Raggedy Ann and Andy by Johnny Gruelle

If toys could move and talk, aren't they being perverse by choosing not to talk when their little owners are around?

That said, what's not to like about Raggedy Ann and Andy, two old, old rag dolls who find new life in Gruelle's daughter Marcella's nursery. Their exemplary conduct and cheerfulness show little children (and their parents) how they should be behaving. And the trials they go through when the children are rough or thoughtless with them teach children how they should be caring for their toys. (In this day and age, however, I'm not sure any modern toys are made to last like Ann and Andy (unless it's Little Tikes), so maybe this isn't such an important lesson anymore. Perhaps there should be an updated version of the Ann and Andy stories telling kids to check the "Made in ??" labels before putting them in their mouths and possibly poisoning themselves with lead.) 

Stories about friendship, virtue, and a rollicking good time dancing all night in the nursery. A good read!