My Daughter Loves the American Girl Dolls

American Girl is celebrating 25 years of beautiful dolls full of big dreams and bigger adventures.

So for this year only, American Girl is offering collectible mini-dolls. Every month this year, American Girl will offer a different Historical character doll in her Holiday outfit. Each miniature doll stands 6" tall and comes with an abridged version of one of her books.

All dolls will be available through December 31st, or while supplies last (and I'll go out on a limb and say that they won't be lasting that long).

The identity of only the first few dolls have been announced, and they are:

January - Samantha
February - Felicity
March - ?

Kanani is the 2011 Girl of the Year, and is the first American Girl Doll from Hawaii and she loves to spread the Aloha spirit.

Kanani is a cheerful girl who is always trying to help others - whether it's helping out at her family's store or selling shaved ice to raise money for a special cause. Her biggest challenge comes when her cousin Rachel comes from New York to visit for a month. Kanani is so excited to show her the wonders of Hawaii, but no matter what she does, Rachel still feels unhappy. Find out how Kanani finally connects with her cousin in her book Aloha Kanani.

One of Kanani's accessories is an adorable Monk Seal pup, that Kanani happens to have helped rescue. You can also do your part , because whenever you purchase a cute and cuddly Monk Seal, $1 of your purchase will go to support the National Wildlife Federation.

Since Kanani will only be around for one year, start making plans to get to know her (and learn some of her Hawaiian culture) at one of these Girl of the Year events (dates provided are for the New York City store):

Kanani's Hawaiian Crafts (Jan 7 & 21, Feb 23 & March 25) Learn to make a lei for your doll, and decorate a visor with tropical stickers and ribbons.

Kananni's Hawaiian Celebration (Jan 7 & 21, Feb 23) Learn hawaiian words, enjoy a delicious meal and receive a doll sized hula skirt. Every girl will also receive a Kanani poster and her book 'Lend a Hand'

You can also meet, and dine, the author of Kananni's books, Lisa Yee.

Reservations are required for some events, so visit americangirl.com for local event dates, times and additional information.

This spring, the American Girl Place in New York City is hosting a series of special programs that are sure to be a hit.

Space is limited for most events so be sure to call 1 877 247 5223 to make your reservations today (dates below are for the New York City store only).

Date with Dad: Feb 11 - Enjoy an extra special meal with Dad, receive a commemorative photo and keepsakes as a reminder of your special day. Cost is $44 per person, ages 6 and up only.

Memories with Mom: March 6 - Celebrate the day with an elegant meal in the Cafe, and receive a commemorative photo and keepsakes as a reminder of your special day. Cost is only $44, for ages 6 and up.

Samantha's Lace Fan Craft: Jan 20 - Create an elegant lace fan like the one Samantha would have carried when she and Grandmary went calling on friends in 1904. Free and open to the Public (ages 8 and up)

Valentine Craft Card: Feb 11 - Inspire your girl to give something extra-special to her Valentine: a cute handmade card and matching envelope! Free and open to the Public (ages 8 and up)

Addy's Celebration Day Feb 17 - Join us for this special event to learn about how Addy stayed courageous during the Civil War in 1864. Have fun with your favorite girl as you learn a traditional game and enjoy a delicious meal. Includes an American Girl book to take home, plus a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages to help commemorate this memorable day. Cost is $60 per person, ages 6 and up only.

For a complete list, and details, of all of the American Girl Summer events, especially those at a store near you, visit the American Girl Special Events for local store dates and other region specific events.

Molly McIntire is one of the original American Girl/Historical Dolls offered by the Pleasant Company (with Samantha and Kirsten), and is still the only doll offered who wears glasses.

Molly is a bright and cheerful young girl who lives in Jefferson, Illinois during the latter years of World War II. Her father (an Army Doctor) is stationed somewhere in England, caring for wounded soldiers, and she must cope with the changes that the war has brought. With her dad away, Molly's Mom has her hands full holding the family, that includes her 14 yr old sister Jill, 12 yr old brother Ricky and 5 yr old younger brother Brad, together. When Molly's mom goes to work, everyone is kept in line by the housekeeper, Mrs Gilford, with some help from Molly's Grammy and Granpa. In school, Molly spends her time scheming (with best friend Linda) and dreaming (with best friend Susan), all under the watchful eye of her third grade teacher Miss Campbell.

