AMERICAN GIRL UNCOVERS THE SECRET TO MYSTERY FUN

New American Girls Collection Products Designed for Mystery Lovers

Middleton, WI – February 9, 2005 – It doesn’t take a super sleuth to know that girls love mysteries. To give girls 8 and up a healthy dose of intrigue and fun, American Girl is introducing a selection of mystery-themed books, party kits, and clothing to The American Girls Collection® this March.

Books
The four exciting new suspense novels featuring Kit® (1934), Molly® (1944), Kaya® (1764), and Samantha™ (1904) are written for older readers, with longer, more challenging storylines. Danger at the Zoo, A Spy on the Home Front, The Silent Stranger, and The Curse of Ravenscourt allow girls to further explore the worlds of their favorite historical characters. As with the American Girls series books, the new novels conclude with a full-color “Peek Into the Past” non-fiction essay that gives readers insight into the real-life history behind the mystery.

Party Kits
To further the fun, American Girl will also introduce a brand-new line of American Girl Mystery Party kits in March, complete with all the supplies needed to host a super “whodunit” party for eight girls and their dolls. The three kits, featuring American Girls characters Kit, Molly, and Samantha, contain party invitations and envelopes, character cards, scripts, props and clues, and a detailed instructions booklet for the host. Additional party supplies include table decorations, tableware and party favors for eight, and a special memory book to commemorate the event.

Clothes and Accessories
Other new mystery-themed products available in March include the American Girl Mystery Puzzles, an American Girl Mystery Tee and Sweatshirt, and an American Girl Travel Kit.

The new American Girls mysteries and sidelines will be available this March at American Girl Place® Chicago and New York, at americangirl.com, and through American Girl’s consumer catalogue. To request a free consumer catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.

ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
Since it’s inception in 1986, The American Girls Collection—American Girl’s flagship product line—has brought history alive for millions of children ages 7 to 12. Artfully weaving together education and entertainment, the American Girls books, dolls, and accessories have shown girls how growing up has changed in some ways and stayed the same in others throughout American history.

American Girl, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com), was acquired by the world’s leading toy company in 1998. For nearly 20 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. Deeply committed to its mission to celebrate girls, the American Girl brand has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators. To date, American Girl has sold more than 10 million dolls and 100 million books.