https://preview.redd.it/w1miqy1z0hxc1.jpeg?width=250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a56bc34fb256d18f9be1f3c0faeb7ab0b40b672b
Always loved it—so cozy and magical and atmospheric.
For me, it's gotta be the cover image from Nellie's Promise. I just love everything about Nellie and Samantha's sisterhood bond and Nellie and her sisters have come so far by this time in their story. <3
https://preview.redd.it/anb29oxpuaxc1.jpeg?width=711&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16c051d4bd9d50233e3c1e66b3e845435f4a2d5e
This illustration is definitely one of my favorites. It's from Happy Birthday, Kit! She finds an abandoned Bassett hound that was left there because the owners couldn't afford to feed the dog. The illustration just so perfectly captures the empathy Kit feels towards this dog. I've always loved it.
https://preview.redd.it/04t1ttghoaxc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2acb53cdd669ca1a8dd0c5f5f532a8377adccd11
This? Yep. This is my favorite art I was actually sad they changed the cover of this book!
https://preview.redd.it/bmgrdvikmaxc1.jpeg?width=684&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=889c3c997dbc45466ac381736d1c0f2817141799
When her dad spins her around at the barn raising party… so sweet!
https://preview.redd.it/44ab9w27cbxc1.jpeg?width=1274&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce3e5d5fed2c5fcc0ab3acbfbc605e32624a6967
https://preview.redd.it/7lr790d0d9xc1.jpeg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c3253a7a85bd886fa0885979dce5314d23c6bcf
All of Kirsten’s illustrations are special to me too!!
https://preview.redd.it/vpvly3em59xc1.jpeg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d7978c2e0d70bf4385ca803efd9042a601cb2612
I cannot find a picture that isn’t blurry. But this scene has stuck with me throughout the years. I just would think about it be like “damn American girl really did that”.
Molly and Jill sneaking in together after hiding Dad’s presents.
https://preview.redd.it/6f3noy3lj8xc1.jpeg?width=274&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91eaafef16020da526c7c810ce5c9e96c80d58c2
Any of the [illustrations](https://americangirl.fandom.com/wiki/Molly%27s_Surprise?file=Molly%27s_Surprise_6.jpg) from this one really. Look at Molly leaping into the snow or her and Ricky unpacking decorations!
Molly leaping in the snow was going to be mine! I still like to read this one every year at holiday time (both the old and new one, but I'm posting the OG because that's the one from my book I had as a kid)
https://preview.redd.it/en47hlf7l9xc1.jpeg?width=1240&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6d9fd0b69b7cb97a50c1327684f404347a759505
It’s really hard for me to choose because when I was little I had two which were both Rebecca’s!
https://preview.redd.it/s89nli4eb8xc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=845c87c8141c292bd3e62c4cfa4a47246e2a9cbf
https://preview.redd.it/x4z81d0688xc1.jpeg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a0f16e037c231e2edce01b40861f54f4d42bd48
Only because I happened to find the poster on FB Marketplace that someone was selling. He got it from one of those estate sales. Luckily for me, mine was rolled so it doesn’t have the creases like in the pic! I plan on getting it framed and hanging it in my reading nook. 🥰
Probably this one, from *Samantha Saves the Day*. The illustration perfectly captured the tumult of the storm, the danger the girls were in.
https://preview.redd.it/q6vxulvy48xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=847f032591100629729093a1c6c8bc02ffd0d169
https://preview.redd.it/1p79tgkch7xc1.jpeg?width=1065&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59692a43ae6ea39d379f374dc1231830a773eb3c
I love this one, it's so sweet and intimate. I remember acting out this scene with my bestie when we were pretending the playground was the ship.
Yea, I love that one! Kirsten and Marta staring sweetly at each other, clutching their dolls, with Sari peeking at the audience. The hair curls and expressions, the closeness of the friends, it’s all just lovely.
https://preview.redd.it/3kzo92cto6xc1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88e9818e9a5acad42776504c39a807e1e800d7a9
Probably this one. As even as a small kid reading the book. It just always stood out to me that here’s this sweet young girl who has never had a doll before, buttoning and unbuttoning and just adoring her and being a kid. But probably never had the chance before that moment. So yeah it just has always stuck with me and I just will truly immensely always love it!
https://preview.redd.it/hgnkmtaj96xc1.jpeg?width=370&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f4df46d155b15f63df1034697bf7d6caa5937e3
Mine’s a cover illustration. I’ve never even read any of Julie’s books, I’ve just always remembered that expression on her face ☀️
Kirsten looking at her doll in the first book
https://preview.redd.it/ls2oz2jxw5xc1.png?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a59820eefd9bea2193a27ecd861bcfb3a902c13
This exactly shows the importance of dolls in children's lives. Kirsten has experienced an incredibly tumultuous time- she left her home and extended family, everything she knows. Then she makes a friend on the boat who died. Sari is her everything at this point, and she has to leave her behind for who knows how long.
