Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
The little brown house on Buckeye Street was poor in money but rich in something else entirely. After Mr. Pepper's death, his widow MRS. PEPPER faces the daunting task of raising five children alone. She sews late into the night to keep the rent paid and food on the table. But their poverty never feels like deprivation - it is a backdrop for endless imagination, mischief, and fierce sibling loyalty. Eleven-year-old BEN becomes the man of the house, his blue eyes full of responsibility. Pretty POLLY dreams of cooking for her family, of making everyone comfortable and happy. Little JOEL, DAVIE, and baby PHRONSIE fill the small house with laughter and chaos. They invent games, plan celebrations, dream of wealth - all while their mother works tirelessly nearby. What makes this book endure is its spirit: five children who face hardship not with resentment but with courage and good cheer.
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“and then father never'll let me come again. Come, Prince." "Oh, don't go," cried Phronsie, wailing. "Let doggie stay! Oh, make him stay, mammy!" "I can't, Phronsie," said Mrs. Pepper, smiling, "if he thinks he ought to go." "I'll come again," said Jasper, eagerly, "if I may, ma'am." He looked up at Mrs. Pepper as he stood cap in hand, waiting for the answer. "I'm sure we should be glad if your father'll be willing," she added; thinking, proudly, "My children are an honor to anybody, I'm sure," as she glanced around on the bright little group she””
— Margaret Sidney
“for a year. Ben neglected his work a little, but then visitors didn't come every day to the Peppers; so while Polly worked away at her bread, which she was "going to make like biscuits," she said, the audience gathered in the little old kitchen was in the merriest mood, and enjoyed everything to the fullest extent. "Do put in another stick, Bensie dear," said Polly; "this bread won't be fit for anything!" "Isn't this fun, though!" cried Jasper, running up to try the oven; "I wish I could ever bake," and he looked longingly at the little brown biscuits waiting their turn out on the table. "You come out some day," said Polly, sociably, "and we'll all try baking”
— Margaret Sidney
“See Polly's stove!" cried Phronsie, wishing to entertain in her turn. "Here 'tis," running up to it, and pointing with her fat little finger. "Yes, I see," cried Jasper, pretending to be greatly surprised; "it's new, isn't it?" "Yes," said the child; "it's very all new; four yesterdays ago!" And then Polly stopped in sweeping up and related, with many additions and explanations from the others, the history of the stove, and good Dr. Fisher (upon whom they all dilated at great length), and the dreadful measles, and everything. And Jasper sympathized, and rejoiced with them to their hearts content, and altogether””
— Margaret Sidney
“I know," he said; "but they can't help the trains being late.””
— Margaret Sidney
“NEW FRIENDS””
— Margaret Sidney
