In “Through The Door,” a dog describes how her little boy owner has died. In particular, there is a story that is very moving. In 1929, fourteen years after her death, Johnny wrote and illustrated a book in tribute to his daughter called, “ Marcella – A Raggedy Ann Story.” It is similar to his first book, “ Raggedy Ann Stories,” in that it is filled with beautiful illustrations of his daughter along with stories about her and her dolls. The books are variously illustrated by Johnny, his brother Justin (uncredited) and Johnny’s son Worth Gruelle. Johnny went on to write more than forty books about Raggedy Ann and her brother Raggedy Andy. Beautifully illustrated, full of joy and spirituality, it is obvious that Marcella was his inspiration. Three years later Johnny published his first collection of Raggedy Ann stories, based on the ones he used to tell his daughter. According to Johnny’s grandson Kim Gruelle, Johnny “spent as much time as he could by Marcella’s bedside, creating stories based on her childhood toys and dolls in hopes of lifting her spirits.*” Sadly Marcella died “in her father’s arms” on November 8, 1915. In August of 1915, Marcella was given a vaccination at school. In May and June of that same year, Johnny also applied for a patent for the doll and a trademark of the logo, “Raggedy Ann.” In 1915, Johnny – who was a professional illustrator and writer – created a doll based on this one and called her Raggedy Ann. She had black shoe-button eyes, red yarn hair and a face newly painted on by Marcella’s father. Marcella, the daughter of Johnny Gruelle, had an old rag doll from her grandmother. 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.Raggedy Ann was inspired by a father’s love for his daughter. This very special story collection, a tribute to Johnny Gruelle's daughter, Marcella, has been lovingly restored to delight a new generation of readers. 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. Raggedy Ann leads her friends through each exciting adventure with a dose of humor and kindness.

They also make friends with a new doll named Squeakie, and a mischievous puppy, Rags, and get lost at sea on a sailboat. 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. It's summertime, and Marcella packs up her beloved dolls, Raggedy Ann and Andy and all their friends, for a trip to the seashore. 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.

Marcella raggedy ann story 1929