Raggedy Ann Stories [Hardcover]

Johnny Gruelle (Author, Illustrator), Kim Gruelle (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1993 | Series: Raggedy Ann

Since Raggedy Ann first appeared in print in 1918, she has charmed millions of readers with her always warm and optimistic outlook and calm approach to difficulties. Now she returns to delight a new generation in this carefully produced reissue, which restores the book to its original appearance.

All the original stories are here, as Raggedy Ann comes to Marcella's nursery and quickly becomes the leader of the dolls. After learning a lesson from a naughty raid on the pantry, Raggedy Ann's adventures show her striving to be good -- and succeeding. She and the other dolls rescue Fido, the family dog, from the dogcatcher. When, in one adventure, Raggedy Ann has to have her stuffing replaced, she gets her famous "I LOVE YOU" candy heart. Raggedy Ann also goes up in a kite, teaches two new dolls to be tolerant, and shares the excitement of a baby brother for Marcella, among several other tales.

Johnny Gruelle's delicate illustrations are the perfect companions to the well-loved stories in this American classic, the only edition authorized by the Gruelle family. A brief biography of the author-artist by his grandson, Kim Gruelle, makes this edition especially valuable.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Raggedy Ann has been entertaining and charming young readers ever since the first book created by Johnny Gruelle in 1918 chronicled the adventures of the mischievous rag doll and her delightful toy friends. Gruelle's inspiration was a real doll?a doll made for his mother by his grandmother and then much loved by his daughter Marcella. Raggedy Ann Stories, Gruelle's first collection of tales, was soon followed by books that introduced Raggedy Andy and the fairyland called the Deep, Deep Woods.
In this edition of The Raggedy Ann Stories, which contains the best original tales and artwork, you'll meet the rag doll's toy friends, as well as Fido the dog and Marcella, the little girl in whose house there is a special room where Raggedy Ann and all the other dolls live. Often, by the end of a story, after an exciting adventure or, perhaps, a wonderful journey, Raggedy Ann and her friends have learned a small but valuable lesson of life.
From the days of her discovery by the real Marcella, the little rag doll with the red-yarn hair has inspired timeless tales and colorful pictures and has stirred the imaginations of millions of young readers all over the world. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938), the much-loved creator of the brother and sister rag dolls Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy, started his career as a newspaper cartoonist. By beating out fifteen hundred entrants in a comic-drawing contest sponsored by the New York Herald, he earned a two-thousand-dollar prize and an extended contract to provide a weekly installment of his cartoon "Mr. Twee Deedle." In addition to designing the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, he soon began writing and illustrating make-believe tales and adventure stories for children. His love of the unknown and his fascination with science and outer space helped inspire The Magical Land of Noom. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (September 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027375854
• ISBN-13: 978-0027375855
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative stories, beautiful drawings, December 12, 1999

By 

L. Robles "mom" (Boston, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raggedy Ann Stories (Hardcover)

Raggedy Ann Stories, is a lovely book, appropriate for bedtime stories or independent readers (7years+?). The stories are sweet and describe a smart, kind, and generous rag doll who comes to life with other dolls when the owner is not in the nursery. The language is rich with description, more formal and complex than many of today's children's "disney" screen summaries. The original drawings by Gruelle are bright and gorgeous (Don't get the newer version!). My daughters can't wait to hear one or two stories at bedtime and read it on their own as well.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic children's favorite that's of collectors value., January 3, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Raggedy Ann Stories (Hardcover)

Taking the reader back to a gentler day when children played in nurseries with rag dolls, this book delivers nothing but charm. Each chapter brings new adventures of the kind-hearted nursery doll Raggedy Ann. The stories are easy to read and capture the reader's imagination from the very start. A variety of lovable characters teach sound lessons with refreshing splashes of humor throughout. Although Johnny Gruelle's books are treasured for their collectors value alone, many (including yours truly) value the Raggedy Ann books purely for the joy and memories they impart. Introduce Raggedy Ann to your special little one or savor for yourself the taste of yesterday... either way, don't miss your chance to own a timeless treasure

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memories Brought to Life, March 19, 2002

By 

Ramona Honan "reviews-by-melva" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raggedy Ann Stories (Hardcover)

Oh, how this book brought back memories of my childhood. I used to set my Raggedy Ann doll and her friends out at night so they could wake up when I fell to sleep. This way they could go on with their adventures. If Raggedy Ann had slumped over in the morning and not in the upright position I had put her in the night before, I just knew she had bee up and about the night before. She had just not gotten back into the same position I had put her in when I went to bed.

This is a glorious book for children and their imaginations. I recommend it highly - maybe even for adults.