Johnny Gruelle, born in 1880, was an American illustrator and writer best known for creating Raggedy Ann. He came from an artistic family and began his career as a newspaper cartoonist. His unique style soon caught the attention of magazines, where he gained recognition for his illustrations.The idea for Raggedy Ann came from a doll Gruelle's mother made and a story he told his daughter, Marcella. In 1918, Raggedy Ann Stories was published, quickly becoming a hit with children. Gruelle later introduced Raggedy Andy to the beloved series.Though his daughter's early death deeply affected him, Gruelle continued writing and illustrating. Raggedy Ann and Andy remain iconic figures in children's literature, beloved by generations. Gruelle's simple, heartfelt stories and whimsical illustrations created an enduring legacy in American culture.
