Lottie Dolls: Giving Every Child a Hero

Just like selecting books for my home and classroom, I am very intentional about the dolls that we buy. We prioritize diversity in literature to teach literacy skills. Thanks to Lottie Dolls, an indie company in the UK, we have found a diverse line of dolls we adore. Just like the powerful and diverse women in the books we read, these dolls are based on everyday female role models for girls (and boys!!) all over the world.

Disclaimer: I was provided a Lottie Doll from the company to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Lottie Dolls: Let Kids Be Kids

In a world full of tech-based toys and prescriptive play, the deliberately low-tech Lottie line helps stimulate young imaginations. These dolls encourage curiosity and are a positive influence to get children outdoors!

Unlike the Barbie dream houses, Lottie’s line of play-sets encourages outdoor play. These dolls are enjoying fishing, body-boarding, kite-flying, and camping. They inspire kids one by one with the joy of outdoor exploration.

The six characters reflect a balanced mix of gender, ethnicity, and ability. We received the “Mia the Wildlife Photographer” doll. She is the world’s first doll with a cochlear implant.  Most importantly, all of the Lottie Dolls are based on the body of an actual child.

The critical message this philosophy sends: Let kids be kids. No make-up, high-heels, or eating disorder required.

 Inspired by Real Girls

Six real girls inspired the diverse Lottie dolls designs thus far. Taylor Richardson is an aspiring astronaut and was the inspiration for the Astro Adventure outfit set. Taylor aims to be the first African American woman on Mars.

Thanks to her activism and literacy efforts, Taylor had the opportunity to meet her idol; physician and NASA astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison. Taylor’s story tells little Black girls that there is a place for them at the STEM table too.  It brings many girls’ dreams into reality.

After receiving the Astro Adventure set, we reached out to Taylor. She has become a mentor for my own 6-year-old. Together they build each other up and dream their dreams together. The power of social media has brought two aspiring astronauts together in a beautiful display of black girl magic.

The future faces of #STEM getting to know each other!
S/O to @astrostarbright for mentoring my little aspiring astronaut!??#blackgirlmagic pic.twitter.com/fAeKzPnhhU

— Bethany M. Edwards? (@biracialbookwrm) October 12, 2017

This past month, Taylor was an honoree for the “21 under 21” by Teen Vogue. A well-deserved honor for a girl who has overcome many obstacles. Taylor is a true testimony to the power of resiliency.

One girl is powerful. A movement of girls in unstoppable.

Enter the “Inspired by Real Kids” Competition

The mission to empower kids to create what they want to see, be, and play with continues. Find out more and enter the Inspired by Real Kids competition, here.

It is incredibly important that kids have equal representation. They should see themselves reflected in books, movies, as well as toys.  The Lottie Dolls is a company that truly embraces diversity and inclusion. Lottie Dolls invites all families and teachers to participate on our website.

The amazing child in your life can become the next Lottie inspiration! 12 new products are launched every year, following the monthly themed ‘Inspired by Real Kids’ competitions.

Education Resources for Teachers and Parents

Lottie Dolls provides many phenomenal activities and educational stories to go along with their line of dolls. By doing this, kids are bridging the gap between play and education.  There are over 20 Strong Women in History Biographies to download, bookmarks and coloring pages, science lesson plans and activities, and more.

Get 10% off by joining Club Lottie today and grab one of these beautiful dolls in time for the holidays!

For books to inspire the strong girls in your life: 50 Diverse Children’s Books for Strong Girls.

You may also be interested in my Top 5 Books for Raising Strong Girls.