The Happy Venture

"The Happy Venture" by Edith Ballinger Price is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Sturgis family—specifically the three siblings, Felicia, Kenelm, and Kirk—as they navigate the challenges of life following the departure of their mother to a sanatorium. The family must adapt to their new living situation in an old, ramshackle farmhouse, embarking on a journey of emotional and physical trials amidst the backdrop of a rural landscape. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Sturgis siblings as they deal with their mother's recent decline in health and their own burgeoning responsibilities. Felicia, the eldest, demonstrates care and concern for her family, while Kenelm grapples with feelings of inadequacy in the face of their financial struggles. Young Kirk, portrayed as curious and imaginative, often seeks connection through storytelling and encounters a mysterious figure whom he refers to as the Maestro. As the family settles into their new home, they begin to find joy in their circumstances, suggesting themes of resilience and the bond of family as they embrace the adventure ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edith Ballinger Price (1897–1997) was a prolific writer and illustrator of children's books, best known for the imaginative stories and illustrations she created for 37 different books and stories. The granddaughter of landscape painter William Trost Richards, who first inspired her to draw, Price trained at Boston's School of the Museum of Fine Arts, the New York Art Students League and the National Academy of Design. Oft-published in general-interest magazines like Colliers and those aimed at children, like St. Nicholas Magazine, she was also notable as one of the chief founders of the Brownies, the junior version of the Girl Scouts.