Gruelle Johnny. - Raggedy Ann Stories

Raggedy Ann Stories is a classic American childrens 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 Anns adventures while building your confidence in reading English.

Marcella

Boys and Girls (Marcellas friends)

Marcellas Baby Brother

Grandma

Mamma

Daddy

The Dog Catcher

The Young Painter

Jim the Painter

The Other Painters

The Young Painters Mother

Virginia and Doris

John

Tin Soldier

Helen

Jumping Jack

Lisa

Uncle Clement

Annabel-Lee

Thomas

Freddy

Raggedy Ann

Raggedy Anns Sisters

Penny Dolls

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

Marcella liked to visit her Grandmas old house. When she was at her Grandmas 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. Its 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 Marcellas 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 Marcellas house. This book is about Raggedy Anns stories.

Marcellas dolls were always very good and did not move while she was in the room. One day Marcella put her dolls against the wall. She told them to be good little children while she was away. When Marcella left the room, the Tin Soldier smiled at Raggedy Ann.

When the dolls heard the front gate close, they knew that they were alone in the house. Now lets have some fun, said the Tin Soldier. They all stood up. Lets find something to eat.

Yes, lets find something to eat, said all the other dolls.

When Marcella took me to play outside today, we went to a door at the back of the house. I smelled something very good, said Raggedy Ann.

Then you must take us there, said Lisa.

I think it would be a good idea to make Raggedy Ann our leader for this trip, Uncle Clem said.

All the other dolls smiled and shouted, Yes, Raggedy Ann is our leader!

Raggedy Ann felt happy and said she would be their leader.

Follow me, she said and started walking across the room.

The other dolls ran after her. They went through the house until they came to the kitchen door. This is the door, said Raggedy Ann. Now all the other dolls could smell something good. They knew it would be very nice to eat.

But none of the dolls were tall enough to open the door. They pulled. They pushed. But the door stayed closed.

The dolls were talking and pulling and pushing. At times one doll would fall down. Then other dolls would climb on her to open the door. But the door wouldnt open. Finally, Raggedy Ann sat down on the floor.

When the other dolls saw Raggedy Ann sitting with her hands on her head, they knew she was thinking.

Shh, Shh! they said to each other. They sat quietly in front of her.