Every year, American Girl selects a new Girl of the Year to celebrate the adventurous spirit of young girls around the world. Countless girls are already going wild for 2016’s American Girl of the Year, Lea Clark (Retails $120). The gorgeous 18-inch doll with long, wavy hair and sincere, hazel eyes is an extremely talented 10 year-old photographer who loves animals. Lea’s passion for animals and the great outdoors is tested when she goes to Brazil for Spring Break! For one year, collectors of American Girl’s Lea doll will find not only the figure, but also more than 30 pieces inspired by her Brazilian adventures including; Lea’s Rainforest House, several tropical-influenced outfits, accessories and toys.
While visiting her older brother Zac, Lea makes a few discoveries through her lens. She first finds herself having to overcome an unexpected fear of water (the ocean). At the same time, Lea encounters unforeseen tension with Zac. Through her lens, she not only captures the Amazon rainforest, but also eyeballs a seriously wounded baby sloth. It’s up to Lea to help the sloth and the rainforest. Thanks to her family and newfound Brazilian friend, Camilla, Lea discovers inner courage and strength to face new challenges. Award-winning Young Adult Author Lisa Yee (Aloha, Kanani and Good Job, Kanani, and Good Luck, Ivy for American Girl) penned the three 2016 American Girl of the Year books; Lea Dives In, Lea Leads the Way, and Lea and Camila.
Meet Lea and join the faraway Brazilian misadventures through a series of inspirational ups and downs. For more escapades, go online and explore Lea’s world for girls through an all-new app, Lea™ Born for Adventure Paid App and Online Play. Here, you can join Lea in Brazil for wild adventures in paradise with this paid app, featuring striking graphics, exclusive press, and endless play. The entertaining app retails for $1.99 and is available for download on americangirl.com/girloftheyear. The elite, Lea-dedicated site includes book excerpts, movie-related press, games and quizzes, wallpaper and e-cards, and much more.
Beginning January 1, American Girl stores are holding Lea’s Debut Event, where girls will get a sneak peek at Lea’s entire product line, as well as, participate in colorful crafts, in-store activities, giveaways, and a fun photo opportunity. During the year, girls have the opportunity to enjoy free and paid Lea-inspired events. For more details on the in-store events, visit americangirl.com/stores.
In an effort to teach young girls about possessing the power to make a difference to help protect animals and their habitats, American Girl established Wild at Art. The year-long fundraising campaign supports the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through benevolence efforts. American Girl wants girls to channel their artistic talents. Then, host art sales from January 1 through the end of the year, where proceeds are donated to WWF. American Girl launched the campaign by making a $50,000 donation to WWF. Customers can also contribute at American Girl retail stores and americangirl.com. To learn more about Wild at Art, parents can visit americangirl.com/wildatart and register for Wild at Art, plus receive animal-themed craft ideas, along with entering into a sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 17 Lea prize packages.
Two Young Adult accompanying paperbacks ($9.99 each), Lea Dives In and Lea Leads the Way, written by Author Lisa Yee are available now. Lea Dives In follows the youngster as she meets her older brother, Zac, in Brazil. In a series of tests and trials, we learn about Lea, the talented 10 year-old photographer. Lea’s passion for animals and adventure lands her in the Amazon rainforest with Zac, her older brother. Lea Leads the Way is the second Lea-inspired YA novel, where she encounters piranhas and anacondas in this exotic adventure. I highly recommend both books for ages 8 and older.
When you purchase one of the three plush animals in Lea’s collection (margay, sea turtle or sloth) from now until the end of the year, American Girl will donate $1 (up to a maximum of $100,000) to WWF. To learn more about Lea and the Girl of the Year™ line, go to americangirl.com. To request an American Girl catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.
