Chatty Cathy Dolls: An Identification and Value Guide

By Kathy Lewis and Don Lewis

Book Overview

The Chatty Cathy doll was a favorite of baby-boomer children. Now these grown-up baby boomers and collectors are eagerly seeking Chatty Cathy and accessories. This handy new guide describes and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0891455795
• ISBN13: 9780891455790
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Collector Books
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Informative; educational; good reference; entertaining.

I purchased the Don and Kathy Lewis book in 1994, and have used it many times over to answer my questions, look up outfits and doll variations. This was the first comprehensive Chatty Cathy doll book, and though others have been written, this one remains the most innovative and educational. No, the dolls are not all perfect, nor should they be expected to be; after all, they were intended for play, and most were.

A very comprehensive book

I have to disagree with a previous evaluator who commented on the "cut hair" and 2 minute thought process in which he/she thought this book was written. It is refreshing to see a price guide that shows dolls in their MINT condition as well as played with. Since most dolls found today are not mint having them pictured with their respective prices makes evaluating those found that much easier. This book is enjoyable to read as it is written with humor and a very personal touch. Most guides are written with a cut-and-dry format whereas I have to found Chatty Cathy Dolls to be entertaining and extremely thorough. There is only one Chatty book I recommend and this one is it!

Kathy and Don Lewis bring Chatty Cathy back to life!

As a major collector of Chatty Cathy dolls I have seen how the Lewis' book has impacted the collector and the collectibility of this entire classic family of Mattel talking dolls. The Lewis' have captured the heart of Chatty magic and provide collectors, old and new, with a self-assured, intelligent and comprehensive review of the six incredible years that Chatty and family were produced starting in 1960. This book does not represent that all dolls pictured are "mint". Instead Kathy and Don take us on a colorful pictorial carnival ride, showing us all the warmth, charm, detail of the original dolls as well as pointing out the very many factory variations/substitutions that make Chatty Cathy and family SO collectible...Because of the Lewis' love, hard work and dedication to this doll over the last fifteen years, they have played a particularly important role in helping to "save" many original dolls that would have been lost over time. Clearly Kathy and Don have helped to establish the modern collecting craze that has led to the re-introduction of Chatty Cathy, which continues to inspire great joy in the hearts of many collectors with the release of each "new" doll over the past two years...Here's to the year 2000 and the 40th Anniversery of Chatty Cathy!

An EXCELLENT source of information with photos and prices

I have one of the largest Chatty collections known and I have to say that this book does indeed depict the correct complete outfits on the dolls and the only ones I found who's hair was trimmed were shown for their "oddness/rarity" such as eyes, fullness of hair, etc. A real collector knows that hair styles and lengths were extremely varied. The nude/played with dolls shown in this book were to ID year-by-year only. The captions explain that quite clearly. This book was printed in 1994 when the "Chatty craze" was in its infancy. As with any collectible, once it becomes popular many variations seem to appear from the deep unknown. I truly believe this book is worth the money. Unlike ALL other price guides, this one was written with an uplifting style which makes it fun to read as well as informative. A true PLUS to have with your Chatty collection.

Excellent Resource for Beginning Collector

This is not a complete reference book, but it is excellent for those who are beginning their collection. It will help identify various editions of Chatty Cathy, outfits that were available for Chatty Cathy and her family, a few of the variations in some outfit pieces and what pieces came with each outfits. It also shows many odd pieces to look for: jewelry, patterns, tray table, furnishings, etc. There are even a couple of examples of Canadian Chatty Cathy dolls. My collecting has advanced beyond most of the scope of this book, but it still goes with me to every doll show, flea market and yard sale.