UPDATED May 25, 2011!!

Thanks to Gabriela who has been lucky enough to see the books first hand at the book publisher’s show and is sending me pictures.

Meet Marie-Grace and Meet Cécile book covers. Cecile lives with her sculptor father, businesswoman mother, older brother, grandfather, widowed aunt and her son. She also has an AA housekeeper and cook and a white housemaid. Marie-Grace lives with her doctor father, uncle, no-nonsense housekeeper, and dog.

The Friends and Family page of Meet Marie-Grace.

The Friends and Family page of Meet Cécile.

As I get more photos I will be adding them to this page.

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May 8, 2011

Wow! American Girl historical character fans are in for a treat this year! Two new characters will be introduced and some of the first official photos of their illustrations/covers are beginning to surface, like these that were emailed to me by a reader today.

Introducing Cécile and Marie-Grace!  Meet Marie-Grace will be authored by Sarah Masters Buckey and Meet Cécile will be authored by Denise Lewis Patrick. The books are set in New Orleans, 1853. The theme color is pale blue. There are three books from the point of view of each of the two girls, and the story seems to be intertwined. The girls are from “very different worlds” but they some how meet and become friends. The 1853 yellow fever epidemic is a main plot point.

So, what are your thoughts? I am really excited for these new characters and their stories. Of course, as we get more information we will post it.

There are also pictures of the book covers posted here. Hopefully we will see even more in the next few weeks.

Update – these were first posted by Calyndra on the AG Playthings message board.

Created by Johnny Gruelle in 1915, Raggedy Ann was one of the first, if not the first, doll to be marketed with a line of story books. Raggedy Ann is a rag doll known for having red yarn hair and a triangular nose. She was created for Gruelle’s daughter Marcella who died at the age of 13 after getting a small pox vaccine. Shown to the right is the original Raggedy Ann doll – you can get even more information on the doll and the story behind Raggedy Ann at the Raggedy Ann Museum site.

In celebration of Raggedy Ann’s 95th birthday, there are quite a few anniversary editions of her doll being released. My favorites include:

Marcella Loves Raggedy Ann Doll – An adorable doll, inspired by Raggedy Ann creator Johnny Gruelle’s daughter. Little Marcella was a sickly child, and to keep up her spirits, Johnny Gruelle entertained her with tales he spun starring her beloved doll, Raggedy Ann. The 8″ fully articulated vinyl Marcella doll has blonde hair, blue eyes and wears a pretty in pink coat over a white skirted outfit. Ensemble includes matching pink hat, white socks, black shoes, and her very own Raggedy Ann doll, too! Limited quantities are available.

Raggedy Ann Cloth Doll 18″ by Madame Alexander – Raggedy Ann by Madame Alexander is an 18” cloth doll that has a molded face covered in cloth and dazzling red yarn hair. She wears a pale blue cotton dress that features a floral print that’s so unique it’s specially licensed. This classic doll’s dress has a white pique collar and is worn beneath a white apron which has been given a top stitching detail. Raggedy Ann ‘s look is complete with white bloomers and attached black felt shoes on the feet of her red and white striped legs.

Raggedy Ann 95th Anniversary Doll – Special edition Raggedy Ann® takes us back to the time when the little rag doll first captured our hearts. This long-time friend celebrates her 95th year of love and friendship. She’s 12″H and still as huggable as ever. Her facial features have been recreated to closely resemble creator Johnny Gruelle’s original hand-drawn illustrations. Includes display box and commemorative certificate.

Raggedy Ann 95th Anniversary Edition by Russ Berrie – Raggedy Ann is a timeless classic character spreading values of generosity, compassion, and love to generations of girls and boys around the world. This special doll commemorate the 95 years of friendship celebrated with Raggedy Ann and take us back to a simpler time when the little rag doll first captured our hearts. The Raggedy Ann 95th Anniversary Edition Doll is packaged in a window box and include a special commemorative certificate. This long-time favorite doll is 12″. Includes commemorative certificate, window book style box 1 plush doll (surface washable).

If you want more Raggedy Ann fun, here are some cute Raggedy Ann coloring pages and crafts:

• Raggedy Ann Coloring Pages
• Raggedy Ann and Andy Coloring Sheets
• Make a Raggedy Ann doll pin cushion
• Make a Raggedy Ann Clothes Pin Ornament
• How to make your own Raggedy Ann doll

And even more Raggedy Ann goodness:

Raggedy Ann Child Halloween Costume Child Rag Doll Costume – Raggedy Ann Guidecraft Raggedy Ann and Andy Toy Chest Raggedy Ann And Andy Blue Patch Fleece Raggedy Ann And Andy Stripe Flannel Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Read-aloud Treasury How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart Raggedy Ann and Andy Postcard Book The Real-For-Sure Story of Raggedy Ann

When I went to American Girl Place Chicago a few weeks ago, I took tons of pictures and it is taking me some time to get them posted. Here are some group photos of all the 18″ American Girl Dolls (minus Chrissa, Sonali and Gwen). They are all so cute – it makes you want them all!

Starting from Left to Right, the Limited Edition Girls of the Year are: Lindsey (2001), Kailey (2003), Marisol (2005), Jess (2006), Nicki (2007), and Mia (2008). Since Chrissa, Gwen and Sonali are available now, they were not displayed here. All of the past Girls of the Year are now retired. They best place to look for the dolls and their outfits and accessories is on eBay (here is a custom search for them).

This was the display for all of the historical dolls – notice Samantha, Nellie, are not there (for some reason Elizabeth and Emily are missing from the display too). Left to right, Kaya, Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Kit, Ruthie, Molly, Julie and Ivy.

And the Just Like You Doll display. Each of the dolls is just so cute!