Illustrated biography of doll maker Annalee Thorndike released

MEREDITH — It’s a once-upon-a-time story of a young girl with a spirited, wildly creative streak who began sewing cloth dolls in her childhood bedroom. She would hand paint their faces and hand dye the felt fabric. Her homespun creations were infused with whimsical smiles, creative poses, and intricate details. Each doll would have its own story to tell. Through grit and determination, Annalee Thorndike would take her hobby and go on to become one of the most-loved and collected doll makers in the world.

Behind the Smile: The Story of Annalee Thorndike is a full-cover, 160-page hardcover coffee table-style book with dust jacket. The book features rare photos of Annalee and her family as well as hundreds of her most memorable dolls. It is a fascinating story of imagination and whimsical smiles made real by an endless supply of perseverance. “Keep going till you find your way. That was Annalee,” Blackey said.

Annalee Thorndike’s life could be described as a picture postcard of 20th century life in America. Today, more than 85 years after she created her first dolls, Annalee dolls are still making people smile and have become a heart-felt tradition shared among the generations. Behind the Smile: The Story of Annalee Thorndike explores that legacy through tales about Annalee’s creative influences, her idyllic youth, her life as the wife of chicken farmer, her design process, and how she made a difference as a woman navigating the male-dominated business world.

Behind the Smile: The Story of Annalee Thorndike is available at the Annalee Gift Shop, 339 Daniel Webster Highway or online at Annalee.com.

For more information, contact Betsey Pelletier at 603-433-6557.