Karito Kids was a line of 21″ dolls representing girls from different countries around the world. The world “karito” means “charity” and “love of one’s neighbor” in Esperanto.

3% (or $3) of the purchase price of the 21″ dolls went to Plan USA, a charity that helps children around the world. The purchaser could choose to specifically donate the money to “Food,” “Health”, “Home” or “School” related projects via the Karito Kids website.

Like almost every doll company, the dolls come with little books showcasing their families, home, and adventures. This collection had a more educational bent as the creators seem to sincerely want to encourage kids to be curious about the world and learn to appreciate cultural differences and see where they’re all the same. It’s so wholesome and earnest.

Anyway, most of the books are written by W.A. Sorrell except the last one, Sydney Scandal which was done by Judy Katschke. I can’t say they have much that differentiates them from other girl adventures besides the organic way they showcase different countries. Except for Sydney Scandal, the way the author dropped in Aussie slang and famous landmarks felt shoved in rather as part of the story. Also it took half the story to get to the actual mystery.

I do appreciate in Nairobi Nightmare, the narrative brings up a child-friendly lesson of the reality that rich people tend to get away with stuff because they’re rich, and poverty and inequality are a huge problem. Lulu feeling helpless at the scope of the issue, and her own privilege tugs at the heartstrings.

Shanghai Secret was also interesting as it featured Ling struggling to fit into her new life in the city, and the class differences between city and country kids as well as touching on discrimination against the poor.

Florence Fiasco and Manhattan Menace felt the most typical of these adventures with the protagonists going on a hunt for stolen treasure through crumbling buildings.

A cute series with heart, but it is rare, so good luck finding it on ebay or your local library.