Under the Lilacs facts for kids
"Ben and Sancho", illustration from an 1888 edition of Under the Lilacs
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| Author | Louisa May Alcott |
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Publication date
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1878 |
Under the Lilacs is a classic children's novel written by Louisa May Alcott. It was first published in 1878. The story follows two young girls and a runaway boy from the circus, sharing their summer adventures.
Contents
A Mysterious Summer Guest
The story begins with two young girls, Bab and Betty. They are enjoying a tea party with their dolls. Suddenly, an unknown dog appears and quickly snatches their cake! The girls follow the dog, named Sancho. They find him with his owner, a boy named Ben Brown.
Ben is a runaway from the circus. He has been hiding in the girls' play barn, inside a carriage. Bab and Betty soon learn that Ben is a skilled horse master.
Ben's New Life
The Moss family, who are friends with Bab and Betty, decide to help Ben. They take him in and find him a job on a nearby farm. This new job allows Ben to work with horses and drive cows. It is a big change from his exciting life in the circus.
Ben soon receives sad news: his father, whom he loved very much, has passed away. A kind neighbor, Miss Celia, helps him through this difficult time. Ben then moves in with Miss Celia and her fourteen-year-old brother, Thornton.
Now, Ben has a job, a new family, and a chance to get an education. He has a wonderful new life. However, he sometimes misses the adventure and excitement of the circus.
Summer Adventures and Challenges
Many exciting things happen at Miss Celia's house during the summer. Ben slowly starts to feel like he truly belongs among his new friends.
One day, Sancho the dog gets lost. Betty later finds him, but his tail has been cut off! This sad event makes Sancho unfriendly to strangers forever. Later, