More about Johnny Gruelle

In the United States young readers loved Johnny Gruelle's books since turn of the century (1900). His funny stories, and his wonderful illustrations became classics very early. 'Wooden Willie', 'Raggedy Ann' are well known members of children's world of phantasy. Grownups read Gruelle's comic-like, fantastic picture stories in newspapers and magazines. 'Raggedy Ann', 'Wooden Willie', the lively wooden boy, and all the other characters of Gruelle's books were very popular as dolls in the early 1930. His books and figures are in great demand on behalf of collectors.

His magical stories of children, animals, lively wooden figures, hat bearing bears, elephants on tour etc. are simple in an absolutely positive sense!
But outside the American and English language regions Johnny Gruelle is almost unknown. Quite astonishing: no translations into German! Johnny Gruelle and all his stories never jumped across the Atlantic Ocean to Central Europe! There was only one exception: 'Raggedy Ann' was published as 'Stoffmariechen' and reached German nurseries. So German speaking children had never heard or read about 'Wooden Willie', the adventures of 'Eddie Elephant' or all the other stars in Johnny Gruelle's story heaven.