How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart

Raggedy Ann and Andy

by Jan Palmer, Johnny Gruelle

One day Raggedy Ann takes a kite ride way up into the sky -- only to land in a bucket of paint! A friendly painter offers to fix her up like new, and it looks like Marcella will have to part with her doll for a short time. But when Raggedy Ann comes back to Marcella, she's better than ever because of the painter's special gift.
In this new version of a classic, retold for young children, Raggedy Ann and the other dolls in the nursery come to life with humor and spirit.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Classics, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kristin Flor]

I read this book in the Ronald McDonald House after my son’s surgery. I grew up with a Raggedy Ann doll and have a few books and a mini doll. The book is somewhat poorly written the way things are explained or double explained. Then putting her through the wringer? I’m glad they fixed her up though. What a nice man.

[Joy Gerbode]

An absolute gem in the Raggedy Ann books ... she gets all messed up, yet with a little loving care is restored to herself, with a little extra something! I love this depiction of our own lives ... when we get "messed up" we can be made whole again, and even better, by God's loving care, modern medicine, love of family and friends, and our own cheerful attitude!

[Awjtf]

I love Raggedy Ann!

[Chloe Payne]

This book is amazing for young children and is amazing for all ages !

[Jill]

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved Raggedy Ann. This story contains all of the charm of the typical Raggedy Ann story and I loved the illustrations. Very sweet and simple.

[Elizabeth S]

I'm of two minds about this book. It is nice to have the story of Raggedy Ann's candy heart more accessible. The original story is part of a longer book, and parts of the story are so "old-fashioned" that modern kids wouldn't understand. Not that this version takes out the old-fashioned parts, since the clothes wringer is still there. But the pictures help explain it. So you can see what it means when they tie Raggedy Ann to the tail of the kite, and you can see what a clothes wringer is.

But on the other hand, I miss the illustrations by the original author, Johnny Gruelle. And some of the simple charm of the story is somehow lost in the rewriting.

[Lynne Vanderveen]

Okay, full disclosure - I have a very soft spot for Raggedy Ann. My grandma sent me a tiny Raggedy Ann and Andy when I was in college. She said that she fell in love with them and knew I was the only one of her grandchildren who would appreciate them still. So last year it was only natural that I bought my granddaughter a Raggedy Ann for her first Christmas and when I saw it last week, I picked up this book "for her." As I was reading it, I was taken back to my childhood. The illustrations are reminiscent of my generation as is the story. I hope my granddaughter likes the book - but the truth is that this was for me and I still love Raggedy Ann!

[Megan Ekins]

A really cute book about looking out for each other and helping out. Kind of random that she falls from a million miles away into a little tiny paint can...hmmmm

[Leyla]

It's a classic. Now my 6-year-old wants a Raggedy Ann.