Doll Diaries | Photos, reviews, tips and fun for doll collectors

Ruthie Has Arrived

American Girl Kit and Ruthie

The American Girl Doll website has been updated and it now includes Kit’s best friend Ruthie Smithens! Their collection is adorable! Included in their collection is:

The most adorable treehouse

Kit’s new bedroom set
Cookstove
Jammies for Kit, Ruthie and girl size too
Produce and preserves set (too cute)
Washday set (also too cute)

Go check out the American Girl site and check out all the cute pictures for yourself. There is also a new deal where you can get a free Kit movie t-shirt for dolls and girls when you spend $20 at AmericanGirl.com.

As always, if you have your own photos of Ruthie, Kit, their new collection or any other doll photos, please send them to share@dolldiaries.com and I will post them here.

Posted on June 1st, 2008 by Char
Filed under: American Girl, Movies, Scoop

150 Responses to “Ruthie Has Arrived”

Zoe, on June 1st, 2008 at 9:00 am Said:

Woo! 1st comment! I think Ruthie is awesome and I will definately get her soon! I especially love her PJs and Kit’s new Pjs!
Anna, on June 1st, 2008 at 10:27 am Said:

YAY!!!!!!! I love her!
gabbie, on June 1st, 2008 at 12:05 pm Said:

yayy I LOVE HER SOO MUCH…how cute!
Alexandra, on June 1st, 2008 at 12:17 pm Said:

there she is- after all the rumors and gossip this is HER!!!!!!
Sienna, on June 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm Said:

Not so excited as everybody. look at the ruthie’s pj pic her hair is all tight to her face. she’s cool but $90 not so sure…
Sienna, on June 1st, 2008 at 2:01 pm Said:

But all in all its so nice to see her out after so many rumors lol!
Anna, on June 1st, 2008 at 2:17 pm Said:

I am buying her now, she will be here this next week!
Jessica, on June 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm Said:

I AM SOOOOO HAPPY!! Now Zo-Zo can get Ruthie sometime this month. And Mom set up this excercise program for us, and if I get 5, DQ; 10, earrings; and when I get 30, A NEW AG DOLL!!!!! I’m going 2 get Kit, and when Zoe gets Ruthie: BFF DOLLS!!!!!! Plus, Ruthie’s soooo pretty.
Jessica, on June 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm Said:

Hey, did anyone know they have Kit’s outfit for girls now?? Awesome Possum!
Jessica, on June 1st, 2008 at 2:50 pm Said:

However, SUPER expensive
Zoe, on June 1st, 2008 at 3:20 pm Said:

I saw that Jess! I wouldn’t wanna wear it though! I’d look well, weird and overdressed!
Anna, on June 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm Said:

yes they used to have the kit outfit for girls, then they took it away some time in 2003. I was sad, but now I think I would rather not be matching my kit doll, plus my size is not on the chart, and 14/16’s are WAY to big! LOL! (I have a teen size. not a kids)
Jessica, on June 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pm Said:

oh, yeah, me too, Anna. But still the XL is sizes 18-20 I found out, so I can still manage!
Jessica, on June 1st, 2008 at 4:21 pm Said:

But only for half a year perhaps
Anna, on June 1st, 2008 at 5:11 pm Said:

yeah but the 18-20 would be too big. I am a size 1 and anything else wont work!
Sara, on June 1st, 2008 at 5:28 pm Said:

i’m still a 14, and i’m 14! i only wear size 16 for dresses b/c i’m very tall. check out my site for more Ruthie info! i ordered her today and get her next monday! i’m also getting a sewing machine for my 8th grade graduation! hooray!
Sienna, on June 1st, 2008 at 6:03 pm Said:

I’ll be able to afford ruthie in 4 months, otherwise i’d have to sell one of my ag’s to get her, which i would never do. : )
Sienna, on June 1st, 2008 at 6:04 pm Said:

Hey Jessica, what do you have to do to earn 30??? lol
Anna, on June 1st, 2008 at 6:38 pm Said:

