp/B00170AGEC/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261441241&sr=1-22

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

http://www.shontogallery.com/shonto%20store.html

Some books... I live next to the Navajo Nation, so I'll do some looking!

[hbridge]

Playmobile makes a native american family. DD is getting the family and teepee with the Kaya book for Christmas. The playmobil pieces are add-ons (www.playmobil.com)

[citymama]

Yes, they do make a mini version of Kaya:

http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/EndecaForwardServlet?dest=%2Fagshop%2Fhtml%2FProdu ctPage.jsf%2FitemId%2F140459&event=topRecordsReport&sku=47499

HTH!

Oh, thanks! And it's a few bucks cheaper on amazon.com. I was thinking the story collection might be nice to get for DD - maybe a 4th birthday present, although I suspect its waaay too advanced for her.

Thanks for the other suggestions too, and I would really appreciate any other book or toy suggestions!

[lizzywednesday]

Oh, thanks! And it's a few bucks cheaper on amazon.com. I was thinking the story collection might be nice to get for DD - maybe a 4th birthday present, although I suspect its waaay too advanced for her.

Thanks for the other suggestions too, and I would really appreciate any other book or toy suggestions!

The reading level is supposed to be 2nd grade, but personally, I think it could easily be younger as a read-aloud by chapter.

[egoldber]

They can be read aloud to a younger age, but I don't recommend it. They are meant for older girls, with issues pertaining to older kids. I think it's better saved for elementary aged girls.

[nicknack]

The Playmo ones are great! We have the teepee, the family and the set of 3 men (or something like that). They're really cute (DS was way into Native American stuff last year so he got them for his bday).

[bluestar2]

Here is a really good, well illustrated book:

http://www.amazon.com/Horses-Richard-Jackson-Atheneum-Hardcover/dp/0689845049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261459296&sr=8-1

Not a toy or book, but how about taking her to a Native American museum in your area? Pow wow? There may not be many pow wows this time of year, but if you can find one, I bet your DD would love it. Lots of singing, dancing, drumming. You can also make foods like fry bread (okay, not exactly NA but for some reason, there is always fry bread). Music CD? Drum? Bells for the ankles?

If I can think of more toys or books, I'll let you know.

[Kestrel]

Don't forget Disney's Pocahontas! I'm sure there's still some of that stuff around....

[citymama]

Great suggestions - keep 'em coming. bluestar2, I just added that book to my amazon.com cart - DD will LOVE it. Beth (egoldber), thanks for the cautionary note about the AG books - I bought the Rebecca ones for my 8 yr old niece, so I remember that they are fairly advanced. nicknack, good to know you've been happy with the playmobil ones - DD just upped the ante by asking for a tepee and animals, which would be hard with the mini AG doll since I assume the accessories are sized for the 18 inch doll. (Hmm, grandma has been dreaming of the day she can buy DD an AG doll - is 4 too young?)

I have a few Native American friends scattered across the country and will email them about book recommendations as well (I can't bring myself to ask about dolls or toys). Actually, I did find some links to beautiful dolls made by Seminole and Navajo craftspeople, but they were serious collectors' dolls, outside my price range.

Thanks again and I'd love more suggestions!

[bluestar2]

These are super cute

http://www.blueberryforest.com/evi-dolls/evi-native-american-indian-doll-set.htm

I bet you can make a teepee pretty easily with some wooden dowels or straight sticks and scraps of buckskin or chamois (cheaper and probably easier to find). Use some dried florist moss and Schleich type animals. You can also do some beadwork with her, sew a little pouch or something.

Here's another option.. I had to laugh because I am not sure what is up with the totem here too!

http://www.blueberryforest.com/doll-house-stable-toys/native-american-family-flexible-dollhouse-dolls-set.htm

These dolls are all over the southwest. Not sure how fun these would be for your DD if she isn't into dolls though. They are simple stuffed fabric dolls, but some of them are quite pretty with the velveteen dresses. I don't know anything about this store, but just wanted to add a link of what they look like.

http://www.madeinnewmexico.com/1123451142.html

[citymama]

These are super cute

http://www.blueberryforest.com/evi-dolls/evi-native-american-indian-doll-set.htm

I bet you can make a teepee pretty easily with some wooden dowels or straight sticks and scraps of buckskin or chamois (cheaper and probably easier to find). Use some dried florist moss and Schleich type animals. You can also do some beadwork with her, sew a little pouch or something.

Here's another option.. I had to laugh because I am not sure what is up with the totem here too!

http://www.blueberryforest.com/doll-house-stable-toys/native-american-family-flexible-dollhouse-dolls-set.htm

These dolls are all over the southwest. Not sure how fun these would be for your DD if she isn't into dolls though. They are simple stuffed fabric dolls, but some of them are quite pretty with the velveteen dresses. I don't know anything about this store, but just wanted to add a link of what they look like.

http://www.madeinnewmexico.com/1123451142.html

Thanks! You're right about that tepee - what's up with that? :wink2:

[kristac]

Gifted Imaginations has the Plan Toys set in stock for 30% off today only.

http://www.giftedimaginations.com/Plan-Toys-Native-American-Set-p/6309.htm

Enter code: Hurry
Free ground ship over $25.
Expires tonight at midnight.

[egoldber]

thanks for the cautionary note about the AG books - I bought the Rebecca ones for my 8 yr old niece, so I remember that they are fairly advanced

It isn't so much the reading level or vocabulary that is advanced, but the themes tend to be. Life is not all rosy for the girls in these stories and some kids find them upsetting.

[mousemom]

Maybe look at some Tomie DePaolo books? The Legend of the Bluebonnet was one of my favorite stories, although some people may think it is too sad/serious for a four year old.

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Bluebonnet-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0698113594/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261494991&sr=8-1

There's also the Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Indian-Paintbrush-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0698113608/ref=pd_sim_b_1

and The Legend of the Poinsettia
http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Poinsettia-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0698115678/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c

[citymama]

Gifted Imaginations has the Plan Toys set in stock for 30% off today only.

http://www.giftedimaginations.com/Plan-Toys-Native-American-Set-p/6309.htm

Enter code: Hurry
Free ground ship over $25.
Expires tonight at midnight.

THANK YOU!!! I just got the Native American playset and a Haba game! I'm going to share this on the Bargains Board - what a great deal!