Raggedy Ann and the Wonderful Witch
Johnny Gruelle
📚 Genre
Children's Literature, Fantasy/Adventure
🏢 Publisher
The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc.
📅 Publication Year
1961 (based on this specific cover design for the late mid-century reprint)
🔢 ISBN
Unavailable (pre-dates modern ISBN use or not visible)
About This Book
The story follows the adventures of the iconic dolls Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy as they encounter the Wonderful Witch. Unlike typical wicked witches, this character has magical cooking skills and works for the betterment of those in the Deep, Deep Woods. The cover features hand-drawn typography and a colorful illustration of the dolls with the witch and other magical creatures.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
96 pages
Edition
Hardcover Reprint (Illustrated)
Series
Raggedy Ann Series; written following Johnny Gruelle's death by his son Worth Gruelle (though Johnny's name is prominently displayed for branding).
Target Audience
Children (Ages 4-8)
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. There is significant shelf wear on the edges and corners, scuffing on the laminate cover, and visible fraying on the spine head and tail. Colors remain vibrant.
Estimated Value
$15-$30
Rarity
Common. This specific 1960s Bobbs-Merrill edition was mass-produced and is frequently found in used bookstores and online auctions.
Historical Significance
The Raggedy Ann series played a vital role in early 20th-century American children's literature and merchandising, creating one of the first multi-media children's franchises.
Collector Notes
This is a later reprint, not a 1923 first edition. Collectors should look for internal foxing and check that the binding is tight. Because it lacks a dust jacket (as many editions from this era were issued with pictorial boards), the value is driven primarily by the condition of the exterior laminate.
Similar Books
Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.
Notable Features
Features illustrations by Worth Gruelle; utilizes the classic 'Johnny Gruelle' hand-lettered style for the title and author name.