The Honest-to-Goodness Story of Raggedy Andy

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"The Honest-To-Goodness Story of Raggedy Andy" tells the delightful story of how Raggedy Andy joined his older sister, Raggedy Ann. Based on historical accounts (and just in time for Andy’s eighty-fifth birthday!) this picture book will acquaint young readers with how the world’s most beloved boy doll came to be.

Long ago, Johnny Gruelle was a dedicated father who created a doll as a gift to his daughter Marcella. Made from one of his mother’s old dolls and scraps of fabric around the house, the doll became known to the world as Raggedy Ann.

Johnny also had two sons, Worth and Dickie, who included Raggedy Ann in all their games. When they flew kites, Raggedy Ann was there; when they read books, she was there; and even when they played pirates, Raggedy Ann was along for the fun. But the boys felt that Raggedy Ann was lonely and needed a brother. So Daddy (and Santa!) came to the rescue with the charming and rascally Raggedy Andy. As it turned out, Raggedy Ann, Raggedy Andy, and the countless books, songs, and toys featuring them were the perfect diversions for a public weary from World War I, and they continue to be a source of joy for young people, collectors, and fans worldwide.

"The Honest-to-Goodness Story of Raggedy Andy" is Patty and Joni’s second Raggedy collaboration. Together, they also wrote and illustrated "The Real-for-Sure Story of Raggedy Ann."

About the Author
Author and singer/songwriter Patricia Hall has written numerous books and songs about Raggedy Ann and Andy, and her Gruelle-Raggedy collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world. Patty’s other Pelican books include: "Raggedy Ann and More: Johnny Gruelle’s Dolls and Merchandise", "Johnny Gruelle, Creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy", "Raggedy Ann and Andy Postcard Book", "Raggedy Ann and Johnny Gruelle: A Bibliography of Published Works."

Joni Gruelle Wannamaker is the granddaughter and namesake of Johnny Gruelle. She and her husband, Tom, reside in Arcola, Illinois, where they founded the Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum, which is dedicated to the floppy, loveable Raggedys and all their friends. This not-for-profit museum traces the history of Johnny and the heartwarming dolls he created.