I'm truly glad that I have read it now rather than when I was younger. After all, at the age of 25, my mind is still somewhat like that of a child. It was indeed a struggle for me to read the spelling of her name initially. However, in life, I have mostly become accustomed to it. She is such a lovely little girl.

Her presence brings a unique charm and warmth. Every time I think of her, a smile不自觉地creeps onto my face. I wonder what adventures and experiences await her in the future.

Maybe she will grow up to be a kind-hearted and successful person. Or perhaps she will face challenges and difficulties along the way. But no matter what, I believe she will handle them with grace and determination.

I am grateful to have crossed paths with her, even if it was just through reading about her. She has left a lasting impression on my heart.

I find Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm to be extremely similar to Anne of Green Gables.

They share comparable stories, with both being orphans who are taken in by new families. Their demeanors are alike, full of spirit and imagination. Their interactions with others are also quite similar, often bringing a touch of charm and naivete.

Both have had similar upbringings, facing challenges and hardships along the way. And their trajectories in life also have parallels, growing and maturing in their new environments.

Despite all these similarities, I still really enjoyed Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. I found Rebecca to be a delightful character, full of life and energy. But I have to admit, I liked her crotchety Aunt Miranda even more.

I do think that the ending of this book was not very strong. There were some parts that felt a bit slower, which made the pacing a bit uneven. However, I still listened to this on audiobook over the course of one day.

I found the story to be very sweet and think it should not be overlooked. It has its own unique charm and appeal that makes it a worthwhile read or listen.

I recently reread a wonderful book with the hashtags #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead and #childrensclassicread2024 on Litsy.

This book is truly a gem that has stood the test of time. It takes readers on an enchanting journey filled with vivid characters and exciting adventures.

The story unfolds in a magical world where children can use their imaginations to overcome challenges and discover the power within themselves.

As I reread it, I was reminded of the joy and wonder that this classic brings. It's a book that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, as it offers valuable life lessons and touches the heart.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. Whether you're reading it for the first time or revisiting it like I did, it's sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, grab a copy, curl up in a cozy corner, and let the magic of this children's classic transport you to a world of imagination and adventure. #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #childrensclassicread2024

Rebecca Rowena Randall, named after the two heroines in Sir Walter Scott's adventure and romance novel, Ivanhoe, embarks on her own adventure in this classic American children's story. First published in 1903, she leaves her home at Sunnybrook Farm to live with her two maiden aunts in Riverboro, Maine. There, she hopes to receive an education and the "proper" upbringing that her beleaguered mother cannot provide.

Ten-year-old Rebecca has an eye for beauty, a vivid imagination, and a talkative disposition. She quickly wins friends of all ages, from the stage-driver and neighbor, Mr. Jeremiah Cobb, to her schoolmate and soon-to-be close friend, Emma Jane Perkins. Her aunts, the stern Miss Miranda Sawyer and the kindhearted Miss Jane Sawyer, give her a home in the "brick house." In their different ways, they eventually come to love this unexpected niece.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a children's classic that I've always intended to read but never seemed to have the time for. I'm glad it was chosen as our March selection in The Children's Fiction Book Club I belong to. As a long-time fan of Anne of Green Gables, I was interested to learn that Wiggin's book was a great influence on the later Canadian classic.

Overall, I found it an engaging and enjoyable read that fits well into the world of late Victorian girls' stories. There are parallels with Montgomery's work, but Wiggin's has a distinct New England flavor. I particularly liked the depiction of Aunt Miranda. I wish I had read this as a girl, as I suspect I would have appreciated it more. As it is, I enjoyed it but didn't love it.

Addendum: I was fortunate to read a vintage copy with artwork by Helen Mason Grose. The color plates and black-and-white engraving-style illustrations were both lovely. I highly recommend finding a well-illustrated copy to enhance the reading experience. I loved the cover image of Rebecca in her buff dress, carrying her pink parasol, descending from the stagecoach in Riverboro.

Rebecca departs from her home at Sunnybrook Farm to live with her two aunts, Miranda and Jane.

Back at home with her mother, there are numerous little brothers and sisters. Rebecca dreams of obtaining a good education and being able to support the family in the future. However, Aunt Miranda is extremely strict, and Rebecca has to seek comfort with her more empathetic Aunt Jane.

I have always adored this charming story of a bright girl maturing in the middle of nowhere. Rebecca possesses imagination and intelligence far surpassing anyone else in her small rural town. But she also learns to value the kindness and friendliness of the people around her.

The only aspect I don't quite fancy is the ending. It is rather sudden. It does offer hints about what will occur next, but those matters are not fully resolved.

I am fond of Rebecca's character. It is delightful to witness how her horizons broaden as she grows up. She becomes so resilient and kind. She is willing to sacrifice her own dreams to fulfill her responsibilities. I enjoy observing how she reacts to her teachers and absorbs as much knowledge as possible at school.

Overall, this story is a heartwarming tale that showcases the growth and development of a remarkable young girl.

This one was … meh.

