Remember when there were only three historical dolls-- Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly? The inside insert and backcover of each book were changed every time a new doll was introduced. Here is how the books evolved from 1986 to 2002:
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
I have not seen a book changed more times than Meet Molly has. I have seen four different versions! The first version was published in 1986, the second published in 1989 (with completely new illustrations), the third version has the same illustrations as the second book, but a new cover with blue binding. The new fourth version has the cover changed yet again. Each character has a different color, symbol, and sillhouette assigned to them; the binding helps you find their books easier when they are all in a bookshelf.
Kaya-light blue
Felicity-dark green
Josefina-red
Kirsten-light brown
Addy-dark brown
Samantha-burgandy
Kit-turquoise green
Molly-blue
Here is an example of the old versus new illustrations:
![]() |
![]() |
| Illustration by C.F. Payne | Illustration by Nick Backes |
Click here to see my Addy Learns a Lesson illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Addy's Surprise illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Happy Birthday, Addy! illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Addy Saves the Day illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Changes for Addy illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Samantha Learns a Lesson illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Samantha's Surprise illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Happy Birthday, Samantha! illustration comparsion page.
Click here to see my Samantha Saves the Day illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Changes for Samantha illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Molly Learns a Lesson illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Molly's Surprise illustration comparison page.
Click here to see my Happy Birthday, Molly! illustration comparison page.
Both Molly Saves the Day and Changes for Molly have not been changed from the original books (illustrated by Nick Backes) so there is no need to list them here.
Click here to go to my page with my signed AG books and to see some AG flyers.
Click here to go to my page with miscellaneous American Girl pamphlets and brochures.
Click
to go back to home page.
All pictures are owned by American Girl. I don't have any affiliation with American Girl.