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RAGGEDY ANN
STORIES
Written & Illustrated by
JOHNNY GRUELLE
[Illustration]
LITTLE SIMON
New York London Toronto Sydney
[Illustration]
PREFACE AND DEDICATION
As I write this, I have before me on my desk, propped up against the
telephone, an old rag doll. Dear old Raggedy Ann!
The same Raggedy Ann with which my mother played when a child.
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.
True, she has been nibbled by mice, who have made nests out of the soft
cotton with which she has been stuffed, but Raggedy smiled just as
broadly when the mice nibbled at her, for her smile is painted on.
What adventures you must have had, Raggedy!
What joy and happiness you have brought into this world!
And no matter what treatment you have received, how patient you have
been!
What lessons of kindness and fortitude you might teach could you but
talk; you with your wisdom of fifty-nine years. No wonder Rag Dolls are
the best beloved! You are so kindly, so patient, so lovable.
The more you become torn, tattered and loose-jointed, Rag Dolls, the
more you are loved by children.
Who knows but that Fairyland is filled with old, lovable Rag
Dolls--soft, loppy Rag Dolls who ride through all the wonders of
Fairyland in the crook of dimpled arms, snuggling close to childish
breasts within which beat hearts filled with eternal sunshine.
So, to the millions of children and grown-ups who have loved a Rag Doll,
I dedicate these stories of Raggedy Ann.