Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

2021 Reprint of the 1881 Edition. The Five Little Peppers is a book series created by American author Margaret Sidney which was published from 1881 to 1916. It covers the lives of the five children in difficult circumstances and with their rescue by a wealthy gentleman who takes an interest in the family. The story recounts how the Peppers live, learn, and play in their little brown house. They are poor, and their mother must work constantly to keep the wolf from the door, but their lives are unexpectedly happy. When the youngest, Phronsie, is kidnapped by an organ grinder, she is rescued by young Jasper King and his dog Prince, both of whom soon become fast friends with the Peppers. The family so charms Jasper and his father that one by one they are invited to visit the Kings' home in the city and soon the entire family is living there. Mr. King makes Mrs. Pepper his housekeeper and does everything in his power to entertain and educate the children. Though the Kings surround the Pepper children with luxury-in 5 years Phronsie collects 200 dolls-the values of hard work, humility, and togetherness are still firmly enforced by their mother. This puts them in a curious position in society. Though they live with an upper-class father and son, the older children are aware they'll someday work for their livings. This makes them willing to befriend anyone, from street girls to grocers' sons. The series has remained a perennial favorite for juvenile readers since its first publication in 1881.