Another member of Molly's household is her friend Emily Bennett. Emily was sent to America by her family to protect her from the intensity of the English front during WWII. Emily Bennett became the third doll introduced in the 'Best Friends' series in September 2006.

Molly's series focuses on patriotism and the changes that come with wartime.

Lanie's Backyard Photo Contest received more than 34,000 entries. Everyone who submitted pictures found fun and unique ways to showcase the beauty of nature. Unfortunately, there could only be 5 Grand Prize Winners and 20 First Place Winners.

The winning entries, and samples of their Essays, are listed below:

Grand Prize winners:

Amalia, age 8, Missouri
Highlight from Amalia's "Nature Note":

When I go outside, I am inspired by looking at the bugs on my swing set. There is a creek beyond my backyard, and when I go out, sometimes I see toads. When I am outside in the summer, I hear crickets singing at night. I like when the leaves turn yellow, red, and orange in the fall.

Madelaine, age 12, New York
Highlight from Madelaine's "Nature Note":

I am warmed deep down in my soul as I feel the plants blooming around me. Natural inspiration flows through me and encourages me to respond, and I feel a need to care for each living thing that crosses my path.

Tess, age 9, Minnesota
Highlight from Tess's "Nature Note":

I see the sunset and it makes me feel happy because of all of the beautiful colors.

Jada, age 9, Washington
Highlight from Jada's "Nature Note":

When I step outside and feel the wind against my face, it makes me feel like playing tag and gardening.

McKenna Jo, age 9, Utah
Highlight from McKenna Jo's "Nature Note":

Each season brings new and exciting memories. Spring always brings strong enough winds for me to fly my kite. The warm sunshine of summer heats the water while I swim. Fall allows me to enjoy the rainbow of beauty with the changing of the leaves. And most of all, I love that winter brings white, drifted snow for me to make snow angels.

First Prize winners:

Rylie, age 10, Wisconsin - Lydia, age 11, Ohio - Megan, age 12, Ohio - Peyton, age 9, California - Mary, age 11, Iowa - Emma, age 9, Michigan - Maiya, age 9, Massachusetts - Amanda, age 12, Minnesota - Kianna, age 9, California - Audrey, age 10, Texas - Jaime, age 10, Massachusetts - Sadie, age 10, Michigan - Emma, age 10, Michigan - Emily, age 12, California - Domonique, age 11, Massachusetts - Gabi, age 9, Washington - Melanie, age 10, North Carolina - Elani, age 10, Georgia - Megan, age 12, North Carolina - Kaitlyn, age 11, Iowa

Congratulations to the Winners and thanks to all who entered for discovering the beauty of nature.

Lanie Holland is the American Girl Doll, Girl of the Year for 2010.

Lanie is a smart young girl who's favorite subject in school is science, and she loves to explore.

Lanie is energetic, and with her lop-eared bunny Lulu, discover's that adventure is everywhere around her, starting in her own backyard.

Lanie loves nature and exploring the world around her, and her American Girl accessories reflect her love of the outdoors. Her Camper comes complete with a sleeping bag, teapot, camp cup & plate, recycling bin, and more. Everything Lanie needs for a great outdoor adventure.

Enter Lanie's Backyard Photo Contest for a chance to be one of 5 Grand Prize Winners and receive the entire Lanie Doll Collection

2010 Girl of the Year Celebration
April 22nd at the NY American Girl Store

Be one of the first to learn about Lanie Holland - 2010 Girl of the Year - an energetic girl who loves outdoor adventures. At this special event, girls will enjoy a delicious meal, icebreaker activities, nature crafts, and an introduction to the new contemporary character!
For girls ages 8 and up. Reservations are required so call 877-247-5223

Can't get a reservation, or don't live near NY - don't worry, you can enjoy

Lanie's Nature Activity Day

Celebrate the wonders of nature and the fun of gardening with Lanie, our 2010 Girl of the Year! During this free event, you can sprout your very own "mini garden" in a seed-starter cup, make a cute seed label for your mini garden and enjoy a garden-themed scavenger hunt, plus other fun activities. This event is free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.

