Minnie Saves the Day

I picked this book up because it reminded me of the Raggedy Ann and Andy books. (I enjoy American children's fantasy literature from the first half of the 20th century.) Ms. Rosales' book is absolutely charming. It is filled with magic, the innocence of childhood and a fascinating bit of history. A difficult combination but very well done. When will Minnie's next adventure be available?

My mother and her sisters were born in Bronzeville (Chicago, IL) in the early 1920s. My maternal Grandfather came to Chicago (first generation Great Migration) in 1918 from Prentiss, Mississippi and my maternal Grandmother came to Chicago (first generation through Ellis Island) in 1919 from Coleyville, Jamaica. I developed this children's series to reflect my mother's and our family's history, that part of Chicago's history which has been sparsely documented...and often, misunderstood. As a Biracial child growing up in the 50s and 60s, there were many times I found it difficult to identify with any one group, and more times than not, seemed to blend into them all. Perhaps that is why I decided to bridge this gap of cultural and racial misnomers with books about African-Americans. Through this series, The Adventures of Minnie, I hope everyone will come to relive the magic and frolick with its protagonist, a lively and spirited character who, though she is a rag doll, imbues the essence and charm of "childhood". Surrounded by toys of various forms and personalities---the stories and characters are limitless because we venture into a world that allows us to experience the wonders of our imagination...and travel to a special place...through the many adventures Minnie finds herself a part of.

Hester Merriweather is delighted when her father returns home from a trip with a surprise gift from her Grandmama. Her exceptional gift is a lovely rag doll that resembles Hester. Learning of the history behind the creation of the doll only heightens the love she feels for her treasured companion. Naming the doll Minnie she is unaware of just how "special" Minnie is, nor what she capable of performing.When Hester's mother burns her famous butter pound cake it is up to Minnie and Hester's other forgotten toys to save the day. When Hester falls asleep Minnie comes to life and makes the decision to make another duplicate cake to replace the one that was ruined. Imagine Hester's surprise and joy when she awakens to the tantalizing aromas of a fresh butter pound cake.Children of all ages will be captivated by the magic that radiates from Melodye Benson Rosales's, MINNIE SAVES THE DAY. The beautiful illustrated graphics gives life to the charming cast of descriptive characters. Adults will also benefit by receiving an informative history lesson found in the back of the novel that depicts the hardships people faced during The Great Depression. As an added bonus, owners will receive a delicious butter pound cake recipe that will be cherished and reused for generations to come.

It is Bronzeville, 1933 & Hester's family - her Mama, Willimena Louise & her sister, Anna Julia gather at Chicago's 12th Street Station to welcome Papa home. He works for the Illinois Central Railroad as a Pullman porter & sometimes he is away for days at a time. This time he's coming back with a gift from Grandmama Alfie. That night when Papa & Mama put the girls to bed, he tells them the stories of the special cloths that went into making Grandmama's little brown rag doll.Finally the family is asleep & that's when the dolls & toys come alive, as everyone knows! Minnie suddenly hears squabbling voices & finds her own voice.At the book's end there are Chocolate-Covered Memories: A Snapshot of Chicago's African-American History, complete with handwritten text & sepia-tinted photographs of that era.Minnie Saves the Day is a fully-imagined, elegantly & eloquently presented treasure to be savored & re-read to each wondering generation.