(NAPSA)-A collection of historical dolls and books may help to foster girls' knowledge of different cultures and events that shaped world history.
     Created for girls 10 to 12, Girls of Many Lands explores the richness, beauty, and unique traditions of the cultures and peoples beyond America's borders. American Girl, known for its 18-inch doll and book collection that teaches American history, developed the new line for older girls whose interests are expanding to encompass the global community and who are facing the challenges of growing up in today's complex world. The first five Girls of Many Lands characters are Isabel (England, 1592), CŽcile (France, 1711), Spring Pearl (China, 1857), Minuk (Yup'ik, Alaska, 1890), and Neela (India, 1939).
     The characters in the Girls of Many Lands collection are brought to life through richly detailed nine-inch dolls created by renowned doll designer Helen Kish, and compelling historical novels written by acclaimed authors such as Laurence Yep and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
     Carefully crafted to ensure historical accuracy and cultural authenticity, the elegant dolls showcase the various customs and material culture featured in the Girls of Many Lands stories. Each fascinating novel reveals a strong and determined 12-year-old heroine facing circumstances and changes that are specific to her culture and time period but will still resonate with girls today.
     "Girls of Many Lands seeks to show girls the beauty and humanity of each culture and its people," says Carol Schmitz, brand director for American Girl. "The stunningly beautiful dolls and dramatic, engaging stories will speak to girls in a profound way. And we hope that by learning about and identifying with a character whose life is very different from their own, girls will grow-both intellectually and emotionally-in understanding, tolerance, and compassion."
     The Girls of Many Lands collection will be available through the American Girl catalogue, on the Web site at americangirl.com, and at American Girl PlaceĻ in Chicago. Prices for the doll and book sets range from $48 to $54. The Girls of Many Lands books also retail separately for $7.95 and will be available at bookstores nationwide. For a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.

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