Atlanta: April 17; May 26; June 9
Boston: April 17, 30
Chicago: April 17; May 28; June 11, 16, 30; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; September 4, 11, 18, 25
Dallas: April 17; May 31
Los Angeles: April 17; June 5
Minneapolis: April 17
New York: April 17, 18, 22; July 14

Kirsten Larson has been retired by American Girl.

Despite some 'Save Kirsten' campaigns the second of the original historical dolls - Kirsten has been removed from the shelves. As many of you know, last year Samantha Parkington was also retired. Coincidentally, this now leaves Molly McIntire as the only historical doll originally introduced by the Pleasant Company (which later became American Girl) still available from American Girl.

Previously, American Girl has stated that Kirsten's retirement was to make room for new historical dolls (Rebecca Rubin was introduced earlier this year), Yet, it's curious that American Girl has chosen to retire their two most popular dolls first. Not being a business major, I would think that the least popular dolls would be retired as they are the least profitable. This would allow you room in the Historical lineup to introduce a potentially more popular (and profitable) doll. But by retiring two of their most popular dolls and only introducing one new one, is American Girl slowly phasing out their line of Historical Dolls? If they are, are they planning/hoping to increase the popularity of their fully customizable "Just like You" line?

Being the father of a daughter who loves the American Girl dolls, their decision to retire their popular dolls has certainly paid off based on the crowds recently witnesses at the New York American Girl Place store, where many wanted to purchase Kirsten and all her accessories before they are gone (only her books will remain available from American Girl). Some patrons were completely surprised to find out that Kirsten was being retired, and impulsively picked up a few items. Now only time will tell when the next historical girl will be introduced and if she will be as popular as Kirsten (or Samantha).

But as far as today, it's sad to have to say good bye to such a wonderful doll.

Hej Da Kirsten Larson.

Sad but true.

American Girl has announced that Kirsten Larson, one of the original historical character dolls is going to be retired. Officially, Kirsten, and her entire line, are being moved to the American Girl archives. Only her books will remain available both online and in the American Girl Place stores.

First introduced in 1986, Kirsten and her family are Swedish immigrants who settle in the Minnesota Territory in 1854. Kirsten's adventures as a brave pioneer girl have made her a favorite of American Girl fans from the very beginning.

American Girl has stated that Kirsten's retirement will allow new characters to be introduced from different eras in American History.

Here she is - Rebecca Rubin, the newest Historical Doll from the American Girl Doll company.

Rebecca and her family are Jewish-Russian immigrants who have settled in Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1914. In addition to her parents, rebecca lives with siblings (no details yet), and her Grandmother, affectionately known as "Bubble".

The American Girl Company spent years researching Rebecca's look, in order to make sure that her appearance and physical characteristics appropriate, but not stereotypical. The result is Rebecca, a 9 year old girl with hazel green eyes, mid-tone brown hair with russet highlights, a red coat and white boots.

Also, in order to make Rebecca's story as authentic as possible, American Girl recruited Jacqueline Dembar Greene, who has previously written a young adult historical novel about Jewish immigrants set in 1654.

Rebecca Rubin is not the first Jewish character in the American Girl lineup. The very first "Girl of the Year" in 2001 was Lindsey Bergman.

Rebecca goes on sale May 31st - the same day as the Israel Day Parade in Manhattan. Rebecca's books will be available on June 1st.

Click here to keep up with the latest American Girl news

Following the American Girl tradition of creating girls of strong character, Chrissa learns to stand up to a group of mean girls at her school, and also shows her classmates what it means to be a good friend.

What is Bullying?

Being mean. Teasing. Taunting. Threatening. Harrassment. Coercion. No matter whether verbal, physical, or emotional, bullying is about other people trying to take away your power - the strong, smart, confident part of you - and replacing it with fear. They are hurting your feelings over and over, with words and/or actions which are meant to make you feel bad, and have the bully gain power over you.

