Raggedy Ann's Wishing Pebble - Written and Illustrated by Johnny Gruelle

Book excerpt: 'Raggedy Ann's Wishing Pebble' is written and illustrated by Johnny Gruelle. Gruelle (1880 - 1930), was an American artist and political cartoonist, as well as a children's book illustrator and author. The books of 'The Raggedy Ann Series' all feature their central protagonist, with red yarn for hair and a triangle nose - charting her considerable adventures. Gruelle created Raggedy Ann for his daughter, Marcella, when she brought him an old hand-made rag doll. He drew a face on it, and from his bookshelf, pulled a book of poems by James Whitcomb Riley, combining the names of two poems, 'The Raggedy Man' and 'Little Orphant Annie.' From this moment on, the much-loved children's series went from strength to strength. Sought after by collectors, this re-printed edition showcases Gruelle's original text, further enhanced by his wonderful colour drawings, in order that the two may be fully appreciated by young and old alike.