Bertie and the Gardeners; or, The Way to be Happy

"Bertie and the Gardeners; or, The Way to be Happy" by Madeline Leslie is a children's novel written during the late 19th century. The book revolves around a young boy named Bertie Curtis and delves into themes of kindness, responsibility, and the importance of helping others. Through various interactions with the gardeners, workmen, and townspeople, Bertie learns valuable life lessons about compassion and the joy of making others happy. The story follows Bertie as he navigates his new life at Woodlawn, where his family has moved to improve their home and surroundings. As he engages with the gardeners and the community, Bertie witnesses the struggles and triumphs of those around him, including the sick painter Mr. Dodge and the troubled boy Pat. The narrative is presented in a series of episodes that highlight Bertie's growth as he takes on responsibilities, helps individuals in need, and learns the rewards of generosity and kindness. Ultimately, the book conveys a message that true happiness stems from selflessness and caring for others, encouraging young readers to embody these virtues in their own lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Harriette Newell Woods Baker was an American author of books for children, and editor. Her career as an author began when she was about 30 years old. She devoted herself successfully to novels; but after about 15 years, she wrote popular religious literature. Her most famous book, Tim, the Scissors Grinder, sold half a million copies, and was translated into several languages. Baker published about 200 moral and religious tales under the pen name "Mrs. Madeline Leslie". She also wrote under her own name or initials, and under that of "Aunt Hattie". She wrote chiefly for the young, and was still writing in 1893 when she died.