American Girl is inviting girls from all across the country stand up and STOP THE BULLYING!

Enter the American Girl Poster Contest TODAY!

Use your creativity to design a poster that demonstrates what you can do to stop the bullying. Think about how you can encourage friends to stand together when it matters most - then pass it on in a poster.

Prizes will be awarded in two age groups (8 - 10) and (11 - 13).

2 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:
> A trip to American Girl Place for special recognition at Stop the Bullying Day on May 1st.
> Chrissa's ENTIRE collection, including 3 books
> An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong on DVD

There will also be 15 First-Prize winners in each age group, and the schools of all the winners will also receive special prizes.

HURRY - ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POST MARKED BY FEBRUARY 28, 2009

Visit American Girl.com/Girl of the Year for full contest rules.

NOTE: The Poster contest has ended - Winners will be announced on April 6th

Congratulations to all who entered!

From the more than 20,000 entries, the judges at American Girl selected 2 Grand Prize Winners and 30 First Prize Winners.

The Grand Prize Winners are:

Anna (8 - 10 age group)
Josephine (11 - 13 age group)

Click here to see a complete list of the First-Prize Winners and their posters.

Both Grand Prize Winners will be recognised at the American Girl Place on May 1st - Stop the Bullying Day. American Girl is having featured events at their stores to help both girls and parents learn together.

However you celebrate, it's important to Stop the Bullying every day of the year.

In 1986, Pleasant T. Rowland, a former educator and publisher of educational materials, founded Pleasant Company which is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin. Pleasant Company produced and marketed three 18-inch dolls - Samantha, Kirsten and Molly - each from a different period in American History. Each girl also had historically accurate outfits and accessory sets which were tied into books depicting their individual backgrounds. The first three stories of each character's eventual 6 book series were originally written by Danielle Steele.

The American Girl Collection was originally available only through mail-order catalogs. Several more historical dolls were added (Felicity, Addy, Josefina) and by 1997 their combined stories spanned periods in U.S. history from 1764 to 1944.

In 1992, American Girl expanded to help affirm self-esteem, celebrate achievements, and foster creativity in today's girls with the launch of American Girl® magazine, It currently ranks among the top ten children's magazines in the nation and is the largest magazine dedicated exclusively to girls.

In 1995, a line of contemporary 18-inch Just Like You® dolls were introduced, that represent the individuality and diversity of today's American girls. American Girl also introduced Bitty Baby® and the Bitty Twins®-soft, (for younger girls ages 3-6). Both Bitty's are huggable baby and toddler dolls that encourage nurturing behavior.

In the Fall of 1997, AmericanGirl.com was launched.

In 1998, Mattel, Inc.-the world's leading toy company - acquired American Girl. That same year, American Girl established its first retail store in Chicago, and has continued to open locations in major markets across the country.

In 2003, the first Made-for-TV movies and a new feature film are the latest ways we're connecting with girls, bringing their favorite stories to life on screen.

January 5th 2009 - Chrissa Stands Strong - The first ever Girl of the Year movie premieres on HBO

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Since retiring Samantha Parkington in October of 2008, it was only a matter of time before American Girl introduced their newest Historical Doll.

On May 31st, 2009 at the New York City American Girl Place, Rebecca Rubin will be introduced as the latest Historical Doll.

Rebecca is a Russian Jewish immigrant livingwith her family in a row house on the Lower East Side of New York City during the early 20th century. Rebecca dreams of being an actress, but her family has other ideas for her future.

Rebecca's back story will also be revealed in the 6 books that will also be released the May 31st. The author of the books is Jacqueline Dembar Greene who will also be on hand for a book signing, after Rebecca's debut in the NYC store .

We will be updating more information on Rebecca as soon as we learn it.

Kaya, who's Nez Perce name translates as "she who arranges rocks", represents the "first" of the American Girl Historical Dolls, since she lives in the earliest time period - 1764.

Introduced in 2002, Kaya (pronounced KY-yaah) is an adventourous girl who dreams of being a leader for her people.

