MIDDLETON, Wis., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today little
girls everywhere will learn what it means to "stand in another
person's wellies" with American Girl's new WellieWishers—a line of
five fun-loving characters—Willa, Kendall, Ashlyn, Emerson, and
Camille—who are out to make the world a kinder, friendlier place.
As a lifelong and trusted partner to parents, American Girl created
WellieWishers to help younger girls, ages 5-7, discover the social
and emotional skills they need to become empathetic, compassionate,
and thoughtfully motivated individuals. Timeless life lessons on
sharing, cooperation, respecting feelings, and making things right
are passed along to girls through each WellieWishers character, who
navigates the ins and outs of friendship through play, songs, and
imagination.
"Recent research shows what moms and American Girl have
championed for years—that helping young children develop social and
emotional skills is one of the most important things we can do to
help them achieve lifelong happiness and success," says
Katy Dickson, president of American
Girl. "The WellieWishers celebrate an amazing time in a young
girl's life when she's learning about herself through the world
around her, and we're proud to partner with parents to help their
daughters make good choices today that will ultimately define the
person and friend she'll become tomorrow."
The beautiful, whimsically illustrated early chapter
books about the WellieWishers' fun and fanciful outdoor
adventures are written with humor and heart by American Girl author
Valerie Tripp. A key advisor in
shaping and creating the WellieWishers' concept, Ms. Tripp loved
using her 40+ years of writing experience for readers
ages 2-10, as well as her academic background (BA in Child
Psychology from Yale; master's in
Education from Harvard) and deep
affection for this age group to bring the energetic, earnest,
imaginative WellieWishers characters and their world to life. The
stories will delight girls and their mothers as they celebrate the
promise and potential of young readers and gently model the life
skills that help build strength of character and confidence.
The WellieWishers' adventures and lessons further unfold in
American Girl's first-ever animated series, airing in fall
2016. Each 11-minute episode follows the fun-filled exploits of the
five smart and lively six-year-olds, who have limitless
imaginations and the same big wish: to be a good friend. When the
WellieWishers step into their colorful rain boots, they are ready
for anything in their aunt's whimsical backyard garden. Young
viewers are entertained through stories, humor, and catchy songs as
the WellieWishers work, dream, and play together—feeding birds,
making mud pies, creating art, and putting on shows—all while
imparting valuable lessons in friendship.
To further engage girls and bring the characters to life,
American Girl is debuting a free WellieWishers app, where
players can explore the interactive garden world through three mini
games—Carrot Care, Mud Pie Maker, and Garden Harmony. Little girls
will delight in the sweet, silly, and unexpected surprises that get
unlocked the more they play. The free app is available through
play.americangirl.com.
Rounding out the play experience is a line of adorable
14½-inch dolls (retail $60) and garden-themed accessories,
including a magical theater stage and a premium wooden playhouse
with over 30 pieces. Young girls can even dress like their favorite
character with a selection of dress-like-your-doll clothing, like
enchanted garden PJs or a pair of peek-a-boo wellies.
The WellieWishers collection is available June 23 through American Girl's catalogue, at
americangirl.com, and at all American Girl retail locations
nationwide. Also on June 23, American
Girl stores are hosting special WellieWishers launch events,
where young girls can get a first look at the full product
collection and the new interactive WellieWishers in-store
experience, plus enjoy colorful crafts and a fun photo opportunity.
Girls can also take part in free and paid WellieWishers-related
events throughout the year. For more details on the in-store
events, visit americangirl.com/stores.
ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
American Girl is a premium brand
for and about girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc.
(NASDAQ:MAT, mattel.com), the worldwide leader in the design,
manufacture, and marketing of toys and family products.
Headquartered in Middleton, WI,
American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, experiences,
and entertainment to empower and unite girls of all ages.
Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty
Baby™, and the classic historical character line BeForever™. The
company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on
americangirl.com, in its experiential retail stores nationwide, and
in specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in
Canada and El Palacio de
Hierro locations in Mexico
City. American Girl's mission is to fuel belonging and
connection among girls, a goal that has already earned the loyalty
of millions and the praise and trust of their parents and
educators.
Twitter: @American_Girl; Instagram: @AmericanGirlBrand;
Facebook: facebook.com/americangirl/
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SOURCE American Girl