The Amazing Vacation facts for kids
The Amazing Vacation is an exciting children's fantasy novel published in 1956. It was written by Dan Wickenden and beautifully illustrated by Erik Blegvad. This book is quite rare today, with fewer than 50 copies found in libraries. Many adults who grew up reading it remember it fondly. Some authors even say it was one of the most important books they read as children.
Contents
What is The Amazing Vacation About?
This story follows the adventures of a brother and sister named Ricky and Joanna. They live in New York City but are on vacation. Their parents are traveling "on business" in Paris, so Ricky and Joanna go to stay with their Uncle Hubert, Aunt Cordelia, and Cousin Emmeline. They live in a quiet, country town called Trimble Valley.
When they arrive at the train station, they are met by Mrs. Breadloaf. She is not just a housekeeper and cook; she's also a friendly witch! Mrs. Breadloaf drives the children to an old Victorian house where their relatives live.
Meeting the Family
Ricky and Joanna soon discover that their relatives are a bit unusual. Uncle Hubert tries to be a magician, but he's not very good at it. Aunt Cordelia loves gardening. And Cousin Emmeline is described as "not all here," meaning she acts a little strange.
As the children explore the old house, they find a special, magical window in the study. This window has a colorful stained glass border. It shows scenes from a mysterious place called "The Country Without A Name." It seems that some family members have traveled to this country before. They might have lost parts of themselves there, which explains their odd behavior. For example, Emmeline lost a turquoise stone from her necklace in that country, which is why she seems "not all here."
Entering a Magical World
With help from Mrs. Breadloaf, Ricky and Joanna open the magical window. They step through it and enter "The Country Without A Name." Ricky brings his scout knife, and Joanna brings her knitting bag. They are told it's very important not to give these items away.
Soon, they meet a "fretful porpentine" (a type of porcupine) named Federico. Federico is Mrs. Breadloaf's magical helper, or "familiar." He eventually becomes Joanna's loyal friend. Against warnings, the children get separated. Joanna goes to an island called Bab'-au-Rhum with Queen Matildagarde VII. Ricky, following Federico's advice, heads to the mountains. Federico then goes off to find Joanna.
Joanna's Journey
Joanna spends time on the island with the Queen's friends: Tansy, Pansy, and Goldenrod. Queen Matildagarde tries several times to steal Joanna's knitting bag, but Joanna manages to keep it safe. Eventually, Joanna escapes and meets Ali the Boa Constrictor. Ali guides her to a nearby island called Baba. On the way, she also meets a magician named Gordon Johnson.
Ricky's Adventures
Meanwhile, Ricky meets an Indian Chief named Matinkatunk. The Chief becomes Ricky's faithful guide and friend in the Country Without a Name. They travel together until their horses are stolen. Ricky's scout knife is also taken by Tim Tumbleweed. It turns out Tim Tumbleweed is actually Yarrow, the king's tricky stepson, in disguise!
Ricky and the Chief are captured by King Willexander's guards. Ricky is locked up in the Castle of the Upper Lowlands. He is finally set free when he agrees to accept a fake knife from Yarrow. Joanna is also brought to the Castle. She arrived there after leaving the island of Baba and rescuing Federico from another island called Rhum. Joanna gives a sweater she knitted to Princess Citronella. She trades it for a turquoise stone, hoping it's the one her cousin Emmeline lost.
The Final Battle and Return Home
Joanna and Ricky eventually reach Triple Peak, which is a ghost town and the home of the Magicians Congress. They are happily reunited with Mrs. Breadloaf there. Together, they travel to the battlefield where a big war is about to happen between the King and Queen.
Both children bravely parachute from a Dragon Jet. They help rescue their friends and get back the lost objects. The war is finally stopped with the help of the Old Magician and the President. And in a magical moment, Ali the snake transforms back into Prince Culebra, who was the princess's long-lost love!
In the very last part of the story, Joanna and Ricky return to the magic window. They climb back into their Uncle's house. There, they are reunited with all their relatives, and their parents, who have returned from Paris.
Images for kids
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First edition (publ. Harcourt Brace)
