The Allure of AG Dolls...

[ErinGoBraugh]

I agree with what others have said...it's the way that the books make these characters seem so real. I remember when my mom first read me the books when I was little, I was crushed when I found out these weren't real girls and the stories hadn't really happened. But I felt much better after my mom told me that there probably had been a girl just like Molly, a girl just like Kirsten. Now I think that's part of the magic of these books, that these characters just seem so real. But more than that, I love how even though some of these stories took place hundreds of years ago, the girls seem like they could be any girl living in any time period. Their are aspects of their histories/cultures that make them unique, but, after all...they're all American Girls. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Sakurako]

For me it's the doll's smile. Strictly personal but one of my favorite dolls when I was 8 or 9 was a baby doll based on a Dick Tracy cartoon. There was a family named "Plenty" and this doll represented the baby daughter. She was the only doll I'd ever seen who was laughing with her mouth open and her front teeth showing. My doll disappeared over the years but when I saw that first Pleasant Co. catalog with Sam, Kirsten and Molly smiling at me, my heart skipped a beat! I think that's why I have so much trouble enjoying Kaya's company. I know she can't smile and show her teeth because it's impolite in her culture, but I just don't love her as much as I love all the others.

The books are fun but since my girls tell me their own stories, the historical stories are a secondary attraction for me. I just love that friendly, happy smile and their beautiful hair.

[Sakurako]

The doll I'm thinking of was Bonnie Braids. Just searched for her on ebay and found a Mint 1952! Dern, wish I hadn't looked!

[ckropp]

I think part of it is the fact that they look like little girls and dress like little girls. They are eight year olds being eight year olds. They are not in a hurry to be 15 or 16. I want my daughter to be like that and not in a hurry to growup and miss the fun of being 8,9,10. You can never get years back. I do love the stories.

[jrtmom3274]

Excellent point, Cathy!!!

[Sakurako]

ditto! Eight years old is a great age.

[gritsmommyof5]

Caroline loves the stories. I also see the "mommy" come out of her as she loves and cares for Kirsten.

[QNPoohBear]

dolls, books, history what more do you need? I think the appeal is that we can act out out fantasies using the dolls. When I was little I dreamed of being Laura Ingalls. When I got Kirsten, I really COULD be Laura Ingalls when I played with Kirsten. I love all the little accessories that make the stories come to life. I never get tired of reading the books and read them all every few months!

I think also, it is the appeal of having a friend who is non-judgemental and will stay the same no matter what happens in your life. I know my Kirsten and I have a very special bond because we grew up together. [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]

[josephhswife]

I think it's a bonding thing. We bond with the historicals through their stories. DD bonds with her girls by wearing matching clothes. I have tried to understand the fascination with matching clothes in the past few weeks and I'm convinced it's a bonding thing. Mother-daughter dresses fill the same need. It's like a proof that we belong together.