BALTIMORE, Md. — The 2025 American Girl Doll of the Year has a special connection to Maryland. Summer McKinny, the latest addition to the beloved franchise, brings her entrepreneurial spirit, love of animals, and knack for baking to life in a story crafted with Maryland-inspired authenticity.
Summer, a dog lover and baker, starts her own dog-walking and treat-making business while balancing challenges at home, including helping her new cat, Fettuccine, adjust to life with her dog, Crescent. Her journey is not only a lesson in problem-solving and patience but also highlights her dedication to giving back—donating a portion of her business profits to the shelter where she adopted Crescent.
Summer’s creation involved input from several Maryland-based contributors. Author Clare Hutton, who grew up in Columbia, Maryland, said she drew inspiration from her own love of animals and baking. “I loved bringing the animal characters to life, from Crescent’s progress with training to Fettuccine’s mischief,” Hutton said in an interview on the American Girl website.
Hutton’s attention to detail was supported by local experts, including Katie Flory, Community Care and Advocacy Director for the Maryland SPCA, and Janear Garrus, founder of Chesapeake Educational Alliance (CHEDA). Flory’s extensive experience in animal welfare and Garrus’s leadership in children’s business fairs ensured Summer’s story resonated with authenticity.
Flory and Garrus contributed to manuscript reviews to ensure accurate portrayals of animal care and youth entrepreneurship. “These fairs are held all over the country,” Hutton shared, “and by participating in them, young aspiring entrepreneurs have fun learning how to market and sell goods and services they’ve developed.”
Fans of Summer and her inspiring story will have the opportunity to meet Clare Hutton during the Maryland SPCA’s Tales + Treats event on Dec. 27 at the organization’s headquarters in Baltimore. The event will feature a reading by Hutton, a dog treat-making activity, and the chance to interact with shelter pets. Tickets include a signed copy of Summer’s journal and can be purchased online.
For tickets and more information about the Tales + Treats event, visit the Maryland SPCA website.
American Girl enthusiasts can also explore Summer’s world through digital content, including animated shorts and music videos on AG’s YouTube.
Summer McKinny and her inspiring story of determination and compassion are available now at American Girl retail stores and online at americangirl.com.
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