Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald

Two orphaned sisters are determined to escape from from their boarding home and the mean Mrs. Monday - but where will they go?

Alfred A Knopf Books for Young Readers is re-publishing this wonderful book written by the author of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.  This hardcover book is currently available in the market and is a very comely edition. 

I love seeing the older classic books being reintroduced into the market.  This gives the current generation a chance to enjoy the books their grandparents or parents enjoyed in their youth.

Nancy and Plum are orphaned and their uncle has put them in a boarding home because he has no idea what to do with two little girls.  He's under the impression that the money he sends buys them new clothes and shoes and that they get the presents he sends.  Wrong!  Mrs. Monday uses the money and gifts on her niece, never mind about those orphans.

The orphans, though, have other ideas.  They plan to try to steal away.  Of course, they don't know where they are going after they get away, but it's better than staying at the boarding school...

The illustrations are outstanding and help you feel the fear and misgivings the two girls have.  Mr. GrandPre does an excellent job of making the story come alive.

The story reminds me a bit of Anne of Green Gables, where another orphan was hoping to find a home.  I enjoyed reading this older tale and was happy to find it.  I had not read it earlier in life.

Share some memories or make some new ones, this book will entertain you.  It's written for ages 8-12.  I really enjoyed it.  Why not give it a try?

Happy reading!

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