Annie Van Walen

''Annie van Walen'' by Henriëtte Rappard is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. It centers on the high‑spirited, motherless Annie, who leaves her country home to stay with her dignified Aunt Dora in the city while her father travels abroad. Among cousins—mischievous Tom, prim Coba and Laura, and timid little Tine—Annie navigates manners, friendship, school, and small moral tests. The tone is warm and instructive, with lively episodes that highlight character, courage, and kindness. The opening of the story follows Annie learning to bicycle with her neighbor Paula, fretting over torn dresses and gentle scoldings from faithful nurse Mina, just as Aunt Dora arrives to announce Annie will lodge with her while Father goes to England. In the city, Annie meets energetic cousin Tom, admires his animals and the boys’ “fort” at the family’s country place Rustoord, and shows pluck during their mock battles—especially when little Tine is briefly carried off and cleverly rescued. A bird‑catching subplot reveals Tom’s good heart when he takes the blame to save a worker’s son, until Annie explains the truth to Uncle Stubbens. A festive outing brings school friends into the fort game; back at school Annie’s soft spot for a weak classmate gets her caught for whispering answers, and on the way home she and a gymnasium boy, Frans, spot Tine being led off by a stranger posing as an “uncle” and intervene, sending the man fleeing. The section closes with Aunt Dora warming to Annie’s friend Paula through a family connection, Mina moving to help Annie’s grandmother, and Annie returning home anxious to explain her school trouble.