Meeting Valerie Tripp
A message from Blake Changnon, founder, president, and CEO of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles:
📚 Childhood Dreams Do Come True! 🌟
I can't believe I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the author who helped create and shape the worlds of many of our favorite American Girl Historical Characters. This past weekend, I had the absolute honor of meeting and having lunch with Valerie Tripp at the American Girl store in Washington, D.C. ✨
Valerie is the brilliant mind behind the stories of Felicity, Elizabeth, Josefina, Samantha, Nellie, Kit, Ruthie, Molly, Emily, and Maryellen, as well as the Hopscotch Hill School and the WellieWishers series! 📖
When I read the American Girl books as a child, I was transported to a world of wonder, where characters leaped off the pages and adventures came alive. Valerie's storytelling (as was Connie's and Janet's) was a gateway to a realm of endless possibilities and taught me invaluable life lessons along the way. ☺️
Meeting Valerie was a surreal experience! She was incredibly warm, kind and genuine. We chatted about all things American Girl, Pleasant Company and her friendships with many other American Girl authors, including Connie Porter and Janet Shaw. But what I really enjoyed was hearing about her beautiful friendship with Pleasant Company and American Girl creator and founder, and best friend, Pleasant Rowland! ❤️
I can't express how grateful I am for this encounter. It's moments like these that remind us of the profound impact literature can have on our lives. Valerie (as well as Connie and Janet), thank you for sharing your gift with the world and for being a beacon of imagination for so many, including myself!