MIDDLETON, Wis., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than
30 years, girls have met and fallen in love with American Girl
characters—both historical and contemporary—that have helped build
self-confidence, inspire creativity, and give a broader
understanding of the world. Now, in response to thousands of
impassioned requests from fans for more options, American Girl is
introducing a new series of contemporary characters and stories
designed to speak to even more girls' interests, backgrounds, and
experiences. The fresh approach gives voice to a diverse range of
personalities and backgrounds and new ways for girls to connect
with smart, compelling, and aspirational characters that they can
relate to and love. The new 2017 American Girl characters,
including those from today and yesterday, will come to life via
beautiful 18-inch dolls and unique outfits and accessories, as well
as a variety of different content forms that tell their
stories—from books to live-action specials to other digital
platforms like online videos, web series, and apps.
Kicking things off on February 16,
American Girl fans will meet the newest contemporary character,
Tenney Grant™. A
rising star in the Nashville music
scene, Tenney is a breakout songwriter finding the heart to be
herself. Tenney comes to life for girls via a beautiful 18-inch
Tenney™ doll featuring long, curly blond hair and warm
brown eyes, an exclusive outfit that reflects her artistic side,
and a book chronicling her story. The Tenney collection also comes
with several music-inspired outfits and accessories, including a
miniature version of an authentic Taylor® GS
Mini® guitar that can be strummed and plays three songs,
and a two-sided stage and dressing room that features more than 40
pieces, like an amp, microphone, and working spotlights. And
keeping the beat as Tenney's drummer is newcomer Logan Everett, American Girl's first-ever
boy character. Logan's assortment includes an 18-inch doll with
short brown hair, gray eyes, and an original outfit, as well as his
very own rhythmic drum set.
Published by Scholastic and written by award-winning author
Kellen Hertz, the Tenney book
series will inspire girls to share their authentic selves and
find the courage to pursue their dreams. Tenney has a world of
feelings, ideas, and music welling up inside her—all she needs now
is the right stage to share what's in her heart. As her star rises,
Tenney goes from writing songs in her family's backyard, to taking
center-stage at her school Jamboree, to playing her music in a
professional concert. She learns quickly that it takes hard work
and grit to stay on the path to becoming a great performer—but it's
going to take extra determination if she wants to stay true to
herself and her music.
Other Tenney-related initiatives being held throughout the year
include the following:
- Tenney Online and Digital
Play: Girls can visit the Tenney-dedicated site at
americangirl.com/tenneyplay for free book excerpts, videos,
activities, wallpaper and e-cards, and much more.
- Tenney Original Music: American Girl worked with
Nashville's Erika Wollam Nichols, CEO of one of the world's
preeminent listening rooms, The Bluebird Cafe, and renowned artist
manager and music producer Denise
Stiff to find singer-songwriters from around the country to
write Tenney-inspired music. Songs were chosen from nine girls and
are featured throughout the Tenney books, products, and
behind-the-scenes videos on American Girl's YouTube channel.
- Tenney Retail Events: Starting February 16, American Girl stores are hosting
Tenney's Debut Event, where girls will get a first look at her full
product collection, plus enjoy in-store activities, colorful
crafts, giveaways, and a fun photo opportunity. For more details on
the in-store events, visit americangirl.com/retail.
- Radio Disney Music Awards: American Girl and Tenney will
come together for the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards to support the
Heroes for Change Award and Music In Our Schools initiative during
the show. The telecast, "Disney Channel Presents the 2017 Radio
Disney Music Awards," airs Sunday, April
30 (7:00–9 :00 p.m. EDT) on Disney Channel.
The Tenney collection is available on February 16, 2017, through American Girl's
catalogue; at americangirl.com; at all American Girl retail
locations nationwide; and at American Girl specialty boutiques at
select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations
in Mexico City in March. The
Tenney books can also be purchased through retail and online
booksellers.
To learn more about Tenney, Logan, and other new characters
debuting throughout 2017, go to americangirl.com, Facebook
at facebook.com/americangirl, Twitter at
twitter.com/american_girl, Pinterest at
pinterest.com/agofficial, and American Girl's Instagram page
at instagram.com/americangirlbrand. To request an American
Girl catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.
ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
American Girl is a premium brand
for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc.
(NASDAQ:MAT, www.mattel.com), a creations company that
inspires the wonder of childhood. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an
inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a
girl's spirit and help develop her strength of character.
Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty
Baby™, WellieWishers™, and the classic historical character line
BeForever™. The company sells products through its award-winning
catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S.
experiential retail stores, and at select specialty retailers
nationwide. Outside of the U.S., American Girl products are sold in
specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in
Mexico City. By inspiring girls to
be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and
the praise and trust of parents and educators.
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SOURCE American Girl