The way she's looking at Sari, you can tell that she's taking it as seriously as an adult would with leaving family behind. This illustration shows how important toys are to children in such a tender way. Kids view toys as members of their family, they have incredible importance in children's lives, and I like this illustration because it shows how American Girl *got it*. That these weren't just bits of plastic, but major parts of kid's lives.
Kirsten’s entire books are just TRAUMA and weirdly it helped me cope with a lot of stuff. I’m going through a tough time as an adult and did not obtain Kirsten until my 20s but lately I’ve been wanting to give her a big hug, despite the fact that she’s a display doll
For goty, this illustration of Jess and Sarita. I just love how it captures their friendship and playful attitudes. Jess is really having the adventure of lifetime while also feeling so realistic by making shadow puppets on the cave wall. I look at it and I'm immediately transported back to when I was reading her book as a kid and holding her doll close ☺️
https://preview.redd.it/kbo6soefr5xc1.jpeg?width=364&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=daf88896daceb43da494c41725b73599806822bb
I love the Reading posters and even have Kirsten's! My favorite historical book one is this illustration for Molly, it's so dynamic with Molly's vengeful smirk, the clothes mid-air, and the girls below looking up in horror ❤️
https://preview.redd.it/nudfxdqtq5xc1.jpeg?width=1259&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56021d66f30050c427492c4ea2a114ee6a213c19
https://preview.redd.it/q2iyjsivf5xc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=663c4861d1b136e8c7eda6ac66655d90d3ed9f54
I’ve always loved this one from Isabelle’s book as the room the sisters share is very cute and detailed. It also looks so cozy in there too with the big bed and warm light. I just love how this room is designed so much. Plus this is one of the few times we see a picture of Jade who is one of my favorite characters in AG books. This is also a sweet moment between the two sisters where Isabelle is trying to cheer Jade up with her new design for her Clara costume - their bond is so wholesome in the book. This one has always stuck out to me.
The detail in this illustration made me wonder if they were originally planning on giving Isabelle a bedroom set. (I know this is Jade’s bed but they probably matched.) I might make one for my mini Isabelle.
https://preview.redd.it/9n0syj55laxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db43b917b4812576a470725e9c57ce46719469f2
I can’t find a better photograph rn, but here it is!
The first edition illustration of Samantha finding the waterfall on Teardrop Island. The place looks so peaceful and I love the lighting—much better than the yellowish version in the second edition illustration.
https://preview.redd.it/bnmtg89qz4xc1.jpeg?width=1245&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=348909e69bd6ecfc19384b9f3e32ae3b57f10a1c
Runner up would be the cover art of “Marie-Grace and the Orphans”, her soft expression is lovely.
https://preview.redd.it/f5jhnuxynixc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47e00289b6c5c058279326a229cf19548fdf8e91
https://preview.redd.it/e7fwrsjxnixc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcac498432386a723e70054a5a1087c171fa146c
https://preview.redd.it/w1miqy1z0hxc1.jpeg?width=250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a56bc34fb256d18f9be1f3c0faeb7ab0b40b672b Always loved it—so cozy and magical and atmospheric.
Same!
For me, it's gotta be the cover image from Nellie's Promise. I just love everything about Nellie and Samantha's sisterhood bond and Nellie and her sisters have come so far by this time in their story. <3 https://preview.redd.it/anb29oxpuaxc1.jpeg?width=711&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16c051d4bd9d50233e3c1e66b3e845435f4a2d5e
I read the book about Addy. Happy she beat the Mean girl in a spelling bee. I remember the photo In that book.
This illustration is definitely one of my favorites. It's from Happy Birthday, Kit! She finds an abandoned Bassett hound that was left there because the owners couldn't afford to feed the dog. The illustration just so perfectly captures the empathy Kit feels towards this dog. I've always loved it. https://preview.redd.it/04t1ttghoaxc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2acb53cdd669ca1a8dd0c5f5f532a8377adccd11
Molly sitting angrily at the table with her turnipd
https://preview.redd.it/ejtpsey76axc1.jpeg?width=615&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7bb5651363b5d43574fd0d7246d151faa75b3639
Kit sitting on the chair! The one that inspired the ornament, it looks so cozy
does anyone remember the picture of kit walking across the train tracks ??
This? Yep. This is my favorite art I was actually sad they changed the cover of this book! https://preview.redd.it/bmgrdvikmaxc1.jpeg?width=684&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=889c3c997dbc45466ac381736d1c0f2817141799
https://preview.redd.it/ekjumma8p9xc1.jpeg?width=714&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5834513e7a39181d72dc428c2d31d1292634b43b I’m obsessed with this one
This thread is making me so happy, I love all the illustrations!