I can afford 9 more ruthies! :p
Gale, on June 1st, 2008 at 7:14 pm Said:

When they had the Kit outfit before, all I wanted was the necklace, but I never asked my parents. Now, I wish they’d bring it out again!
Zoe, on June 1st, 2008 at 8:22 pm Said:

Who here thinks AG will be around in 10 years?
A. Ramos, on June 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 am Said:

Got Ruthie this morning for my daughter. She is gorgeous and so are her outfits!!!
Zoe, on June 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 am Said:

Did you go to the AG place to get her? Lucky!
Anna, on June 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 am Said:

I hope americangirl.com is around in 10 years. I think, if it isn’t, there will be a replacement. and who knows? In 10 years the dolls might be able to talk!
Sara, on June 2nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm Said:

yeah! that’d be awesome! each doll could have their own voices too! but then again… it’d be kinda creepy too.
Gale, on June 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 pm Said:

I never liked toys that could talk. Not really, anyway. They could make them talk now, if they wanted to. All they’d have to do is put voiceboxes in them, and pull-strings. I think American Girl will be around in ten years; they’re just a popular a Barbies, aren’t they? And Barbie’s been around since the 60’s.
Zoe, on June 2nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm Said:

Yeah! I sure hope its around! Maybe someday a little girl will have an American Girl doll from 2004!
Corrine, on June 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 pm Said:

I already have Nikki, Kit, Julie, and a look a like doll called Kristen…so i’m def getting Ruthie lol=D
Gabbie, on June 2nd, 2008 at 2:52 pm Said:

Yeah, my AG dolls get played with my lil’ sis’ and she could make my dolls talk when I sleep to freak me out!!!
lola, on June 2nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm Said:

yea lol zoe and any one else go 2 annas blog 2 chat!
Anna, on June 2nd, 2008 at 5:48 pm Said:

lola did u talk to alyson? she said u did
Gale, on June 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm Said:

Ruthie’s gonna be here tomorrow! YEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Gabbie, on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm Said:

Sweet!Good for u . i dont get ruthie untill Augest.
Jessica, on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:17 pm Said:

you know, I have only one doll right now, and that’s Ivy. I am extremely lucky my mother gave in and I am fortunate to have just one. However, more would be great, though! Lol
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm Said:

I’m so excited my mom confirmed that I can get ruthie, kit, the tree house, the cookstove, food, and wash set! I entered the contest by cookie to win ruthie kit and the tree house too!
Jessica, on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm Said:

Wow, your mom approved of that?? INCREDIBLE! My mom is sick of American Girl dolls already, and she almost had a nervous breakdown after we got Ivy! lol
Alexandra, on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm Said:

I KNOW!!!!! if amgirl wants the customers (us) to buy more products, they should lower their prices (just a teeny tiny bit!!)
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm Said:

wow! LOL! I’m shocked I was aloud to get Ruthie, and her outifts. but also I am aloud to get the other stuff with my own money
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm Said:

also I have kit and an AG of today, so ruthie is my 3rd
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm Said:

i entered the contest!
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm Said:

i know and i have like 8 ag dolls alreday and so much furniture, i have all of kits!
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:22 pm Said:

and most today furniture, im getting the wash set as an end of year gift and im buying ths stove an dfood by myself
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm Said:

the othe r stuff the dolls and tree house im getting in the summer, cause we are remodeling my room just so i have a section 4 ag dolls, and furniture ans setups cause i have a lot
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm Said:

what contest? what is the webiste for the contest?
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm Said:

my mom had said no more ag dolls, but my mom actually really likes ruthie and wants me to get the stuff so i can the n with my baby sitting money im gettting ruthie and kits play outfits! im really excited
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm Said:

i have the ag doll from 2003-2004! and 2006, 2008
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm Said:

i know i sound spoiled but im not, my mom is making me work and earn the dolls, if i get three strikes i loose the dolls! that means i have to be nice to my sister, always listen and do what my parents say do my chores and even extra chores or a strike!
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm Said:

u know what is funny i spend hour on the ag site looking at all the stuff i want, i always put it in the shopping bag to see how much it all costs and i have like seven wish lists! u know this sounds stupid and crazy but i took some photos onto microsoft word and make them talk to eachother like i have them, one time i printed out a picture if the dolls face and like a mask put it on another doll of mine!
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:37 pm Said:

oh anna it is on americangirl, for ruthie w/ accessories, kit w/ accessories and the treehouse! eek! so excited gonna enter again!
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm Said:

anna r u still there
Ashleigh, on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm Said:

bye cya
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:15 pm Said:

srry
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm Said:

