Raggedy Ann and Andy

Kindly, patient, and lovable, Raggedy Ann never loses her happy smile. She's quiet and obedient when her young mistress is at hand―but when left to her own devices, she's ready for adventure, cheerfully having her stuffing replaced, teaching a pair of new dolls a lesson in tolerance, and hitching a ride on a high-flying kite, among other lively doings. Generations of young readers have taken Raggedy Ann into their hearts ever since the book's publication in 1918. This facsimile reproduces the original edition, inspired by a child's affection for her grandmother's rag doll. Charming color illustrations by author Johnny Gruelle enhance these timeless tales of love and friendship.

There she sits, a trifle loppy and loose-jointed, looking me squarely in the face in a straightforward, honest manner, a twinkle where her shoe-button eyes reflect the electric light. Evidently Raggedy has been to a "tea party" today, for her face is covered with chocolate. She smiles happily and continuously.

Raggedy Ann tales, written and drawn by Johnny Gruelle, have been entertaining children since 1918. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

Raggedy Ann tales, written and drawn by Johnny Gruelle, have been entertaining children since 1918. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

Mrs. Lirriper is an involving story of people thrown together by chance, that moves from the squalors of Victorian London to the sunnier climes of southern France. Recently widowed, Mrs. Lirriper devotes her energies to attending to the needs of her assorted lodgers.

Raggedy Ann tales, written and drawn by Johnny Gruelle, have been entertaining children since 1918. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in affordable, high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

There she sits, a trifle loppy and loose-jointed, looking me squarely in the face in a straightforward, honest manner, a twinkle where her shoe-button eyes reflect the electric light. Evidently Raggedy has been to a "tea party" today, for her face is covered with chocolate. She smiles happily and continuously.

Johnny Gruelle's "Raggedy Ann Stories" introduced the world to one of the most beloved of all children's characters, Raggedy Ann. Gruelle, born in Illinois in 1880, and was a children's author, political cartoonist, and illustrator. He had an artistic upbringing and was taught to draw by his father, the famed Hoosier painter Richard Gruelle. As an adult, Gruelle was inspired to create his most famous character, Raggedy Ann, by his daughter Marcella and the fun she had playing with dolls. Gruelle combined the names from "The Raggedy Man" and "Little Orphan Annie" and patented the iconic rag doll with her red yarn hair and triangle nose in 1915. "Raggedy Ann Stories", his book explaining her origins and introducing Raggedy Ann and her friends to the world, was published in 1918 and both the book and doll were great commercial successes. Gruelle went on to publish many more books chronicling Raggedy Ann, her brother Raggedy Andy, and their many friends. The stories have become timeless and enduring classics for their loving characters, wholesome values, and fun adventures, and continue to charm children and parents over one hundred years later.