For 12 years , Pleasant Company has sold its American Girls books , dolls , accessories , and girls clothing exclusively through its award-winning consumer catalogue.The company also publishes the number one magazine for girls 7-12 , American Girl magazine , and has sold more than 4 million dolls and 45 million books since it was founded in 1986 by former educator Pleasant T. Rowland.Rowland's vision was to provide quality , age-appropriate products and experiences that would educate and entertain an underserved audience of girls seven and up.The company was privately held until June 1998 , when it was acquired by Mattelr , the world's leading toy company.Pleasant Company is headquartered in Middleton , Wisconsin.