I am now! I wish I had entered the contest but too late now ruthie is almost here!
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm Said:

also I might seem spooled, but every doll i get has been earned, too!
Anna, on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm Said:

*spoiled, sorry
Gale, on June 3rd, 2008 at 7:37 pm Said:

HEY! That pic is back on AG.com! The one with all the dolls in the t-shirts!
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 5:47 am Said:

yeah!
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 6:02 am Said:

it is so weird i emailed ag and they said they nvr put a pic of ruthie on, but now they have it up again!
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 7:06 am Said:

I’m thinking maybe it was there in the first place because they were still writing the program for the update to the site for when Ruthie came out, and it accidentally got moved from the testing folder to the real website.
Zoe, on June 4th, 2008 at 7:45 am Said:

Breaking News!!!!! Step-mom has said: Please, spend your money wisely! Not on some plastic toy you’ll grow out of! Translation: No more American Girl Dolls!!!!!
Anna, on June 4th, 2008 at 9:08 am Said:

aww thats too bad! yeah after ruthie, by my choise i wont be getting more AG dolls, but that doesnt mean im not aloud to.
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:44 am Said:

I want to say something, but I’m afraid it will come across as being mean, so I’ll just keep my thoughts to myself. What I’m thinking isn’t meant to be mean, but I’m not sure how it will come across online.
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am Said:

Ok, now I’m sorry I said that. :-~
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am Said:

I mean :S
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:47 am Said:

Ok, I’m trying to do one of those smileys with the squigly mouth, but I obviuosly don’t know how to. (i can do that)
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:48 am Said:

Hey, Char! Once Ruthie gets here, which sould be any time now, (fidget, fidget) can I send you a picture? Or would that seem like I’m bragging?
Anna, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:52 am Said:

is that what you were saying might come across mean? Because if so, I don’t think thats mean or bragging!
Char, on June 4th, 2008 at 11:54 am Said:

Any pictures you all want to share of your dolls, whether it is Ruthie, or any other dolls, I am always happy to spotlight them!! And right now, Ruthie would be awesome.

Send photos to share@dolldiaries.com
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 12:00 pm Said:

Nah, the “not sure if it’s mean” was somethig else.

I’l have to get my photo stuff set up on my computer, if it isn’t already, but I can do that now!
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 12:18 pm Said:

I just re-read what I posted, and I meant “something” not “somethig”.
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 1:21 pm Said:

Guess what I got in the mail! Ok, so it’s addressed to my dad, but who cares! It’s a folder thing, that, on the outside is that pic from AG.com, the one with the dolls in the t-shirts, and in it is, basically a catalouge, but it’s only one sheet, and on the other side is the tree hose, and there’s a sheet of stickers, so you can, and I quote, “Create your own tree house adventures using the stickers below, and the poster inclosed!” there’s also the offer for the shirt, and there’s a few pics from the movie, and it tells you to go to the movie’s website for more info. At first, I just thought it WAS a catalouge, but it wasn’t.
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:05 pm Said:

tht is so cool
Anna, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:10 pm Said:

what was mean? you can tell me on my website if you want (to gale)
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pm Said:

if anyone cares im on
Marcia, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm Said:

I’m curious about what was mean too.
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:41 pm Said:

hey i was on annas site
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm Said:

bye gtg cya
Alexandra, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm Said:

hey, gale, i got that too!!!
Ashleigh, on June 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm Said:

click on my name to go to my site
Anna, on June 4th, 2008 at 3:17 pm Said:

hey i was thinking, Ruthie should totally have a sweater! why doesnt she?
Gale, on June 4th, 2008 at 5:59 pm Said:

