''Raggedy Ann''s Lucky Pennies'' is written and illustrated by Johnny Gruelle. Gruelle (1880 - 1930), was an American artist and political cartoonist, as well as a children''s book illustrator and author. The books of ''The Raggedy Ann Series'' all feature their central protagonist, with red yarn for hair and a triangle nose - charting her considerable adventures. Gruelle created Raggedy Ann for his daughter, Marcella, when she brought him an old hand-made rag doll. He drew a face on it, and from his bookshelf, pulled a book of poems by James Whitcomb Riley, combining the names of two poems, ''The Raggedy Man'' and ''Little Orphant Annie.'' From this moment on, the much-loved children''s series went from strength to strength. Sought after by collectors, this re-printed edition showcases Gruelle''s original text, further enhanced by his wonderful colour drawings, in order that the two may be fully appreciated by young and old alike.
