Raggedy Ann and Andy Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website. 

Raggedy Ann and Andy Planting Jigsaw Puzzles Amazon link

Raggedy Ann and Andy Planting Jigsaw Puzzles MasterPieces Puzzles More Ribbon than Random Cut 100 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 8” X 10”
Raggedy Ann and Andy Planting Jigsaw Puzzles MasterPieces Puzzles More Ribbon than Random Cut 100 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 8” X 10”

Raggedy Ann and Andy Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
Raggedy Ann and Andy Planting Jigsaw Puzzles MasterPieces Puzzles More Ribbon than Random Cut 100 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 8” X 10”

Raggedy Ann and Andy Planting Jigsaw Puzzles

MasterPieces Puzzles
More Ribbon than Random Cut
100 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 8” X 10”

My Confident Puzzler Difficulty Rating: For the kid in all of us easy

I know, I know, “really, 100 pieces?” Here’s how I started doing them. I was not searching for them, but I ran across some from New York Puzzle Company. Many of the illustrations were not ones that would appeal to kids. They included art, travel, major cities, vintage era, geography, historic locations, flora and fauna, food and drink, nostalgia and more. So, why not? At the very least, just a simple, relaxing puzzle time. I don’t race through puzzles, and I sort everything. So it’s an hour to let the puzzling process do its thing - clear the mind and offer calm. I was hooked! But wait, there’s more — the pieces are just slightly larger than for higher count puzzles, the finished size is 9” X 7”, a ready made frame size. Again, why not frame them, show off a hobby I love? They come in a small travel size box - I can take my hobby anywhere! Lastly, I discovered how relaxing it was do do one at bed time. Sitting up in bed with a small foam board on my lap - it’s the perfect end to a busy day.

After that discovery, I went shopping for more. Choices that met the above criteria were very limited. It is important to pay attention to the finished size. The ones above are called minis, but some minis have tiny pieces and a tiny completed size. On the other hand, some are truly just for kids, the pieces and completed puzzle are very large. I did find a happy medium from Spinmaster - six small, individual Kellogg’s cereal boxes with somewhat larger pieces and odd finished size (13.25” x 9”). Hey, we still eat them, at least the less sugary ones, why not puzzle them? There’s is a similar 8 pack with different flavors, from White Mountain, with dimensions and piece size the same as the New York Puzzle Company minis. But, beware, the boxing looks like separate boxes, but it is six separate bags in one big box. I suppose there is a nostalgia connection as well. Which brings me to the subject puzzle(s) featured here.

I found this set of four, 100 piece puzzles, at MasterPieces. Not quite as perfect as well, there are 4 unmarked bags of pieces in one sturdy, but larger box. I picked this puzzle at random. No individual titles, so I called it Planting. The other 3 have the two at the Beach, the two Bringing Flowers to someone, and just Ann with the Pets. Size wise, pieces and dimensions fall between the two above. But, it was something near and dear to my heart. When I was a very young child, those life size dolls sat on my room’s twin beds. They stayed there until and after I left for college. When my children were born I brought those dolls home for them. Awwww. So again, why not puzzle them?

Quality: Almost excellent! The only reference illustration is all four puzzles on the box top. They are each quite small (2.75” X 3.5”). I looked at the picture while sorting. I’m sure a 6 year old would prefer a larger image. Otherwise, no puzzle dust, the pieces were sturdy, none were damaged or together uncut, none were missing. And puzzle pick up fun for anyone - pick up off the table tight piece fit!

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. Yes, to repeat, I always sort. I turned all the pieces face up and pulled out the edges, Ann parts, Andy parts, animal parts, the flower pot and flowers, the sky and the greenery.

Construction: I built the frame first and filled it in from the bottom up. Colorful, adorable, relaxing, simply perfect fun!

Some Raggedy Ann and Andy history: Wow! I got totally engrossed researching the 108 year history of the Raggedy Ann Doll, and her brother Andy, who became a doll in 1018. Originally crested in stories written by Johnny Gruelle, a cartoonist and author. It was all fascinating, including truth and myths and legends, but too long to recount here.This is from Raggedy Ann and Andy: History and Legend by Patricia Hall, a noted Raggedy Ann researcher: “Raggedy Ann, and her equally spirited rag brother, Andy are the world's best-known and most adored rag dolls. At the hand of their creator, cartoonist-illustrator-author Johnny Gruelle, the Raggedys weren't ever simply dolls.

They were literary characters as well, possessing attributes and outlooks reflecting trustworthiness, kindness, and spunk. Because Gruelle was a natural born storyteller, it followed that his dolls would star in whimsical, fanciful tales, based on fantasy and make believe.“ I can only suggest googling her and the dolls to learn more.

Final thoughts: Well, I hope I inspired you to consider adding 100 piece puzzles like the ones I profiled here to your collection — they feel familiar to puzzle despite the piece count, they may even appear adult, they might appeal to your interests, a special place, or a special memory, they can fill some empty moments, they deliver calmness and fun! Enjoy

My grades: Quality A-, Fun factor A++

There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading.There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading. Click Here
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