As far as I’m concerned, one of the coolest kids toys you can possibly have is a good old fashioned dollhouse. I wasn’t yet five when my mother and my grandfather built one for me in the workshop in my grandparents’ basement. My love for balconies - which endures even now - was sparked by that beautiful dollhouse, which had a balcony off the master bedroom. The interior was decorated with wallpaper and carpet remnants, and we regularly added new furniture and accessories, complete with the tiniest of details.

Given my fond memories of my own dollhouse, naturally I was thrilled to get one for my girls. When the Caring Corners Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse arrived, I knew that even if Tacy and CJ didn’t play with it, I certainly would.

I needn’t have worried; both girls fell all over themselves with excitement. CJ and I put it together while Tacy was out, which was a great way for her to get first crack at playing with it without arguments immediately ensuing. By the time Tacy got home, CJ was ready to show her the dollhouse and explain all the details of how it worked.

Look at the proud homeowner!

Yes, it’s a dollhouse, but it’s so much more than that. Mrs. Goodbee is your hostess - a cheerful British lady who’s not quite as spit-spot as Mary Poppins and not quite as granny-ish as Mrs. Doubtfire - and she talks and sings each time you push a button. Ring the doorbell, and she greets you. Rock the baby’s cradle, and she instructs you to get milk from the fridge (and then congratulates you when you open the fridge door). Tap the boom box on the rooftop patio, and she sings about cleaning up - and not in an annoying way reminiscent of that purple dino we all know. We’ve got a lot of talking and singing toys around here, and Mrs. Goodbee is by far the most pleasant of the bunch. I honestly like listening to the girls play with the dollhouse, and not just because it’s nice to hear two sisters enjoying each other’s company.

The dollhouse itself is full of neat details that impressed all of us. CJ was enamored by the sound of the flushing toilet and water running in the sink, as well as the hooting owls and chirping crickets that sounded off when she flipped the window panes to reveal the nighttime scene. Tacy immediately created a plot and dialogue for the dolls, which was augmented well by the input from Mrs. Goodbee as doors were opened and buttons were pushed. We’re still discovering all the ins and outs. Even Oliver was curious enough to take a peek - and then he promptly fell over and bonked his head on the rounded corner of the dollhouse. Caring Corners indeed - thanks for rounding them off and saving me a trip to the ER!

But the really neat part about the dollhouse is how it advocates thoughtfulness and good behavior. Not only do we hear from Mrs. Goodbee herself, but Caring Corners is partnered with Goodwill. A pamphlet that comes inside the dollhouse box suggests asking your child to fill the empty dollhouse box with items for donation - things of hers that she doesn’t use anymore, but that another child might like to have. Then take the box to Goodwill to receive a Certificate of Appreciation. Use the code on the certificate to access more activities at CaringCorners.com.

We’re all having a great time playing with Mrs. Goodbee and her dollhouse. Next month, I’ll be back to post about how we helped another little girl get a chance to become a homeowner too.