Kaya is happiest riding her favorite horse Steps High, and playing with her tiny pup Tatlo. She also enjoys sharing stories with Speaking Rain, a blind girl who lives with Kaya's family and is like a sister to her. Kaya was once nicknamed Magpie - after the selfish and untrurtworthy bird - for neglecting her younger twin brothers (Wing Feather and Sparrow) to compete in a race. Now she now follows the example of her hero, the bold warrior woman Swan Circling, so she can become the courageous leader she dreams of being.

The other important members of Kaya's family, that you can meet in her books are:

Toe-ta: Father, the wise village Leader and an expert horseman
Eetsa: Mother, good provider for the family and village
Brown Deer: Older sister, who is of courting age
Pi-lah-ka & Kautsa: Grandparents, Eetsa's parents
Kalutsa & Aalah: Grandparents, Toe-ta's parents

Find great deals on Kaya's collection here

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American Girl's newest Girl of the Year is Chrissa Maxwell.

Chrissa Maxwell's family has just moved to Edgewater Minnesota, in the middle of the school year, to live with her Grandmother. Chrissa has spent many summers here, and has many fond memories of swimming and playing at the beach. But this time is different.

Chrissa knows that since it's the middle of the school year, it might be difficult to make friends since everyone already knows each other. However, on her first day in class at Edgewater Elementary School she finds out that the other girls are quite unfriendly. Since she wants more than anything to find a new friend, she follows her Grandmother's advice and tries to be nice, then ignore the mean girls. Unfortunately, they just don't quit and soon the teasing turns into bullying not only at school, but also at swim practice.

When things appear to be at their worst, Chrissa uses her courage and creativity to stand up to those bullying her, and finds friendship in some unlikely places.

Things you should know about Chrissa:

Favorite Sports - Swimming and diving

Favorite Activities - Arts & Crafts, especially sewing

Pets - Mini Llamas (Cosmos, Checkers & Starburst)

What she wants - To make friends at her new school

What she learns - It takes courage to stand up to bullying

Her new firends - Gwen & Sonali

Your dolls hair is actually a wig so it doesn't have any roots like people do.

You should NEVER wash or condition your doll's hair. The best way to remove tangles is to lightly spray the hair with a little bit of COLD water. Then, using a wire wig brush, such as the American Girl Doll's hair brush, gently comb out the knots, working from the bottom up. Some of the American Girl dolls, like Addy, have textured hair. In this case you should use a hair pick, not the brush.

To give your American Girl Doll a full salon treatment, you can also style your doll's hair, after you've removed all of the knots obviuosly. This is why one of my daughter's favorite accessories is the Salon Chair. She'll sit one of her doll's in the chair, brush out the knots and style her hair. She has lots of fun, and is able to express her creativity. Also the doll will never complain (which is the exact opposite of what happens when she decides to try and style her twin brother's hair!).

If you have a Samantha doll, you can set her hair in rollers while damp, but not wet.

For Kirsten and Molly, braid their hair tightly, also while damp.

Always remember that for all dolls, always let their hair air dry - DO NOT use a blow dryer or heat of any kind.

Very soon your doll will be ready for play looking as beautiful as ever.

Felicity Merriman was born on April 21, 1765 and has grown up to be a spirited girl living in Williamsburg Virginia in 1774; just before the American Revolution.

Felicity likes the outdoors, and her favorite activity is riding horses. She doesn't want to do "what all colonial girls are expected to do, the sitting down kinds of things". She is a spunky and spirited girl who believes the American Colonies should be free. However, Felicity's grand father and her best friend, Elizabeth, feel that the King of England, who lives far away, is the best person to rule the colonies. Felicity's feelings are torn and she must find a way to hold both love and loyalty in her heart. This is a common theme in Felicity's books, loyalty and staying true to ones ideals.

In 2002 Felicity, her outfits, accessories and furniture were removed from the American Girl catalogue and were only made available through the online store. As as results, she was essentially retired as a full member of the American Girl Doll collection until 2004. Due to the strength of the sales of Felicity at the New York American Girl Place store (and some negative feedback) brought her back from the brink of retirement. Some of her previously retired items were reintroduced and her best friend, Elizabeth Cole, was added as part of the Felicity collection.

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