File photo of Shirley Temple [Photo/Agencies]

USA Today:

Child star, Cinematic elixir, Distinctive curls, Pout

"The curly-haired girl became the very definition of Hollywood child star."

"When we think of child stars today, we think of a sad mix of early fame resulting in addiction and rehab. But with America's first child star passing away, we're reminded they didn't use to always turn out so badly."

Shirley Temple "became the one to which all others would forever be compared. A cinematic elixir during the depths of the Depression, from 1935 to 1938 Temple was the nation's top box-office draw."

"Shirley's distinctive curls, pout and precocious manner and the feel-good, tried-and-true plot lines brought moviegoers to the theaters in droves."

Associated Press:

Beloved, Free of the scandals, Innocence, Sweet

"Any kid who ever tap-danced at a talent show or put on a curly wig and auditioned for 'Annie' can only dream of being as beloved — or as important — as Shirley Temple."

Dimpled, precocious and oh-so-adorable, she was America's top box office draw during Hollywood's golden age, and her image was free of the scandals that have plagued Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan and so many other child stars — parental feuds, drugs, alcohol.

Temple remains such a symbol of innocence that kids still know the drink named for her: a sweet, nonalcoholic cocktail of ginger ale and grenadine, topped with a maraschino cherry.

Temple and her movies were an escapist delight and a popular sensation. Mothers dressed their little girls like her, and a line of dolls that are now highly sought-after collectibles was launched.