The American Girls Collection Books

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:

3 girls 4 girls 5 dolls 6 dolls 7 girls
3 dolls 4 dolls 5 dolls 6 dolls 7 dolls 8 dolls

A few years after Pleasant Company was founded they moved locations. The addresses are different on the copyright pages of the books. The earliest editions (without book numbers on the spine or cover) is 7 North Pinckney Street in Madison, Wisconsin. The later editions are 8400 Fairway Place in Middleton, Wisconsin. Much thanks to Jennifer M. for this discovery!

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 Kaya-light blue

Felicity Felicity-dark green

Josefina Josefina-red

Kirsten Kirsten-light brown

Addy Addy-dark brown

Samantha Samantha-burgandy

Kit Kit-turquoise green

Molly Molly-blue

As far as I know, three of the historical character's books now have new illustrations. These are Addy, Samantha, and Molly. The changes mostly took place in 1998.

Meet Molly: first edition Meet Molly:second edition Meet Molly:third edition Meet Molly: current

This was the very first edition of Meet Molly(1986). This edition is rare because it was only in print for three years.		 Second edition. Notice how the book number was added underneath the title. (1989) 2004 version current version (2005)

Here is an example of the old versus new illustrations:

Molly 1986 Molly 1989
Illustration by C.F. Payne Illustration by Nick Backes

Click here to see my Meet Addy illustration comparison page.

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 Meet Samantha 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 Meet Molly 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 house to go back to home page.

All pictures are owned by American Girl. I don't have any affiliation with American Girl.