Johnny Gruelle

Born John Barton Gruelle on December 24, 1880, Johnny Gruelle was an American artist, political cartoonist, writer, and illustrator. He is most closely associated with Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy, characters that helped make him one of the best-known creators in early 20th-century children's literature.

Along with writing stories, he illustrated his own work and created many other books and characters across his career. His background in both drawing and storytelling gave his books a handmade charm, with pictures and words working closely together.

Gruelle died in January 1938, but his characters remained beloved long after his lifetime. Today he is remembered as a key figure in classic American children's literature, especially for the enduring world of Raggedy Ann.