American Girl Doll; Lanie Loves to Read

Our daughter started 1st grade this year.  She has loved school and especially loves exploring new chapter books.

The American Girl book, Kit Learns a Lesson, was her very first chapter book this summer.  She originally saw the Kit Kittredge movie, which we checked out at the library then decided to buy because she loved it so much.  The movie gave her a great introduction to the 30's time period where she learned more about the Great Depression, soup kitchens and taking in house borders. I loved the good example Kit set, with her enthusiasm to write for the newspaper and to help her friends.  The book helped my daughter to notice more details and she enjoyed telling me how it was different from the movie.

This year, the American Girl "Doll of the Year" is Lanie, "an energetic girl who discovers the the world in her own backyard." She loves the outdoors.

Our daughter has seen her friends with their American Girl dolls, watches the movies and has started reading the books.... so of course she started asking for a doll of her own.


It so happens that grandma calls our daughter "Lanie" as a nickname and the doll looks just like her so I really wanted to get her this doll for her 7th birthday this year.  We told her it was a really special doll that you could only get in big cities and that you had to be really responsible to show you can take care of it.  The dolls are pricey, (I've never spent this much on a toy for our daughter before) but when I see how the doll's character helps her get excited about reading, learning new things and setting a good example, I think it is worth every penny.

My husband recently took a business trip to NYC and decided now was the time to get the doll.  He went to the American Girl store by himself, got the doll, then walked around NYC carrying his big red bag. (What a great dad!)  When he got home he gave her the doll and she was estatic.  She immediately had a bond with the doll and wanted to dress up like her. 

"Lanie" can't wait to read the book about Lanie. It is above her reading level so I plan to read it a loud to her.  Here are a few pics of her experience.

Lanie with Lanie

I'm participating in the Book Blogger Hop at Crazy for Books. This is my first time on a Book Blog Hop and the questions this week asked how we promote our blog. I use twitter, facebook, promote on craft linky parties and leave comments on other fun blogs I've read. My blog is new and I'm exploring how to promote in the book blog arena. I'd love your tips.