I had never even heard of this book until a few days ago. I was in my local bookstore, browsing through the usual selection of paperback classics. And there it was. I picked it up, read the little synopsis, and was pleasantly reminded of some of my favorite childhood classics, such as "Anne of Green Gables" and "Emily of New Moon". I thought this book sounded vaguely similar, so I took it home with me.

As it turns out, my first notion was only too right. This book is very similar to those of L. M. Montgomery. At times it even felt like the same book! But to my big surprise, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" was published first - five years before "Anne of Green Gables".

Still, I think Montgomery's stories are better, more well-polished, less preachy and they have what this book is so sadly devoid of - character development. I never managed to sympathize with Rebecca. Sure, she is a talkative, fanciful and happy young girl who loves adventures. But she lacks sincerity - and she only acts like flat letters printed on a page. She lacks Anne's courage, Emily's imagination and Pollyanna's optimistic thinking. You'd never expect anything out of the ordinary from Rebecca. She is too predictable.

The book was quite charming at times, but it didn't catch my attention until the last few chapters. Perhaps I've been spoiled by reading "Emily of New Moon" first. However, this provided an interesting glimpse into L. M. Montgomery's source of inspiration. It shows how she might have been influenced by earlier works and how she was able to take those elements and transform them into something truly remarkable. Despite its flaws, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" has its own charm and is worth reading for those who enjoy classic children's literature.

I had to read this book simply because of the name. :)

Overall, my experience was rather disappointing. Wiggin seems to overstate the morals within the story, which can be a bit tiresome and make one roll their eyes. The character Rebecca is somewhat similar to Anne in Anne of Green Gables, yet this book was actually published first.

Even though we share the same name, I would have to say that it might be best to skip this one and instead read Anne of Green Gables. Anne's story is far more engaging and captivating, and it doesn't have the same issue of overly emphasizing the morals. It offers a more well-rounded and enjoyable reading experience. So, if you're looking for a great book to read, I would highly recommend choosing Anne over this one.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a classic American children's novel published in 1903. Written by Kate Douglas Wiggin, it tells the charming story of Rebecca Rowena Randall and her two aunts, one strict and the other kind, in the fictional village of Riverboro, Maine. Rebecca's exuberant joy for life serves as an inspiration to her aunts, yet she also encounters numerous trials that help her gain wisdom and understanding.

Wiggin also penned a sequel titled New Chronicles of Rebecca. Additionally, Eric Wiggin, a great-nephew of the author, created updated versions of several Rebecca books, including a concluding story.

The story has been adapted for the theatrical stage and filmed three times, with Shirley Temple taking on the title role in one of the adaptations.

This is a beautifully crafted tale that showcases a strong feminine personality. I was particularly enamored with the author's language and the poetry written by Rebecca.

It is a heartwarming and hopeful story that demonstrates how a change in outlook can occur even in those with a negative attitude towards life. Through Rebecca's influence, the stern Aunt Miranda undergoes a transformation.

The characters in the story include Rebecca and her family (she is one of seven children), Aunt Miranda, Aunt Jane, Adam Ladd, and Emma Jane.

Overall, I rate this book 5 stars.

3.5 stars rounded up


I am an enormous Shirley Temple enthusiast and adored her performance in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. So, when I came across this tour, I knew without a doubt that I had to take advantage of it! However, aside from the characters named Rebecca and Miranda, not a single element from the book managed to find its way into the movie. After the initial astonishment wore off, I came to realize that I was about to experience an entirely new story.


Listening to this classic was extremely fascinating. It was almost as if I had been transported back in time and was right there in that charming little town, among all the characters. There were numerous references to religion and social status that I, as an adult, was more attuned to. Even the writing style was so distinct from what we are accustomed to in the present day, providing an informal history lesson in the process.


Listening to this audiobook was like uncovering a time capsule that had been buried a hundred years ago! It could potentially be an excellent audiobook choice for those long family car trips or as a bedtime story.


Note: If you are like me and listen to audiobooks at 1.25x speed, be cautious. It takes a bit of getting used to, as the narrator already speaks rather rapidly, and increasing the speed makes her sound a bit like the Micro-Machine guy.

I read this book together with some friends.

The storyline of this book is really sweet, which is quite similar to that of Anne of Green Gables.

However, to be honest, there are some parts in this book that are a little boring.

Despite this, I still really enjoyed reading it.

The characters in the book are vividly portrayed, and their growth and development throughout the story are very touching.

The author's writing style is also very unique, which makes the whole story more interesting and engaging.

In general, although this book has some flaws, it is still a very good read, and I would recommend it to others.

I had the distinct impression that this particular story bore a resemblance to Pollyanna, mainly due to the main characters.

Just like Pollyanna, the protagonist in this story was also an orphan. They both had to encounter numerous challenges along their respective paths.

Despite the hardships, both of them managed to teach us something truly worthwhile.

Their experiences and the lessons they imparted were not only valuable but also inspiring.

If you have ever found joy and inspiration in reading Pollyanna, then there is a high likelihood that you will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.

It has the same charm and the ability to touch your heart and make you think about life in a different way.

So, give this book a chance and let the story of the orphan protagonist take you on a journey filled with challenges, growth, and valuable lessons.