The Adventures of Raggedy Ann

by Johnny Gruelle

Adventures of Raggedy Ann by Johnny Gruelle

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Classics

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Johnny Gruelle was an American artist, political cartoonist, children's book author and illustrator (and even songwriter). He is known as the creator of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. He had such confidence in his design that often he would create the final ink work without first sketching in pencil.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_G...

Reviews

[Rachel Sours]

What a precious book. I had a Raggedy Ann doll as a child but never read the stories. This series of short stories allowed my soon to be five year old son and I connect at night in a new way. He would grab his Raggedy Ann doll and we would settle down on his bed to read. The stories are long enough to have depth but short enough to keep his attention most nights. There are lessons in almost every story and you always hear the message of being happy no matter what. Raggedy' happiness drew everyone to her.

[TheMother]

'The Adventures of Raggedy Ann' by Johnny Gruelle is a mere 54 pages of Raggedy Ann goodness (not counting the short introduction pages prior).

The "chapters" are:
Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson
Raggedy Ann and the Kite
Raggedy Ann Rescues Fido
Raggedy Ann and the Painter
Raggedy Ann's Trip on the River

Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson: The dolls in Marcella's room get up to some antics in the pantry. They learn a lesson about patience.

Raggedy Ann and the Kite: Poor Raggedy gets lifted into the air on a kite. It's good fun until it isn't! Luckily, she is rescued.

Raggedy Ann Rescues Fido: Raggedy Ann and her fellow toys/dolls rescue Marcella's dog Fido! Very harrowing.

Raggedy Ann and The Painter: Marcella's room is getting tidied up. Unfortunately, a young painter tosses Raggedy Ann about in good fun until she falls into paint. Oh no!

Raggedy Ann's Trip on The River: That Fido! Raggedy Ann isn't a huge fan of being tossed about by Marcella's pup. She goes on a rather peaceful ride on the river. Dad and Marcella are on the case.


While there are certain parts of Raggedy Ann that are outdated/aged poorly, the stories are still very sweet and kind. They have just enough drama to keep the story moving along but not so much as to cause the reader anxiety. I read this to my daughter who found a very similar opinion. I'm glad to share some of my childhood with her.

The only reason it isn't a 5 star review is because the illustrations are delayed. When something happened, the illustration for it was generally on the following page by the time it had resolved in the passage. Keep that in mind if you want to read this to your own young viewer.

[Carrie]

Reprint of the original 1918 stories. This edition is undated but I am guessing 1970s based on the Venture price tag on the inside flap. I just read that the author's daughter was named Marcella (as is the girl here) and the doll was one of her favorites. Marcella died too young at age 13. These are very sweet stories, and I can see how they became classics. Although I had a handmade Raggedy Ann as a child, I never read any of the tales, strangely enough.

[Victoria Bellamy]

Fun to reread one of my favorite story books from childhood. A book of sweet stories of kindness and happiness with a wonderful dose of creativity and imagination. Warmed my heart with a smile and love.

[Stacy]

This little book is a quick read that focuses on Raggedy Ann and her friends - we have not met Andy in this book.

[Daniel]

1920s Toy Story.

[Bec]

It was so lovely to see a doll be cleaned and repaired!! The stories were a bit simple, but delightfully sweet.

[Joy Gerbode]

More wonderful stories of Raggedy Ann and friends, her kindness and love. Such simple stories, encouraging us all to be what we're supposed to be!