Good question, Anna. I think she should, too. maybe if we all ask AG, they’ll do something about it.
Lola :), on June 4th, 2008 at 6:51 pm Said:

You kniw that rumor with the Kit’s movie shirts next to her was ruthie?
well, IT”S TRUE!
i got a thing in the mail showing it up close and its deffenitly Ruthie!
Also, im disapoitned with ag.
after they put it up and removed it,
i called them!
they lied because since it was ruthie,
that time they said they dont even know what ruthie looks like yet !
theyre liers!
they did know!
lol
Lola :), on June 4th, 2008 at 6:52 pm Said:

comment b 4 the 1 i just put …
MISTAKE! SORRY!
>:)
Annabelle, on June 5th, 2008 at 1:28 am Said:

Hey guys,
I haven’t been on for ages but i waz away from school 2day cause i lost my voice, anyway i have a 4 day weekend cause one is a student free day then the weekend then the queens birthday-public holiday! So im gonna order some clothes and accessories and maybe ruthie
Sienna C., on June 5th, 2008 at 11:22 am Said:

char, why is my comment awaiting moderation?
Zoe, on June 5th, 2008 at 12:58 pm Said:

Annabelle, are you out of the US?
Ashleigh, on June 5th, 2008 at 2:27 pm Said:

i got that tree house fake catalogue last night it is soo cool
Annabelle, on June 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm Said:

Yeah I am Zoe
Annabelle, on June 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm Said:

Hey guys my birthday is soon and i need ideas for a party anyone got any???
Sienna C., on June 6th, 2008 at 9:16 am Said:

do an american girl party: everyone has to dress up like their favorite american girl doll!
Gabby, on June 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm Said:

Yeah, thats a good idea.
Sienna C., on June 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pm Said:

yeah I have always wanted a party like that! I’d dress up as Kit or Felicity (because she has cool clothes!)
Sienna C., on June 6th, 2008 at 4:40 pm Said:

hey guys, there is a poser going around. They are pretending to be me. They are using the name (on the American Girl Blog, my site) Anna Rocks U Suck!!! and its mean. they are nasty and DONT believe them! they are NOT ME! in fact, if you see them on chat, warn them. it is scary and I don’t know what to do.
Sienna C., on June 6th, 2008 at 5:09 pm Said:

OMG! They are so scary!!!!!!! They are stalking me and Lola, and they claim to be me! they also go by Anna4 or Anna6 —they know where Lola lives, her birthday, and a lot of other things! we think they are a hacker! I am so scared I am shaking. They know a lot about me, too
Ashleigh, on June 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm Said:

that is too bad anna!
Jessica, on June 6th, 2008 at 9:48 pm Said:

OMG!! Sounds pretty scary, Sienna.
Jessica, on June 6th, 2008 at 9:50 pm Said:

Well, it’s okay. just stay calm and we will do anything to make sure we’re all protected. We doll lovers are all in this together!
Zoe, on June 6th, 2008 at 9:52 pm Said:

That IS scary! mayb insted of going by Sienna, you should go by Sie or Enna or something. You schould email that to all the people who you usually talk to on the site. That way, they’ll know who the REAL you is. If you dont wanna breakup your name like that you could put like, xXSiennaxX or <3SiennaC<3 put a tradmark that everyone will know you by. As forf the poser, simply tell him/her that you know who they are and you WILL report them even if you dont know them. After that if they still pretend to be you, DO report them! This is not a joking matter!
Jessica, on June 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pm Said:

Exactly right, Zo-Zo! No joke.
Jessica, on June 7th, 2008 at 1:15 am Said:

huh no one appears to be online at 1:15 am…..
Annabelle, on June 7th, 2008 at 2:56 am Said:

Hey Jessica
Annabelle, on June 7th, 2008 at 2:58 am Said:

