Raggedy Andy Stories Read online

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  RAGGEDY ANDYSTORIES

  Raggedy Andy on a bar]

  RAGGEDY ANDYSTORIES

  Introducing the Little RagBrother of Raggedy Ann

  Written & Illustrated by JOHNNY GRUELLE

  Raggedy Andy]

  LITTLE SIMONNew York London Toronto Sydney

  TO MARCELLA'S MAMA]

  Raggedy Andy bowing]

  Gainsville, Florida, January 8, 1919.

  Johnny Gruelle,Care of P. F. Volland Company.Chicago, Ill.

  Dear Johnny:

  When I saw your Raggedy Ann books and dolls in a store near here, I wentright in and bought one of each, and when I had read your introductionto "Raggedy Ann" I went right up to an old trunk in my own attic andbrought down the doll I am sending you with this letter.

  This doll belonged to my mother and she played with it when a littlegirl. She treasured it highly, I know, for she kept it until I came andthen she gave it to me.

  The fun that we two have had together I cannot begin to tell you, butoften, like the little boy who went out into the garden to eat wormswhen all the world seemed blue and clouded, this doll and I went outunder the arbor and had our little cry together. I can still feel it'ssoft rag arms (as I used to imagine) about me, and hear the words ofcomfort (also imaginary) that were whispered in my ear.

  As you say in your Raggedy Ann book, "Fairyland must be filled with ragdolls, soft loppy rag dolls who go through all the beautiful adventuresfound there, nestling in the crook of a dimpled arm." I truly believethere is such a fairyland and that rag dolls were first made there, orhow else could they bring so much sunshine into a child's life?

  Raggedy Ann bowing]

  All the little girls of my acquaintance have your Raggedy Ann book anddoll, and for the happiness you have brought to them let me give to youthe doll of all my dolls, the doll I loved most dearly.

  May it prove to you a gift from Fairyland, bringing with it all the"wish come true" that you may wish and, if possible, add to the sunshinein your life.

  My mother called the doll Raggedy Andy and it was by this name that Ihave always known him. Is it any wonder that I was surprised when I sawthe title of your book?

  Introduce Raggedy Andy to Raggedy Ann, dear Johnny. Let him share in thehappiness of your household.

  Sincerely yours, Raggedy Andy's "Mama."

  * * * * *

  Wilton, Connecticut, January 12, 1919.

  Dear John:

  Your letter brings many pleasant memories to my mind and takes me backto my childhood.

  Living next door to us, when I was about four years old, was a littlegirl named Bessie; I cannot recall her last name. When my mother madeRaggedy Ann for me, Bessie's mother made a rag doll for her, for we twoalways played together; as I recall, there was no fence between our twohouses.

  Bessie's doll was made a day or so after Raggedy Ann, I think, though Iam not quite certain which of the two dolls was made first. However,Bessie's doll was given the name of Raggedy Andy, and one of the twodolls was named after the other, so that their names would sound alike.

  We children played with the two rag dolls most of the time untilBessie's family moved away--when I was eight or nine years old. They hadfaces just alike; the mother who made the first doll probably paintedboth doll faces. I do not remember just how Raggedy Andy was dressed,but I know he often wore dresses over his boy clothes when Bessie and Idecided that he and Raggedy Ann should be sisters for the day.

  You will remember I told you about Raggedy Andy long ago, John.

  Isn't it strange that the two old rag dolls should come together afterall these years? I wish Raggedy Andy's "Mama" had signed her name, for Ishould like to write to her. Perhaps there may be some way of findingher out.

  Anyway, it seems to me you have the subject for another rag doll book,for Raggedy Andy must have had some wonderful adventures in his longlife.

  Yours lovingly, Mom.

  * * * * *

  CONTENTS

  HOW RAGGEDY ANDY CAME THE NURSERY DANCE THE SPINNING WHEEL THE TAFFY PULL THE RABBIT CHASE THE NEW TIN GUTTER DOCTOR RAGGEDY ANDY RAGGEDY ANDY'S SMILE THE WOODEN HORSE MAKING "ANGELS" IN THE SNOW THE SINGING SHELL

  Raggedy Ann and Books]