The Boxcar Children facts for kids
The Boxcar Children is a popular children's story series. It was first written by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The first book was published in 1924 by Rand McNally. Gertrude Chandler Warner wrote 19 books in the series herself. After her, other authors continued the stories. Now, there are over 100 books about the Boxcar Children! The stories have also been made into novels, comic books, and even movies.
The Story Begins
The first book introduces four orphaned siblings: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. They have never met their grandfather, Mr. Alden. They have heard that he is a mean person. Because of this, they decide to run away so they don't have to live with him.
One night, they find a place to stay in a bakery. They offer to help with work the next day if they can stay. But Benny is very small and cannot work. The baker wants to take Benny to a children's home. So, the children quickly run away again.
Life in the Boxcar
The children soon discover an old boxcar hidden in the woods. They decide to make it their new home. They are very clever and find dishes, spoons, and other useful items to set up their new living space.
One day, they find a dog with a hurt paw. They help the dog, and Benny names him "Watch." The children also build a small dam in a stream to create their own swimming pool.
Henry, the oldest, finds a job working for Dr. Moore. He helps by mowing the lawn and cleaning the garage. He also works in the garden for the doctor's mother. She is very kind and gives him some vegetables. All the children work together to pick delicious cherries from the trees in the garden. They are very happy living in their boxcar home.
A New Home
Dr. Moore reads in a newspaper that Mr. Alden is looking for his grandchildren. The doctor calls Mr. Alden to tell him where they are. Mr. Alden comes to the doctor's house to meet the children.
The children soon learn that their grandfather is not cruel at all. He is very kind and loving! They grow to like him very much. Eventually, the children move into their grandfather's big house. To make them feel at home, Mr. Alden even moves their beloved boxcar into the back yard for them to play in and enjoy.
Images for kids
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Boxcar at the museum in 2018