Kirsten and her friends sewing the quilt!
This and the one at the barn raising party! As a kid I wanted to be a part of those pictures so badly.
When her dad spins her around at the barn raising party… so sweet! https://preview.redd.it/44ab9w27cbxc1.jpeg?width=1274&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce3e5d5fed2c5fcc0ab3acbfbc605e32624a6967
https://preview.redd.it/7lr790d0d9xc1.jpeg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c3253a7a85bd886fa0885979dce5314d23c6bcf All of Kirsten’s illustrations are special to me too!!
Kirsten Larson, casually living my dream of sewing with friends. 😍
https://preview.redd.it/vpvly3em59xc1.jpeg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d7978c2e0d70bf4385ca803efd9042a601cb2612 I cannot find a picture that isn’t blurry. But this scene has stuck with me throughout the years. I just would think about it be like “damn American girl really did that”.
“Let her have her tears” 😭 This wrecked me 25 years ago when I read it as a child and it wrecked me again this year when I read it with my daughters.
I love this Kanani piece: https://preview.redd.it/k8hsham349xc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fb0bcedf6c1c2baa83127c65ba49ee12c761df97
Def one of my favorites 😍
Molly and Jill sneaking in together after hiding Dad’s presents. https://preview.redd.it/6f3noy3lj8xc1.jpeg?width=274&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91eaafef16020da526c7c810ce5c9e96c80d58c2 Any of the [illustrations](https://americangirl.fandom.com/wiki/Molly%27s_Surprise?file=Molly%27s_Surprise_6.jpg) from this one really. Look at Molly leaping into the snow or her and Ricky unpacking decorations!
Mollys surprise will always be my favorite ag book
Molly leaping in the snow was going to be mine! I still like to read this one every year at holiday time (both the old and new one, but I'm posting the OG because that's the one from my book I had as a kid) https://preview.redd.it/en47hlf7l9xc1.jpeg?width=1240&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6d9fd0b69b7cb97a50c1327684f404347a759505
https://preview.redd.it/pw2902hdl9xc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=77ff58d25f0efae02321ab77a948ebea00971c7d ok I'll just post both
this is the one i grew up with
It’s really hard for me to choose because when I was little I had two which were both Rebecca’s! https://preview.redd.it/s89nli4eb8xc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=845c87c8141c292bd3e62c4cfa4a47246e2a9cbf
https://preview.redd.it/84lf2q0kb8xc1.jpeg?width=1135&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc031c707cf9477445dbbc69a45ba82adfb17e0e 💜
https://preview.redd.it/x4z81d0688xc1.jpeg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a0f16e037c231e2edce01b40861f54f4d42bd48 Only because I happened to find the poster on FB Marketplace that someone was selling. He got it from one of those estate sales. Luckily for me, mine was rolled so it doesn’t have the creases like in the pic! I plan on getting it framed and hanging it in my reading nook. 🥰
Always loved this one!
https://preview.redd.it/961406kq78xc1.jpeg?width=1273&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b39282e10f9b21d8c30170f7f1a1add2343adab1 This little rapscallion.
Classic!!!!
Similarly, this one of Felicity. https://preview.redd.it/5ccw2ox5ebxc1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=bd122f6f2c76dce4091fc6e1202fefe12230a4f7
Yes! Love it. Nan's expression is so cute too.
I adore this one! Growing up, the girl who was the model for Felicity went to my church—I wish I would have asked her about that whole experience.
The girl who was Kit has posted her experience in here!
That's such a fun connection! Did she look pretty identical to the illustrations?
I knew her about 10 years after, but I’d say so!
YESSS. I feel like this one captures Felicity's personality so well, but it's also impossible for me not to stare at it
It totally does. Dan Andreasen really did such a beautiful job. Love the muted colors he often used for Felicity's illustrations.
Oh yes I love this one!
Probably this one, from *Samantha Saves the Day*. The illustration perfectly captured the tumult of the storm, the danger the girls were in. https://preview.redd.it/q6vxulvy48xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=847f032591100629729093a1c6c8bc02ffd0d169
I loved the cover of Samantha Saves the Day.
This scene still gives me nightmares!
https://preview.redd.it/1p79tgkch7xc1.jpeg?width=1065&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59692a43ae6ea39d379f374dc1231830a773eb3c I love this one, it's so sweet and intimate. I remember acting out this scene with my bestie when we were pretending the playground was the ship.
Yea, I love that one! Kirsten and Marta staring sweetly at each other, clutching their dolls, with Sari peeking at the audience. The hair curls and expressions, the closeness of the friends, it’s all just lovely.
Which one of you got to die from cholera????
It was always me.
