A Little Golden Book (or similar style) about a young island (Polynesian?) girl. A ship's captain visiting her village gifts her with a porcelain doll. She tries to play with it as she had her own doll, but found that she couldn't get it wet, or feed it sand cakes, etc. It was a book my grandmother had, but I'm pretty sure it's not a vintage book - probably no older than the 1960's (but that's 10 year old me remembering. ) Still, I don't remember the graphics being older looking. It was the size, shape and length of a Golden Book.
I’m fairly certain this is Ukelele and Her New Doll by Clara Louise Grant.
OMGosh! That’s it! Thank you so much!!!
Now to find a copy.