Rachel Field's Hitty, Her First Hundred Years

I must say I'm feeling rather lost here. Our Hitty book belonged to my mother and she read it to my sister and me when we were around 5 and 6. We pored over the black and white pictures, and continually flipped to the single color page showing Hitty wearing her coral necklace, and we had no trouble following the story or the old fashioned way that Hitty spoke in the pages of the book. Our copy is worn and old from being read over and over for more than 60 years, and our daughters loved it as well. I remember how excited we were when we actually found a Hitty for sale at a doll auction. We take turns keeping her at our homes. Since I've never read the updated version, it's difficult for me to comment on how good it is. I collect rare children's books, and I am not usually a fan of books that have been updated. The ones I have seen, change the entire chemistry of the story. Words are updated, phrases are modernized, clothing is current... The story becomes about today rather than something that took place well over 100 years ago. Beyond that, this story is a wonderful book, and a treasure hunt to try and find Hitty... you just know she is out there somewhere!

Oh I am saddened to see so many negetive reviews of this retold version of Hitty. I read reviews on both this version and the original version and then checked out the retold version from the library (old version not in). Beautiful story! Now I have read the original as well. There ARE differences! Honestly, I can see why so many Hitty enthusiasts are upset. But to someone never reading the original, the rewrite is still a very wonderful story. It's perfect for the younger reader, or one who is put off by a longer novel (like the original). I don't know if I agree with some of the changes that were made (not just editing but complete deviations from the original). If you just judge the new Hitty based on its own merits without comparing it to the original, it is a lovely story. Many great works of literature have "junior editions" or the like. A classic like Treasure Island is a difficult read for any child. But it can be presented in a simpler version that still conveys the same story. My advice, read the new Hitty. If it dearly loved, buy the original as well.

I LOVE this book. I have to say I was disgusted with the criticism it recived. For those that said they hate it,they don`t appreciate good childrens literature. For those that did like the book,good for them! I read the original,and though it is very well written,it would not hold the interest of young children. What is scandalous is not liking this book. This is a beautiful book and anyone who knows anything about childrens literature would be proud to own it.

I've heard pros and cons, and I respect all and agree with various points from each comment. But I guess I was drawn to this revised version because I feel it has brought another element to a classic story that might otherwise be missed. I also own the original, first edition, Hitty. As a collector of vintaged children's books, especially those with doll/toy genres, and being an author/illustrator as well, I am all too familiar with the way children grow into appreciating books/stories. It is never an easy task to tackle a classic and re-dress it to appeal to a more modern and sophisticated audience...yet keep the integrity of what originally made the book a classic. I believe both Wells and Jeffers did a wonderful job, modifiying just enough to give us a beautifully made continuation of a story worth re-introducing into a new generation of imaginations.

Here in Australia we are exposed to very few American books for children. So today I was delighted to discover Hitty for the first time. I have a three and a half year old daughter whose hunger for books is never ending and who sits each day engrossed for over an hour whilst I read to her - Rachel Field's Hitty is just perfect combining a little girl's love of dolls and their secret lives, real life adventurous little girls, travels around the world and gorgeous illustrations. We had to sit in the cafe outside the bookshop and read six chapters before we could go home! As soon as my child could grab her dad this evening she sat him down and told him the story according to her using the pictures as her reference.I can understand the reluctance and disapproval for this book of people who have known Hitty for years - I am always so disappointed to see things I've always loved being changed (recently I heard of an attempt to take religion out of the Narnia books - I mean really!). But in defence of Rosemary Wells - this is a delightful story in its own right and I don't think it's grace should be diminished because of its history. As for the illustrations - to a 3 and a half year old the illustrations of this lovely book captivate and tantalise her imagination in a way that black and white drawings never would. I will certainly endeavour to find a copy of the original of Hitty for when my little girl is a bit older and look forward to reading it myself. But for now I'm so pleased that Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers have introduced our family to Hitty - we feel enriched by this book!

This fascinating story, written from a doll's perspective, is engaging and beautifully written. But I was overwhelmed by the richness, the intricacy and sensitivity of the magnificent illustrations by Susan Jeffers. I have always admired her beautifully crafted work in the past but she has quite outdone herself in these extraordinary illustrations. I went through the book three times before putting it down, just to go back and concentrate on each picture... and I found new subtlety, new depth, new beauty each time. This book is absolutely gorgeous to look at. Take time with your daughter/granddaughter/whoever is reading this book - to pore over each painting and see how much attention to detail, how much research, how much artistry - and love - has gone into every page.