Rufus M. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 
Rufus M.
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| Author | Eleanor Estes |
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| Illustrator | Louis Slobodkin |
| Series | The Moffats |
| Genre | Children's Novel |
| Publisher | Harcourt, Brace & World |
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Publication date
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1943 |
| ISBN | 9780152025779 |
| Preceded by | The Middle Moffat |
| Followed by | The Moffat Museum |
Rufus M. is a fun children's book by Eleanor Estes. It's the third story in a popular series called The Moffats. This book came out in 1943. It even won a special award called a Newbery Honor. The main character, Rufus, is the youngest of four kids. He lives in a small town in Connecticut back in 1918.
Contents
Adventures of Rufus Moffat
This book is full of short stories about Rufus and his family. Rufus has a super active imagination. He often creates his own unique friends. For example, he imagines a flying horse named Jimmy. He also dreams up an invisible piano player. This player lives in the Saybolts' house.
Rufus and Cardboard Boy
Rufus even makes a special best friend. He calls him Cardboard Boy. But Cardboard Boy is also Rufus's enemy sometimes! Rufus and his cardboard friend ride around town. They share adventures on a bicycle.
Getting a Library Card
Rufus is very determined. He really wants his own library card. The problem is, he can't read yet. So, he works extra hard to learn how to write his name. He practices until he can do it perfectly. This shows how persistent Rufus can be.
Rufus's Special Beans
Life is a bit tough for Rufus's family. His mother works hard to feed four children. Rufus decides to help in his own way. He plants some special "Rufus beans." He hopes they will grow and provide food. But he gets too excited. He keeps digging them up every day. He wants to see if they are growing!
Life During Wartime
The story takes place in 1918. This was the final year of World War I. The war affected Rufus's family. There were shortages of food and coal. Rufus even writes letters to a soldier. In one letter, he asks for a pony from France. The book ends with a happy celebration. The family celebrates Armistice Day. They write their dreams for the future on paper. Then they burn them in the stove.
