Raggedy Andy Stories

First published in 1920, “Raggedy Andy Stories” by Johnny Gruelle is the second book in the beloved and classic children’s series starring Raggedy Ann, her brother Raggedy Andy, and their family and friends. Gruelle was an American artist, children’s author, political cartoonist, and illustrator. He was inspired by his daughter Marcella and her fun playing with dolls to create his most famous character, Raggedy Ann. He combined the names from “The Raggedy Man” and the “Little Orphan Annie” and patented the iconic rag doll with her red yard hair and triangle nose in 1915. “Raggedy Ann Stories” introduced Raggedy Ann and her friends to the world. It was published in 1918 and both the book and doll were a great commercial success. Two years later, “Raggedy Andy Stories” expanded this playful world to include Raggedy Ann’s brother Raggedy Andy. The book finds Raggedy Andy having arrived in the mail at Marcella’s father’s office and excited to reunite with his sister. The siblings and the other dolls have fun dancing, meeting Santa, and having a pillow fight. This enduring classic continues to charm and delight children and parents over one hundred years later.