Marcella: A Raggedy Ann Story

Raggedy Ann and Andy

by Johnny Gruelle

Raggedy Ann, Beloved Belindy, Uncle Clem and Raggedy Andy sat very, very quiet, their cotton-stuffed bodies tingling as happily as Johnny Cricket's cheery tune, for they had looked through the door into Fairyland.
It's summertime, and Marcella packs up her beloved dolls, Raggedy Ann and Andy and all their friends, for a trip to the seashore. Nighttime is when the dolls come to life, so once Marcella is tucked in bed, Raggedy Ann and the rest of the dolls embark on a series of adventures, including a magical encounter with fairies. They also make friends with a new doll named Squeakie, and a mischievous puppy, Rags, and get lost at sea on a sailboat. Raggedy Ann leads her friends through each exciting adventure with a dose of humor and kindness. In the end it is the dolls' love for one another -- and Marcella's devotion to her dear friends -- that is the true magic in this book.
This very special story collection, a tribute to Johnny Gruelle's daughter, Marcella, has been lovingly restored to delight a new generation of readers. Whimsical illustrations capture the joy and simplicity of Raggedy Ann's world, transporting you to a magical place you will want to visit again and again.

Genres: Classics, Childrens, Fantasy, Juvenile

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1929

About the author

Johnny Gruelle was an American artist, political cartoonist, children's book author and illustrator (and even songwriter). He is known as the creator of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. He had such confidence in his design that often he would create the final ink work without first sketching in pencil.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_G...

Reviews

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been several years since I have read this book. I know the history behind it, and I feel sympathy for Johnny Gruelle every time I read one of his books. I have always been a fan of the Raggedy Ann series and dolls. I love how all of the dolls work together to bring joy to one another. They all demonstrate kindness, service, care and concern for each other and for animals and Marcella. They are simple stories and quick reads. They were written in an earlier era where life seemed more simple and kindness was a character trait that was considered highly favored.

I have read some of the comments listed, and I wonder where they are sourcing their information from in the story. All of the dolls work together. Sometimes one more than the other does something, but it was because they had seen it done and knew what they were doing, or there may have been another reason for them doing the 'act'.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet vintage children's book full of beautiful, colorful illustrations and lovely stories about Marcella and her Raggedy Ann doll. There are a number of adventures including all of Marcella's doll family, including a Christmas chapter at the end. I think I enjoyed the pictures even more than the book itself, but it was worth reading.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book full of sweet stories about Marcella and her dolls. I loved the dolls "coming to life" when Marcella wasn't around, and at the end of each chapter is a little life lesson for children. I got this book from my mother's estate -- her name was Marcella, which is why she bought the book, I'd imagine.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite Johnny Gruelle books. It tells the story of his daughter, Marcella ... and her love for Raggedy Ann, her dolls, and the stories her dad told. Wonderful stories of love and kindness, and a little bit more variety than some of the other books include. Loved this one extra specially!

[Madame Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were nice. The stories while offering a parable of kindness, was dull. Also I didn't like how the coloured doll was a mammy stereotype. How sad that even a doll of colour has to be servant and cook.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Raggedy Ann stories began when a little girl named Marcella fell ill from an infection, so her father created stories about her toys, especially about her favorite toy, a red haired rag doll.
Marcella never recovered from the infection.

[Melea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle trip back into my childhood. I'm glad there were "minor text changes", because I suspect that the maid, Dinah, and the doll, Beloved Belindy, would be offensive to the modern reader (although in the context of the times, offensiveness wouldn't have been considered).
I had not realized that many of the stories contained a "gem" of Raggedy Ann's wisdom.
"Every time we make a new friend, it is just like planting another flower in a beautiful garden filled with flowers of friendship." p. 33
"...when one has pleasant thoughtsrunning through one's head, one just has to be full of joyousness and the joyousness shines right up to the surface in a cheery smile." p. 65
"If we know our friends are happy, that in itself should make us happy, too." p. 79
"...when one has all he wants himself, he is quite likely to forget those who are not so fortunate. And how much happier it makes us, when we share our good fortune with others!" p. 95
"it always fills us with happiness when we know we are truly loved by one we dearly love." p. 40
"Real-for-sure people know it is lots more fun when we share our pleasures with others!" p. 25

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Raggedy Ann and Andy and their myraid Raggedy friends? Each story is imbuded with a lesson about sharing or caring or another important morale. The author wrote these stories for his sickly daughter, Marcella, who sadly died when she was 13.

I would recommend more for reading aloud than for kids to read to themselves.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this story since I've never been a Raggedy Ann fan, but this wasn't bad and I do like the art. (I should add that I never read any of the Raggedy Ann stories as a child.) Dolls that come alive just don't appeal to me (nor do talking animals).

[Cicely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book he wrote and illustrated. He created the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. It was read to me as a child, and I have looked at it again for the illustrations

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Raggedy Ann story of all time.