Real-For-Sure Story of Raggedy Ann

"This book will be popular with parents and grandparents, who will enjoy sharing it at lap time." --School Library JournalWhat's so special about a rag doll with shoe-button eyes, yarn hair, and a candy heart? For one little girl named Marcella, the answer is simple: her daddy, Johnny Gruelle, made her from an old doll that had belonged to her grandmother. This is the story of how Raggedy Ann actually came to be, from scraps in a sewing basket to a cherished doll that has delighted people across the world for over eighty-five years.Though he had a hunch, Johnny Gruelle didn't know what to expect or whether the buying public would really take to handcrafted rag dolls. As it turned out, however, Raggedy Ann, her brother, Raggedy Andy, and the countless books, songs, and toys featuring them were the perfect diversions for a public weary from World War I. They continue to be a source of joy for young people, collectors, and fans worldwide. Patricia Hall's Johnny Gruelle collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing books, dolls, merchandise, original artwork, correspondence, and photographs. In addition to Raggedy Ann and Johnny Gruelle: A Bibliography of Published Works, Hall is also author of Raggedy Ann and More: Johnny Gruelle's Dolls and Merchandise; Johnny Gruelle, Creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy; and Raggedy Ann and Andy Postcard Book, all published by Pelican.Joni Gruelle Wannamaker is the granddaughter and namesake of Johnny Gruelle. She and her husband, Tom, reside in Arcola, Illinois, where they have founded the Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum, dedicated to the floppy, loveable Raggedies and all their friends. This not-for-profit museum traces the history of Johnny and the heartwarming dolls he created in 1915.Hall, Patricia is the author of 'Real-For-Sure Story of Raggedy Ann' with ISBN 9781565547636 and ISBN 1565547632.