The 2022 American Girl of the Year was recently unveiled as Corinne Tan, a Chinese-American who grew up in Aspen, Colorado. Corrine is the big sister to Gwynn (a 14.5" companion doll) and the owner of a new puppy in training to become a search-and-rescue dog. The 2022 Girl of the Year tells her story from the perspective of coming from a blended family, and her message inspires kids to treat one another fairly and with respect.
Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “While filled with outdoor adventure and fun, Corinne’s message is, ultimately, about the power of love—between families, friends, and communities—and the strength and courage that comes from it."
To develop the characters of the sisters, American Girl worked with award-winning author Wendy Wan-Long Shang and with freelance illustrator Peijin Yang to create two books: Corinne and Corinne to the Rescue.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Diverse Representation in Dolls
- Opportunity for companies to create dolls that are representative of diverse cultures and family structures.
- Storytelling Dolls
- Opportunity for companies to create dolls with unique stories that inspire and educate children.
- Companion Dolls
- Opportunity for companies to create smaller companion dolls that expand the play experience with the larger doll.
Where This Applies
- Toy Industry
- Potential for toy companies to create innovative dolls that are representative and inspiring, creating a new niche market.
- Publishing Industry
- Opportunity for publishing companies to create books that complement and expand upon the stories of dolls and characters, creating cross-promotion opportunities.
- Animation Industry
- Potential for animation companies to create content featuring dolls and their unique stories, leading to potential new revenue streams through licensing and merchandising.
