Five Little Peppers Abroad

"Five Little Peppers Abroad" by Margaret Sidney is a children's novel likely written during the late 19th century. The book follows the adventures of the Pepper family as they embark on a journey overseas, exploring their experiences and interactions in foreign lands. Main characters include Polly, Jasper, and their younger sibling Phronsie, who navigate the challenges and delights of travel while showcasing the values of friendship and family. The opening of the novel introduces us to Polly Pepper searching for her younger sister, Phronsie, on a steamer headed for Europe. Polly feels anxious about losing Phronsie, especially since Phronsie's caregiver has fallen ill. Their brother Jasper reassures Polly, prompting a humorous encounter with an irritable old gentleman onboard. As they search for Phronsie, they meet Tom, the old man's grandson, who has been misbehaving. The scene reveals the dynamic personality of Polly and hints at adventures to come, establishing a tone of childlike curiosity and family togetherness amid the ship's setting. Overall, this beginning sets the stage for a delightful exploration of the Peppers' life abroad. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Harriett Lothrop was an American author also known by her pseudonym Margaret Sidney. In addition to writing popular children's stories, she ran her husband Daniel Lothrop's publishing company after his death. After they bought The Wayside country house, they worked hard to make it a center of literary life.