As the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, Johnny Gruelle contributed two unique figures to the history of children's literature who have made names for themselves throughout the world. More than ten million copies of Raggedy Ann and Andy books have been sold up to the present. In addition, the Raggedy Ann and Andy adventures have been adapted for comic strips, movie screen, and television, and, as stuffed dolls, they are household figures in a large percentage of American homes. Ironically, the success of his fictional characters and their immortality have brought him little fame. Johnny Gruelle's name as author and illustrator of the books about these famous dolls is scarcely known, and he has been neglected by scholars and critics, who apparently refuse to take notice of him in the annals of children's literature.

Born in Arcalo, Illinois, John Barton Gruelle was raised largely in Indianapolis, and...