Valerie Tripp is an American author best known for her beloved American Girl historical fiction characters Felicity, Elizabeth, Josefina, Samantha, Nellie, Kit, Ruthie, Emily, and Molly. Tripp also writes poems, songs, stories, skills book pages, and nonfiction essays for educational publishers. She is the author of dozens of phonetically controlled stories at the pre-K, Kindergarten, and first grade levels of The Superkids Reading Program and all of the stories in the second grade readers, The Superkids Hit Second Grade and The Superkids Take Off. In addition, she is a founder and the Editorial Director of Boys Camp a series of realistic fiction books for readers aged 7 to 12, and also the author of the books in the Hopscotch Hill School series, and the Just One More series, published by Children’s Press.

I had the great opportunity to chat with Valerie about the new series she is writing for the American Girl called the WellieWishers. This line is made up of five fun-loving characters-Willa, Kendall, Ashlyn, Emerson, and Camille-who are out to make the world a kinder, friendlier place. As a lifelong and trusted partner to parents, American Girl created WellieWishers to help younger girls, ages 5-7, discover the social and emotional skills they need to become empathetic, compassionate, and thoughtfully motivated individuals. Timeless life lessons on sharing, cooperation, respecting feelings, and making things right are passed along to girls through each WellieWishers character, who navigates the ins and outs of friendship through play, songs, and imagination.

American Girl debuts new WellieWishers line for girls ages 5 to 7.

The beautiful, whimsically illustrated early chapter books about the WellieWishers’ fun and fanciful outdoor adventures are written with humor and heart by American Girl author Valerie Tripp. A key advisor in shaping and creating the WellieWishers‘ concept, Ms. Tripp loved using her 40+ years of writing experience for readers ages 2-10, as well as her academic background (BA in Child Psychology from Yale; master’s in Education from Harvard) and deep affection for this age group to bring the energetic, earnest, imaginative WellieWishers characters and their world to life. The stories will delight girls and their mothers as they celebrate the promise and potential of young readers and gently model the life skills that help build strength of character and confidence.

The WellieWishers‘ adventures and lessons further unfold in American Girl’s first-ever animated series, airing in fall 2016. Each 11-minute episode follows the fun-filled exploits of the five smart and lively six-year-olds, who have limitless imaginations and the same big wish: to be a good friend. When the WellieWishers step into their colorful rain boots, they are ready for anything in their aunt’s whimsical backyard garden. Young viewers are entertained through stories, humor, and catchy songs as the WellieWishers work, dream, and play together-feeding birds, making mud pies, creating art, and putting on shows-all while imparting valuable lessons in friendship.

WellieWishers Dolls and Books Image-HR

To further engage girls and bring the characters to life, American Girl is debuting a free WellieWishers app, where players can explore the interactive garden world through three mini games-Carrot Care, Mud Pie Maker, and Garden Harmony. Little girls will delight in the sweet, silly, and unexpected surprises that get unlocked the more they play. The free app is available through play.americangirl.com.

Rounding out the play experience is a line of adorable 14½-inch dolls (retail $60) and garden-themed accessories, including a magical theater stage and a premium wooden playhouse with over 30 pieces. Young girls can even dress like their favorite character with a selection of dress-like-your-doll clothing, like enchanted garden PJs or a pair of peek-a-boo wellies.

The WellieWishers collection is available through American Girl’s catalogue, at americangirl.com, and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide.

Go to American Girl.com and valerietripp.org to find more info on the books, dolls and Valerie.