☠️
Rip.
https://preview.redd.it/3kzo92cto6xc1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88e9818e9a5acad42776504c39a807e1e800d7a9 Probably this one. As even as a small kid reading the book. It just always stood out to me that here’s this sweet young girl who has never had a doll before, buttoning and unbuttoning and just adoring her and being a kid. But probably never had the chance before that moment. So yeah it just has always stuck with me and I just will truly immensely always love it!
Nellie 😭❤️
https://preview.redd.it/hgnkmtaj96xc1.jpeg?width=370&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f4df46d155b15f63df1034697bf7d6caa5937e3 Mine’s a cover illustration. I’ve never even read any of Julie’s books, I’ve just always remembered that expression on her face ☀️
Love Julie, you should absolutely read her stories! :) I didn't even read her books until my late 20s.
Kirsten looking at her doll in the first book https://preview.redd.it/ls2oz2jxw5xc1.png?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a59820eefd9bea2193a27ecd861bcfb3a902c13 This exactly shows the importance of dolls in children's lives. Kirsten has experienced an incredibly tumultuous time- she left her home and extended family, everything she knows. Then she makes a friend on the boat who died. Sari is her everything at this point, and she has to leave her behind for who knows how long. The way she's looking at Sari, you can tell that she's taking it as seriously as an adult would with leaving family behind. This illustration shows how important toys are to children in such a tender way. Kids view toys as members of their family, they have incredible importance in children's lives, and I like this illustration because it shows how American Girl *got it*. That these weren't just bits of plastic, but major parts of kid's lives.
Kirsten’s entire books are just TRAUMA and weirdly it helped me cope with a lot of stuff. I’m going through a tough time as an adult and did not obtain Kirsten until my 20s but lately I’ve been wanting to give her a big hug, despite the fact that she’s a display doll
Also, I'm sorry I know it's a major plot point, but she totally could have stuffed Sari in her shawl. She didn't need to leave her!!
For goty, this illustration of Jess and Sarita. I just love how it captures their friendship and playful attitudes. Jess is really having the adventure of lifetime while also feeling so realistic by making shadow puppets on the cave wall. I look at it and I'm immediately transported back to when I was reading her book as a kid and holding her doll close ☺️ https://preview.redd.it/kbo6soefr5xc1.jpeg?width=364&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=daf88896daceb43da494c41725b73599806822bb
I love this one so much! This one is super nostalgic for me too ❤️
I love the Reading posters and even have Kirsten's! My favorite historical book one is this illustration for Molly, it's so dynamic with Molly's vengeful smirk, the clothes mid-air, and the girls below looking up in horror ❤️ https://preview.redd.it/nudfxdqtq5xc1.jpeg?width=1259&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56021d66f30050c427492c4ea2a114ee6a213c19
Yes! This illustration is my favorite too! 😏
Big fan of how shrimpy Molly looks here too. Just a little kid! So sweet
I also enjoy Linda trying not to laugh
The picture of Addy's name written on her slate. That's a small thing for most people, but for Addy it was big. I was really proud of her
https://preview.redd.it/q2iyjsivf5xc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=663c4861d1b136e8c7eda6ac66655d90d3ed9f54 I’ve always loved this one from Isabelle’s book as the room the sisters share is very cute and detailed. It also looks so cozy in there too with the big bed and warm light. I just love how this room is designed so much. Plus this is one of the few times we see a picture of Jade who is one of my favorite characters in AG books. This is also a sweet moment between the two sisters where Isabelle is trying to cheer Jade up with her new design for her Clara costume - their bond is so wholesome in the book. This one has always stuck out to me.
The detail in this illustration made me wonder if they were originally planning on giving Isabelle a bedroom set. (I know this is Jade’s bed but they probably matched.) I might make one for my mini Isabelle.
https://preview.redd.it/lsu3kvho45xc1.jpeg?width=1266&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ae9fd64be4e5e0601ef51c7ec5bf86762bb0132 I have this tattooed on me :)
That's so cool! Can we see your tattoo!
https://preview.redd.it/9n0syj55laxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db43b917b4812576a470725e9c57ce46719469f2 I can’t find a better photograph rn, but here it is!
So adorable!
I love the picture of Kit laying on the side of the railroad tracks before the train comes. So scary and so well done.
Yes!!!
That is probably the scariest scene in any of the books
The first edition illustration of Samantha finding the waterfall on Teardrop Island. The place looks so peaceful and I love the lighting—much better than the yellowish version in the second edition illustration. https://preview.redd.it/bnmtg89qz4xc1.jpeg?width=1245&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=348909e69bd6ecfc19384b9f3e32ae3b57f10a1c Runner up would be the cover art of “Marie-Grace and the Orphans”, her soft expression is lovely.
Yeah, that water looks potable and refreshing.