I would do an AG party but none of my friends like it they prob. don’t even now wht it is
Jessica, on June 7th, 2008 at 7:30 am Said:

Oh, really? Well, I have the same dilemma no one except my twin sister/ best friend Zoe really is into American Girl
Sienna C., on June 7th, 2008 at 11:15 am Said:

Hey, well, since my name I use is multiple names, I go by Anna, Sienna C., and Si. But they were all like, I’m Anna, or Sienna C. and then they went on to call Lola mean names and swear and make me out to be the bad guy. It was hurtful, and now there are nasty rumors going around (they’re gross and remember! I’m only 13!!!). If you hear something nasty and it comes from Anna rocks U suck!!! or Anna6 (or Anna_ with a number on the end - or even just Anna and they arent acting like me!) Dont believe them!!!!!!!!!!! they are stalkers and they a nuts!
Zoe, on June 7th, 2008 at 3:09 pm Said:

Ok! I’ll remember that! And wait!!!!

So you Sienna C. are also Anna?

Or is Anna another person?
Ashleigh, on June 7th, 2008 at 8:44 pm Said:

anna is sienna c
Zoe, on June 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm Said:

Oh! I thought they were sepperate people, but now I know!
Anna, on June 8th, 2008 at 9:46 am Said:

LOL! nope they’re me and my nickname
lola, on June 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm Said:

hi anna!
Sienna C., on June 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm Said:

hey guys, this is getting serious. Now the Anna Rocks U Suck!!! person is posing as Lola (as lolapop), and me! (anna4; anna6; etc.).

If you’re reading this, PLEASE stop! It’s not funny, and it’s scary! I am freaked out and I am going to close down my site it it doesn’t stop
Sienna C., on June 8th, 2008 at 1:55 pm Said:

Hi Lola
lola, on June 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm Said:

hey!
Sienna C., on June 8th, 2008 at 3:51 pm Said:

what’s up Lola?
Kayla, on June 8th, 2008 at 5:02 pm Said:

does anyone know who the next best friend is. Because i really want to know
Courtney, on June 8th, 2008 at 5:55 pm Said:

i’m a size 6-8 sometimes 10-12 so the american girl stuff would fit me. p.s i’m so glad Ruthie’s here!!!!!!!!
Zoe, on June 8th, 2008 at 8:31 pm Said:

Wow, Courtney, you’re tiny!
Annabelle, on June 8th, 2008 at 10:06 pm Said:

How old are you courtney
Sienna C., on June 9th, 2008 at 9:37 am Said:

Kayla -

The next best friend doll hasen’t been decided yet, but she will most likely be (at the moment) Addy’s friend, I think her name is Sarah.
Sienna C., on June 9th, 2008 at 6:53 pm Said:

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS JUST IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Madison Davenport, A.K.A. Ruthie, will be on the American Girl Blog Friday (the 13th) at 4:00 P.M. for a live chat about the American Girl movie Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She will only be there for one hour or less, so Please if you are going to come, come on time.

The chat will be on the CHAT page (there will be links all over my site so yuo can’t miss it)

As you may have figured out, my CHAT page is password protected: that’s because we had a poser problem, and I can’t remove threats and nasty comments from the chat box. But at 4:00 friday I will open the page back up for 45 minutes.

Thank you guys, and be sure to be there!

(P.S. if you want to be sure that it’s the REAL madison davenport, just ask her on millies Doll Blog).

ALSO, Friday was the only day Madison could chat with us, which conflicts with something very important for me, Jordan, Mariah, and Stacia but we will try to be there! I know you guys’ll have fun talking to Madison!!!

