RAGGEDY ANN STORIES By Johnny Gruelle R A S AGGEDY NN TORIES Author and Illustrator: Johnny Gruelle Adapted and published by: Office of English Language Programs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs United States Department of State Washington, D.C. 20037 americanenglish.state.gov First Edition: 2011 ISBN (Print with Audio CD) 978–1–624–25037–8 ISBN (PDF) 978–1–624–25039–2 ISBN (ePub) 978–1–624–25040–8 ISBN (mobi) 978–1–624–25042–2 Glossary photographs: ©Shutterstock Raggedy Ann Stories is a classic American children’s book; this version has been abridged and revised for English language learners. Written in 1918, Raggedy Ann Stories provides a snapshot of what life was like during that time period and contains ideas and details that may not reflect lifestyles and beliefs that are common in the United States today. However, this title reflects some American values that have lasted over time, such as self-discipline, adventure, friendship, forgiveness, and caring for others. To this day, the Raggedy Ann doll has remained popular in American culture. This book uses vocabulary at the first 1,000-word level. Words above this level are in bold type and are explained in the Glossary at the back of the book. The Glossary lists words in the order in which they appear in the stories. Some words are illustrated by pictures. Each story is accompanied by pre-reading and post-reading questions. The pre- reading questions are designed to stimulate and prepare the readers for each story. The post-reading questions check comprehension of the main ideas and specific details as well as relate each story to the readers’ experiences and beliefs. We hope you will enjoy reading about Raggedy Ann’s adventures while building your confidence in reading English. Raggedy Ann Character List People: Marcella Boys and Girls (Marcella’s friends) Marcella’s Baby Brother Grandma Mamma Daddy The Dog Catcher The Young Painter Jim the Painter The Other Painters The Young Painter’s Mother Virginia and Doris John Dolls: Tin Soldier Helen Jumping Jack Lisa Uncle Clement Annabel-Lee Thomas Freddy Raggedy Ann Raggedy Ann’s Sisters Penny Dolls Animals and Other Characters: Mamma Bird and Daddy Bird Fido Strange Puppy Dog Old Ironsides Hennypennies Boots, the cat Peterkins A Little Bird The Kittens Fairies Mamma Cat Baby Chicks The Mouse CONTENTS Cover Raggedy Ann Character List 1. Introduction 2. Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson 3. Raggedy Ann and the Washing 4. Raggedy Ann and the Kite 5. Raggedy Ann and the Painter 6. Raggedy Ann Saved Fido 7. Raggedy Ann’s Trip on the River 8. Raggedy Ann and the New Dolls 9. Raggedy Ann and The Cats 10. Raggedy Ann and the Gift 11. Raggedy Ann and the Chickens 12. Raggedy Ann and the Mouse 13. Raggedy Ann’s New Sisters Vocabulary Glossary by Story 1. Introduction Before Reading: 1. In this story, Marcella will find something special. Do you have something you found? What is it? Where did you find it? 2. Where is Marcella in the first picture? What can you see in the room? 3. What do you think Marcella will find in this room? Marcella liked to visit her Grandma’s old house. When she was at her Grandma’s house, she played up in the attic. Marcella found many old toys and things there. One day, Marcella was up in the attic as usual. She was tired because she was playing for a long time, so she sat down to rest. She looked around and saw a box in the back of the room. “What could be in that box over there?” she thought. She stood up and climbed over some old chairs and tables. Finally, she got to the box. She opened it, but it was too dark to see. Marcella brought the box over to the window where she could see better in the sunshine. She found a little white hat and put it on her head. In an old bag, she found some dolls wearing old clothes. And there was a picture of a very pretty little girl with long hair. Then Marcella pulled out an old rag doll with only one button eye, a painted nose, and a smiling mouth. Her dress was made out of soft cloth. It was blue with pretty little flowers all over it. Marcella was so happy. She picked up the rag doll and ran downstairs to show it to her Grandma. “Well! Well! Where did you find her?” Grandma asked. “It’s old Raggedy Ann!” Grandma gave the doll a hug. “I forgot about her. She has been in the attic for fifty years! Well! Well! Dear old Raggedy Ann! She needs her other eye right away!” Marcella watched Grandma sew the button on Raggedy Ann. Grandma told Marcella how she played with Raggedy Ann when she was a little girl. “Now,” Grandma laughed, “Raggedy Ann, you have two new button eyes. Now you can see the changes in the world! And, Raggedy Ann, you have a new friend. I hope you and Marcella will have as much happiness together as you and I did!” Then Grandma gave Raggedy Ann to Marcella. She said, “Marcella, this is my very good friend, Raggedy Ann. Raggedy, this is my grand-daughter, Marcella!” And Grandma helped Raggedy Ann shake Marcella’s hand. “Oh, Grandma! Thank you so much!” Marcella said as she gave Grandma a hug and kiss. “Raggedy Ann and I will have so much fun.” And that was how Raggedy Ann became part of the doll family at Marcella’s house. This book is about Raggedy Ann’s stories. After Reading: 1. Who is Raggedy Ann? What does Raggedy Ann look like? 2. What was Raggedy Ann missing? 3. You are a grandparent. You want to share something from your childhood with your grandchild. What would you give him or her?