Good book (from a Moscow Native) that I read aloud to the kids. Humor abounding and good writing. Some very questionable ethics, however.

I have only ever read Caddie Woodlawn by this author, and it is one of our family's favorites, so I should not have waited this long to read another by her. Oh my goodness, it hit all the right notes to engage all my listeners, and had such a satisfactory ending that I had chills, and promptly said I think it was one of the best read alouds ever! It left me with a warm and happy feeling, which is the best in a winter read. I am going to be reading Family Grandstand by her next!

Delightful.

We loved this book! Great story of a sweet family going through hard times but keeping a positive attitude and kindness.

A nostalgic re-read of a childhood favorite. Northwoods Wisconsin in winter in 1930.

All time favorite family read aloud! If you live in where you experience winter, save it for a cold season and read with hot chocolate! It is very hard not to read the entire book in one sitting! Delicious!

A little, cozy winter read that I really enjoyed. I found the dad abit too naive and weak, especially for the situation they are in...but then again...possibly a factor in the reason why they are in it. Still likeable though. The children were well developed. Fun plot!

I'm amazed at how many years I went without realizing that Brink wrote any other books besides Caddie Woodlawn!
A darling story about family and kindness during the hard years of the depression

I read this one aloud to my kids. We all really enjoyed it (and I enjoyed doing voices for each character, especially Eggs), but I had trouble getting past just how nice everyone is and how well everything works out. Things work out a little too perfectly and the characters forgive just a little too easily to be realistic, I think. Or maybe I'm just in a crappy mood. Luckily, based on the lessons from this book, I know it's nothing a batch of pancakes won't fix.

I suspect I would have adored this as a child, and had fond memories re-reading it later as an adult. As it is, I can only rate it according to my adult standards. A solid 3 stars for the story, and 4 stars for the cute vintage illustrations.

Super cute book about a down-and-out family at the beginning of the depression. They winter in a summer cottage and encounter many adventures and surprises. I’m looking forward to reading this one with the girls in a few years.

First sentence: The Vincents' summer cottage in northern Wisconsin had been empty for two months.

Favorite quote: "I thought that no one could ever be nicer than the Marcia Vincent in the picture, but I was wrong. I liked the real one better.

This story was so captivating, warm and loving. The cast of characters were such fun. There was Pops, Araminta although everyone called her Minty, Eglantine who went by Eggs and Buster the dog. Later in the story along came Joe Boles. The author is well known for Caddie Woodlawn which was a wonderful story and this story is equal to if not better.