Mattel’s American Girl subsidiary is stepping into a new year by carrying on the tradition of revealing its annual Girl of the Year doll.
American Girl’s 2021 Girl of the Year is Kira Bailey, “a nurturing and inquisitive 10-year-old who cares deeply for animals and the environment.” In a two-book series from author Erin Teagan, kids follow Kira’s adventures as she travels from her home state of Michigan to spend summer abroad at her great-aunts’ Mamie and Lynette’s wildlife sanctuary and vet clinic in Queensland, Australia.
“As American Girl kicks off its 35th year, Kira joins our lineup of diverse and purposeful characters who star in stories that reflect the realities of the times — whether it’s historical or modern-day,” says Jamie Cygielman, general manager of American Girl. “As we all witnessed the bushfires rage in Australia last year and start up again this September, and the devastating wildfires in the western United States, we knew it was important to focus Kira’s story on the major conservation and climate challenges facing our planet today — causes that are extremely important to today’s youth. Through Kira, we hope our fans will learn that we all have a part to play in taking positive action for our planet.”
The 2021 Girl of the Year collection is anchored by the 18-inch Kira doll that features green eyes and blonde hair. The doll comes with a tie-dyed tank top, skirt, and lace-up boots alongside signature accessories, including an outdoor backpack with a koala keychain and a wide-brimmed hat.
The collection includes additional Australian-inspired outfits, plush animals, accessory packs, and playsets.
Additionally, American Girl is partnering with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, Inc (WIRES) to support the organization’s mission to rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife. Now through Dec. 30, 2021, American Girl will match consumer donations dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $25,000.
The Kira collection is available now at americangirl.com and at all American Girl retail locations in the U.S. Canadian residents can find Kira beginning tomorrow in the American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo and Chapters locations.
