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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Classic feel-good children's story about a humble family living in a sweet Little Brown House and how they befriend a lonely visitor. Best for fans of Little House and Mandy type books.
I'm not having very good luck reading my favorite books from childhood lately. This one was lovely during about the first half, but then it became dreadfully boring during the second half.
The five little Peppers are 5 poor brothers and sisters ranging in ages 4-9 who live with their widowed (we assume) mother in late 1800s America. For some reason that I don't quite grasp, Polly, the 9-year-old, seems to be all the children's mother of choice. It's implied that the 8-year-old works for a living. And the 4-year old runs off with an organ grinder and his monkey and then gets lost again wandering off to the post office by herself. The interesting thing is that the 4-year-old is never admonished not to run off alone or with strangers after these incidents. Instead, the blame is placed on people not watching her. I'm guessing that she must get full-out kidnapped in future books since they've never bothered to talk with her about what she's been doing wrong. It really would serve them right.
To be fair, this is probably a more enjoyable read for a child who isn't analyzing the storyline from the viewpoint of being a mother. It is definitely a great book for children to become acquainted with what it's like for children who grow up so poor that they've never even had a Christmas. And there are parts of the story that I remember fondly from childhood like the hard-of-hearing grandmother, the thrill of having raisins for a cake, decorating a Christmas tree with strings of popcorn (which I insisted that we do the first time I read this as a child), and the organ grinder's little monkey. All of these are in the first half of the book, of course. I'd give 5 stars for the first half of the book and 2 stars for the last half of the book, averaging it out to a nice 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.
The five little Peppers are 5 poor brothers and sisters ranging in ages 4-9 who live with their widowed (we assume) mother in late 1800s America. For some reason that I don't quite grasp, Polly, the 9-year-old, seems to be all the children's mother of choice. It's implied that the 8-year-old works for a living. And the 4-year old runs off with an organ grinder and his monkey and then gets lost again wandering off to the post office by herself. The interesting thing is that the 4-year-old is never admonished not to run off alone or with strangers after these incidents. Instead, the blame is placed on people not watching her. I'm guessing that she must get full-out kidnapped in future books since they've never bothered to talk with her about what she's been doing wrong. It really would serve them right.
To be fair, this is probably a more enjoyable read for a child who isn't analyzing the storyline from the viewpoint of being a mother. It is definitely a great book for children to become acquainted with what it's like for children who grow up so poor that they've never even had a Christmas. And there are parts of the story that I remember fondly from childhood like the hard-of-hearing grandmother, the thrill of having raisins for a cake, decorating a Christmas tree with strings of popcorn (which I insisted that we do the first time I read this as a child), and the organ grinder's little monkey. All of these are in the first half of the book, of course. I'd give 5 stars for the first half of the book and 2 stars for the last half of the book, averaging it out to a nice 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.
Another favorite books from when I was in grade school. My fifth grade teacher introduced me to the Peppers and I have loved them ever since. Great for grades 5-8.
Wholesome classic. While the goodness (and hysterics) of the Peppers can be a bit grinding, the sentiments are all good.
What a difference between children's stories in Victorian time and today. The characters are just so perfect in this one, their plight so tragic, their home life so inspiring, they are so full of pluck and good old-fashioned virtue that you'd think I'd want to hurl. But I finished it anyway. Totally dated, but somehow appealing in spite of, or maybe because of that. I definitely would not want a steady diet of this, but it was a pleasant read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was a re-read, but it's been literally years since I've had the pleasure. Still heart warming and delightful to read. The Pepper children are a delight. I love them all: Ben, Polly, Joel, Davie, and Phronsie! And the rest of the story was just as much fun as I remembered.
Loved reading this old-fashioned story of Mamsie and her 5 children.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Pepper family are quite poor, living in a small house in the country. They have five children who all get the measles, and poor little Polly is in serious danger. A kind doctor helps the family and nurses them back to health.
One day little four-year-old Fronzie Pepper is nearly kidnapped and is rescued by Jasper, a boy from a wealthy family on vacation in the country. The two families start up an unlikely friendship, leading to opportunities and adventures for the Pepper family.
This is such a sweet and wholesome story! I love all the cute little Pepper children. The writing is charming, and the story is simple but interesting. I especially loved reading about all the Pepper's preparations for Christmas. They try so much to be grateful for the few little things they have, and they are rewarded for their goodness.
I remember reading this as a child and really enjoying it. My 13 yo was not a fan, and after re-reading, I understand why - this is written in the voice of another era. The language is different, and there is a positive spin on even the worst moments that we don't see today. There is also a liberal use of exclamation points and pet names that is, shall we say, no longer de rigueur.
That said - this is a classic, and a snapshot of life at the turn of the century. Although the characters are fictional, they were set in the world in which Mrs. Sidney lived - which is to say: a world where children routinely got measles, where an 11 yo worked instead of attending school, where children had a degree of freedom and responsibility no longer seen. It is a snapshot of an earlier time highlighting many things that will be unfamiliar to a modern child: language, names, activities, choices, etc.
Enjoyed it. It was worth the re-read; I had completely forgotten the story.
That said - this is a classic, and a snapshot of life at the turn of the century. Although the characters are fictional, they were set in the world in which Mrs. Sidney lived - which is to say: a world where children routinely got measles, where an 11 yo worked instead of attending school, where children had a degree of freedom and responsibility no longer seen. It is a snapshot of an earlier time highlighting many things that will be unfamiliar to a modern child: language, names, activities, choices, etc.
Enjoyed it. It was worth the re-read; I had completely forgotten the story.