Bye
~Sienna (Anna)
Ashleigh, on June 10th, 2008 at 10:55 am Said:

awesome ill be on
Sienna C., on June 10th, 2008 at 2:03 pm Said:

im glad!
Abbie, on June 10th, 2008 at 2:05 pm Said:

Does anyone think ruthie should have the nellie face?
Abbie, on June 10th, 2008 at 2:06 pm Said:

not that shes not cute LOL!
Abbie, on June 10th, 2008 at 2:08 pm Said:

Sienna C. do u have ruthie?
Ashleigh, on June 11th, 2008 at 6:15 am Said:

hey abbie
Ashleigh, on June 11th, 2008 at 6:15 am Said:

welcome
Ashleigh, on June 11th, 2008 at 6:18 am Said:

what dolls do u have???? are u getting ruthie too?
Zoe, on June 11th, 2008 at 1:25 pm Said:

Yay! In like 5 days, I’ll order some new stuff!
Sienna C., on June 11th, 2008 at 2:21 pm Said:

Yes, Abbie, I have Ruthie!

Zoe, be sure to be on chat this friday at http://www.piczo.com/americangirlblog for chat with Madison Davenport, the real Ruthie!!!
Ashleigh, on June 11th, 2008 at 2:22 pm Said:

abbie u there??
Zoe, on June 11th, 2008 at 3:21 pm Said:

Awesome! What time?
Sienna C., on June 11th, 2008 at 3:30 pm Said:

The chat is at 4:00 P.M. (if you live in PA, LI, or NY time zones). Hope u can be there!
Zoe, on June 11th, 2008 at 5:13 pm Said:

So do I! lol.
Zoe, on June 11th, 2008 at 7:18 pm Said:

Well, I just found out something!

I wont be ordering a doll or acessories 2morrow—- Because I’m going to the AG place July 17th!!!!!!
Annabelle, on June 12th, 2008 at 1:47 am Said:

Zoe your so lucky, Hi Abbie
My library got some AG books and i’ve borrowed 3
hehe
Ashleigh, on June 12th, 2008 at 5:42 am Said:

abbie what grade are u in
Zoe, on June 12th, 2008 at 12:57 pm Said:

Yeah, the problem is…..

I CANT WAIT UNTIL JULY 17TH!!!!!!!!!

It’s over a month from now!
Zoe, on June 12th, 2008 at 1:04 pm Said:

Did you know that Will smith has a daughter named Willow? She’s in Kit’s movie!!
Ashleigh, on June 12th, 2008 at 5:19 pm Said:

E-News SUMMER 2008
This is my email from AG!

Kit’s coming to the big screen! Her new movie, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, opens in theaters nationwide July 2. In this issue, get the behind-the-scenes scoop. Spread the word—forward E-News to a friend.
IN THIS ISSUE:
A new movie | From shelf to screen | Ways to lend a hand today

American Girl is excited about the release of our first feature film, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl—special engagements start in select cities June 20, and the movie opens nationwide July 2. It stars Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin as Kit, a girl growing up during the hard times of the Great Depression. It also features Julia Ormond and Chris O’Donnell as Kit’s parents.

Kit Kittredge is one of our most beloved historical characters. Her books—and now her movie—bring the 1930s and the challenges of the Depression vividly to life. The Depression was a time when some families went from rich to poor overnight. Many Americans lost their jobs, their life savings, and even their homes. But as Kit’s story shows, even in the midst of this difficult and scary time, people reached out to lend a hand and help one another, as they found ways to live with less and make the most of what they still had.

Some families did what Kit’s family did—they turned their home into a boarding house in order to earn money and save their house. And long before the term “recycling” came into use, women like Kit’s mother made new clothes out of old clothes, sewed scraps of fabric into useful quilts, and even turned chicken-feed sacks into towels, curtains, and dresses. People of all ages learned to be resourceful in every way—to “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”
From shelf to screen

Turning Kit’s books into a screenplay required making some changes in her stories to match the rhythm and pacing of movie storytelling. Some new characters were added, while others were changed or left out entirely. Certain scenes or settings were added to take advantage of the visual nature of filmmaking. Plot lines were introduced to add drama—such as a mystery that Kit and her friends have to solve. Other plot lines or scenes were changed or cut. But American Girl editors and historians worked closely with the movie producers and the scriptwriter, Ann Peacock, to be sure that the script stayed true to the heart of Kit’s story. Then, when the script was close to completion, casting agents and set and costume designers went to work to re-create Kit’s world for the screen.

