Gr 3—6—Living at Mrs. Monday's Boarding School is truly torture, but orphaned Nancy and Plum make the best of their situation. While they tackle their seemingly never-ending list of chores, from cleaning windows to mending socks, their imaginations set them free. The sisters daydream about the perfect Christmas, having a family, and how their lives could be different, perhaps even wonderful. Eventually, they become fed up with Mrs. Monday and they make plans to run away. Once they escape, Nancy and Plum contact their uncle, spend the night in a haystack, and eventually find the family of their dreams. Originally published in 1952, this edition preserves the charm of MacDonald's writing and is a great choice for fans of her "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" series (HarperCollins). GrandPré's detailed illustrations enhance the story and help to capture the time of horse-drawn carts, working farms, and pinafores. The rich description draws readers in, inviting them back to a simpler time. Nancy and Plum are lovable characters whom readers will be drawn to and their colorful adventures keep things moving along. However, the book is rather slowly paced until the girls decide to run away. With a simple plot and well-developed characters, this title is a good choice for a wide range of readers, especially those who enjoy MacDonald's imaginative stories.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT
New ed., 1952, Lippincott. Orphans Nancy and Plum lead deprived lives at cruel Mrs. Monday's boarding school. The sisters manage to escape her clutches, find wonderful new guardians, and even improve the lot of other orphans. Modern readers may not recognize the era's mores, but they'll love domestic Nancy and tomboy Plum. GrandPré's new pencil and wash illustrations strike just the right note: old-fashioned yet cheeky.
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