AMERICAN GIRL 'DOUBLES THE FUN' THIS FALL WITH BITTY TWINS™
—New Duo Features Company's First Boy Doll—

Middleton, WI (October 2002)—With a due date of August 15, American Girl is proud to announce the arrival of its newest bundles of joy—Bitty Twins™! The adorable boy and girl duo of 15-inch twin dolls are part of the company's bestselling Bitty Baby® line of high-quality infant dolls, storybooks, and related accessories. Girls ages 3 and up will have twice as much fun caring for the brother and sister pair, both of which feature soft, playable hair and expressive faces. The twins come dressed in cozy velour sleepers and, for added play value, they can wear and use any of the existing Bitty Baby merchandise. And just like the Bitty Baby dolls, Bitty Twins come with their very own board book, The Bitty Twins' Midnight Secret, which brings their adventures to life.

"In addition to providing our customers with the company's first boy doll—something they've requested for many years—Bitty Twins also gives fans a fun new way to engage in Bitty Baby's world," says Michelle DeVaughn, brand director for Bitty Baby. "Their sweet, precious look, coupled with girls' natural fascination with twins, is bound to make these dolls a huge success."

To further the play experience, American Girl will also introduce a double stroller so girls can take their twins anywhere they go, as well as coordinating play and special occasion outfits for play dates and celebrations.

Sold only as a set, Bitty Twins will be available for purchase for $76 on August 15 at American Girl Place® in Chicago, and through American Girl's consumer catalogue and at americangirl.com beginning in September. To request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.

ABOUT PLEASANT COMPANY:
For more than 16 years, American Girl has provided beautifully made products for each stage of a girl's development, from her preschool days of fantasy play through her tween years of self-expression and individuality. Since its introduction in 1995, the Bitty Baby Collection has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of young girls, while teaching the value of loving relationships with family and friends.

In addition to the Bitty Baby Collection, Pleasant Company is nationally known for the following brands: The American Girls Collection®, American Girl Today®, Angelina Ballerina®, and AG Mini*s®. The company also publishes bestselling fiction and nonfiction books, as well as the award-winning magazine American Girl®. To date, more than 82 million American Girl books and 7 million dolls have been sold. Pleasant Company was founded in 1985 by Pleasant T. Rowland and was acquired by Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) in 1998.