CASTING
Casting Kit as the central character was the first step. Once 11-year-old Abigail Breslin signed on to play Kit, other casting decisions quickly fell into place, including the casting of Joan Cusack, Stanley Tucci, Glenn Headley, and Jane Krakowski as boarders who rent rooms from the Kittredges. Wallace Shawn makes an appearance as a crusty newspaper editor. Young actors Madison Davenport and Zach Mills were cast as Kit’s good friends, Ruthie and Stirling. We even had an open casting call for extras at our American Girl Place stores, and were able to feature some first-time actors as Kit and Ruthie’s friends.

SETS
In Kit’s original six-book series, written by Valerie Tripp, Kit longs for a tree house but never gets one. However, a fantastic tree house set was created for the movie that required building not only the tree house, but the tree itself! A large trunk and branches were built out of wood and metal, then covered with large strips of bark created from burlap and plaster. In fact, we were so enchanted by Kit’s tree house set that our product developers were inspired to create a toy tree house for girls to use with their Kit and Ruthie dolls!

COSTUMES
Every step in the production of the Kit movie was grounded in hundreds of hours of research about the 1930s. Working with American Girl’s clothing designers, the movie costume designers turned to 1930s fashion magazines, clothing catalogues, and movies for inspiration. Madison Davenport, who plays Kit’s best friend, Ruthie, adored the 1930s costumes: “It’s so cool to wear clothes you don’t normally wear. And you never find cute dresses like these in stores today. They are so sweet!”

Watch for Kit Kittredge: An American Girl in theaters across the country starting July 2. We hope you will be as pleased and excited about this movie as we are!
Ways to lend a hand today

During the Depression, even people who experienced hard times found ways to lend a hand to those most in need. They donated food and clothing—and sometimes opened their homes, just as Kit’s family did. Here are some ways girls can lend a hand to those in need today:
Donate clothing and toys to a homeless shelter or a charity such as Goodwill
Donate to food pantries
Volunteer in a food pantry or kitchen for the homeless
Spend time visiting with or doing chores for an elderly neighbor or relative
Lola, on June 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm Said:

HI!
Guys-
Im going 2 the ag place 2 more o
!
im @ a hotel rite now lol!:)
Zoe, on June 12th, 2008 at 10:51 pm Said:

Cool! I’m supposed 2 b asleep,lol, but I’m busy thinking about other stuff I just dont wanna go 2 bed.

So, who wants pie?
Zoe, on June 13th, 2008 at 1:40 pm Said:

That’s cool,Lola! When I go to the AG place, it’ll just be me and my step-mom. I dont think my brothers will like being pulled through a three-story store filled with dolls and acessories! Lol:)
Sienna C., on June 13th, 2008 at 2:25 pm Said:

CHAT TODAY IN EXACTLY 35 MINUTES PLEASE BE THERE!!!

MADISON DAVENPORT IS READY AND VERY EXCITED
Sienna C., on June 13th, 2008 at 2:25 pm Said:

go to http://www.piczo.com/americangirlblog/chat to chat with us!!!
abbie, on June 15th, 2008 at 2:30 pm Said:

Hello, anyone here?
abbie, on June 15th, 2008 at 2:31 pm Said:

Im getting Kit. (Question asked earlier.) Oh answer to other question going into sixth grade
abbie, on June 15th, 2008 at 2:33 pm Said:

ashleigh i have elizabeth jess mia kirsten and just like you doll has blue eyes light brown hair w/ bangs her name is Laura earlier question
abbie, on June 15th, 2008 at 4:17 pm Said:

IM GETTIN KIT! im soooo excited! Im goin 2 take her 2 the movie with me!
Lola, on June 15th, 2008 at 7:11 pm Said:

yea zoey.
lol my grandpa got bored and my older brother just st in the cafe lol
Ashleigh, on June 16th, 2008 at 5:40 am Said:

abbie most of us go on the ruthie pictures page sent in from gale that’s y were never on here

Ruthie Has Arrived

150 Responses to “Ruthie Has Arrived”

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