The Four-Story Mistake facts for kids
First edition cover with Enright artwork
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| Author | Elizabeth Enright |
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| Illustrator | Enright |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Realistic children's fiction |
| Publisher | Farrar & Rinehart |
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Publication date
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1942 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 177 pp. |
| OCLC | 2023039 |
| LC Class | PZ7.E724 Fo |
| Preceded by | The Saturdays |
| Followed by | Then There Were Five |
The Four-Story Mistake is an exciting children's book written and drawn by Elizabeth Enright. It was published in 1942. This book is the second story about the Melendy family. In this adventure, the family moves from busy New York City to a unique house in the countryside. This move happens during the time of World War II. The new house turns out to be a big adventure all on its own!
In 2012, The Four-Story Mistake was named one of the best children's novels ever. It was ranked number 80 in a survey by School Library Journal. This was one of three books by Elizabeth Enright to make the top 100 list.
Discovering The Four-Story Mistake
The Melendy family includes four children, their father, and their kind housekeeper, Cuffy. Their father is a professor who studies how money and countries work. He is a widower, which means his wife has passed away. During World War II, the family decides to leave New York City. They move to a house in the quiet countryside.
Miranda, who everyone calls Randy, is the third child. She does not like changes very much. She feels sad about leaving their old home. But the new house is full of surprises. People in the area call it "The Four-Story Mistake." It looks very unusual and has a long, interesting history. The house is also surrounded by beautiful country land.
Adventures in the New House
The four Melendy children quickly find many exciting things in their new home. They explore the house and its surroundings. Each child has their own special adventure.
- Oliver finds old secrets buried around the house.
- Rush gets stuck high in a tree during a big storm.
- Randy discovers a shiny diamond in a very unexpected place.
- Mona learns what it truly means to be an actress.
The children also have a special play area called the office. They never guessed that a big secret was hidden there. This secret had been kept safe for more than 60 years!
