Independence Day! 2013

It’s Independence Day!  Are you feeling Patriotic?

Thinking about our country’s history always brings me back to its beginnings, to the time of the revolutionary war.  When I was a little girl, my first introduction to historical novels came by way of Kirsten and Felicity from Pleasant Company’s American Girl dolls & books.  Now, over 20 years later from when I read my first books with my cute dolls almost qualifying as “vintage,” I readily admit that I still enjoy their stories, and am enamored with the illustrations.  It’s very refreshing to read a children’s book every once in a while. Even if you don’t have the excuse of reading it to kids, I promise, it’s still fun.  The great thing is, when you’re an adult, you can read a whole kid’s book in one sitting!

Having been introduced to historical fiction when I was too young to hardly recognize it as a genre, inspired and taught me about our countries history while I didn’t even know I was learning anything.   I learned about period clothing, events in world history, and friendship.  Felicity’s books are great for giving you a picture of the times at the start of the Revolution.  With a best friend whose parents are loyalists she learns how to stick to her own beliefs while respecting others, which is a lesson that we adults should also take to heart.

America is such a diverse county; more and more it’s filling up with people who not only have very different opinions, but also morals.  We should not take our freedom for granted.  Independence Day is a day to celebrate, to be thankful for those who made our freedom possible, to love each other, and continue trusting in God. 

The wonderful illustrator for the Felicity books is Dan Andreasen, you can view more samples of his work here:  http://www.shannonassociates.com/artist/danandreasen#url=5184  His American Girl illustrations have been inspiring me for years!

Here's my Felicity inspired sketch!

And while on the topic of art, I came across this cute piece of fanart showing all the American Girls drawn anime style!

American Girl by *SOLAR-CiTRUS on deviantART

And I adore this one; the flag in the back is great!


American Girls: 1774-1944 by =Acaciathorn on deviantART