As parents we are inundated with products for our children. I find it overwhelming sometimes to wade through the products and find ones that I feel good buying for my children. As a mom of a daughter, I often find it even more difficult to find dolls that reflect the values and traits I want my daughter to adopt.
American Girl Dolls are a favorite of mine, I love the stories behind each doll, how each doll has strengths and weaknesses, that they each have a lesson to learn about life and that the dolls are dressed like little girls.
McKenna, the doll of the year for 2012 is no exception. This young gymnast (just in time for the coming Summer Olympics!) is brilliant on the balance beam but out of the gym she finds that not everything comes easy to her. McKenna begins to have trouble in reading at school and begins to work with a tutor. McKenna is forced to look within herself to find the confidence to meet her goals in and out of school. Fans can read about McKenna and her struggles and triumphs in the new series of books by Mary Casanova.You can read an excerpt here. In addition to the stories, American Girl has released Take the Challenge, this companion book offers more than 100 challenges, including, brain building games, timed tasks, crafts, and quizzes.
The McKenna doll is 18" tall and arrives with long caramel hair. She is all suited up in her sporty outfit perfect for a day out with friends or to slip on after practice. This doll is beautifully made, she has a sweet face and pretty blue eyes. McKenna has a great assortment of accessories (sold separately) including a balance beam, parallel bars, a super hip bedroom suite and of course a cast and crutches to go along with the injury she is sidelined with in one of the books.
I was provided with a McKenna doll to check out for you! When we opened the box, my daughter screamed at the top of her lungs "MCKENNA!!", we have been reading the American Girl catalog (yes the actual catalog) for weeks. Like other American Girl Dolls, McKenna is pose able, has a great head of hair (that I am personally very jealous of) ready to be styled and the signature American Girl quality. In true gymnast fashion, McKenna can do splits!
Needless to say, McKenna has been everywhere my little girl has gone. A new best friend indeed!
I am so thrilled to be able to offer a copy of the book McKenna, in which we are introduced to her and a copy of Take the Challenge for one lucky Mac Kid girl! Please leave a comment below telling us what you and your kiddo love about American Girl Dolls to be entered. Winner will be drawn at random on 1/25 and announced in the newsletter. You must be a subscriber of South Charlotte Macaroni Kid to enter
**I was sent a McKenna doll and books for review. All opinions expressed are my own
