Kaya. 1764
Meet Felicity Merriman!
Felicity is a spunky, spritely girl growing up in colonial Virginia who would rather ride horses than practice her stitchery. As talk of revolution rumbles around her, she learns to find courage and stand firm in her beliefs.
Mrs. Martha Merriman
Felicity’s mother, Martha, takes pride in her work as a homemaker. She gently guides Felicity to the generous view that caring for family has value, even in doing chores that are unseen.
Mr. Edward Merriman
Felicity’s father owns a popular general store in Williamsburg. As a Patriot, he takes a stand against unfair British taxes by refusing to sell tea in his shop—a bold and rebellious move.
Nan
Felicity’s sweet and sensible younger sister Nan is six years old and wants to be a proper lady. She’s fond of fancy gowns and is a careful seamstress.
William
Felicity’s younger brother William is almost three years old. He loves mischief and mud puddles.
Polly
Felicity’s newest sister Polly is a rosy baby with sky-blue eyes and hair as orange as carrots. She was born during the winter of 1775.
Grandfather
On Felicity’s tenth birthday, Grandfather adds a stubborn weed from her garden to a vase of flowers, letting Felicity know he sees her determination and strength.
Benjamin Davidson
Felicity’s friend Ben is a quiet apprentice living with the Merrimans while learning to work in Father’s store. Ben supports the Patriot cause, and tries to run away to join their army.
Marcus
Marcus, an enslaved person, works for Mr. Merriman both at the general store and at home.
Rose
Rose, an enslaved person, works as the cook and maidservant at the Merrimans’ house.
Isaac Wallace
Isaac is a free Black man and a drummer in the colonists’ militia. Although he works for pay, he does not have the same rights as white colonists.
Miss Manderly
A gracious gentlewoman who teaches the girls everything they need to know to take their place in polite society. Lessons include dancing, penmanship, stitchery, and the proper way to serve tea.
Elizabeth Cole
Originally from England, Felicity’s best friend Elizabeth is new to the colonies. She loves horses and is independent-minded. Although her family are Loyalists to the king, she and Felicity remain faithful friends.
Annabelle Cole
Elizabeth’s snobby older sister Annabelle takes lessons at Miss Manderly’s with the younger girls.
Penny
Penny is the spirited horse Felicity loves. She has a shiny reddish-gold coat as bright as a new copper penny.
Jiggy Nye
A tanner and cold-hearted scoundrel who mistreats his horse, Penny.
Felicity Merriman™ 18-inch Doll, Book & Accessories
Felicity’s dress is reproduced from a 1770s print, with pink and plum roses strung on ribbons of cornflower blue.
Shop Felicity Merriman™ 18-inch Doll,
Book & Accessories
Author Valerie Tripp
Valerie Tripp says that she became a writer because of the kind of person she is. She says she’s curious, and writing requires you to be interested in everything. Ms. Tripp says talking is her favorite sport, and writing is a way of talking on paper! She’s a daydreamer, which helps her come up with her ideas. And she loves words. She even loves the struggle to come up with just the right words as she writes and rewrites. Ms. Tripp lives in Maryland with her husband.
Illustrator Dan Andreasen
Dan Andreasen remembers that he always wanted to be an artist. As a child, he copied drawings by Leonardo da Vinci from art books that he checked out of the library. He has since gone on to illustrate many well-loved books for children. Mr. Andreasen lives in Ohio with his family.
Williamsburg was Virginia’s capital during the 1770s. Colonial Williamsburg now runs as a living-history museum.
Felicity’s name means “happiness.” Her nickname, Lissie, is stitched on the garters that hold up her stockings.
Because the Merrimans have stopped drinking tea in support of the Patriot cause, Felicity celebrates her birthday on April 21 with hot chocolate.
Beaded coral necklaces were a popular good-luck gift for colonial girls.
Felicity’s apron is called a pinner because she fastens it to her dress with straight pins. Snaps and safety pins hadn’t been invented yet!
During Felicity’s first tea lesson with Miss Manderly, her loose tooth falls out when she bites into a biscuit!
More than 5,000 Black people fought in the Revolutionary War with the Continental Army.
In support of the revolution, women and girls boycotted British goods, acted as spies and nurses, and held protest meetings. They also managed their family’s farms and businesses while men were away fighting.
Colonial girls often covered their heads. A cap kept the hair clean, and a straw hat provided shade from the sun.
Stitched samplers taught skills like needlework and literacy. Felicity stitches a bluebird and the message “Faithful Friends Forever Be” for Elizabeth when their friendship is challenged.
Fashion dolls showed colonial women what stylish ladies in Europe were wearing so they could copy the gowns.
Women and girls were expected to ride horses sidesaddle, which is more challenging than riding astride.
