Then There Were Five 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 |
| Series | Melendy family |
| Genre | Realistic children's fiction |
| Publisher | Farrar & Rinehart |
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Publication date
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1944 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 241 pp. |
| OCLC | 299613 |
| LC Class | PZ7.E724 Te |
| Preceded by | The Four-Story Mistake |
| Followed by | Spiderweb for Two |
Then There Were Five is a fun children's book written and illustrated by Elizabeth Enright. It was published in 1944. This book is the third of four stories about the Melendy family. The series started in 1941. In this adventure, the four Melendy children continue their lives at their unique country home, called "the four-story mistake." The story happens during World War II. The children have many adventures, and a new neighbor boy eventually becomes part of their family.
Discovering the Story
The Melendy children – Randy, Mona, Rush, and Oliver – live with their dad and their kind housekeeper, Cuffy. Their home is an old house in the countryside of New York. Their father is a professor who has a secret job for the government during World War II. The children want to help their country too. They explore their new neighborhood and make new friends.
New Friends and Challenges
While exploring, the children start collecting scrap metal to help the war effort. They meet some tricky local people. The most important new friend they make is Mark. He is about Rush's age. Mark lives with his mean adult cousin, Oren Meeker. The Melendy children really want to help Mark, but they are not sure how to do it.
Adventures at Home
Life at home is also full of adventures. Rush, who loves music, works on his "Opus 3," which is a special musical piece. Miranda, also known as Randy, and Mona try their hand at canning food. Oliver, the youngest, is fascinated by fish and caterpillars. He loves to learn about them.
An Unexpected Change
One day, Cuffy, their beloved housekeeper, leaves to visit a sick cousin. This trip leads to something unexpected. A fire happens, and because of it, Mark comes to live at "The Four-Story Mistake." He soon becomes a permanent and loved member of the Melendy family.
