an American Girl author

Yesterday our local library hosted a wonderful event with Valerie Tripp, who is the author of many of the American Girl Doll book series' (Felicity, Josefina, Samantha, Kit and Molly). If you are unfamiliar with American Girl, you must not have a girl in your life between the ages of 5 and 12, have a girl who has been those ages in the past 25 years, or have been that girl yourself. American Girl is an icon in the toy world and has been...since I got my Kirsten doll 20-some years ago, right up to today, when my daughter  (and her Molly doll) and I got to meet the author of so many books we have read.

Ms. Valerie Tripp, my girlie, and her doll Molly

Ms. Tripp was the honored guest and speaker at an American Girl Tea Party at the library today, and she was so friendly, approachable, and genuinely interested in all the girls that attended, it was easy to see that she was an American Girl herself, in her heart. She spoke to the girls (and their equally interested mamas) about inspiration, and observing the world around them, and the value of good hard work. And she took the time for photographs with every girl, and autographed books for those who brought them. We were even able to get my mother's Meet Felicity book signed as well (for she's an American Girl fan, too!). What a wonderful time we had, and what a wonderful experience for my girlie to learn so much about following her dreams and working hard for what she wants.

All the girls attending, holding up their American Girl dolls

Many thanks to our wonderful local library for organizing this great event! It was truly a delight.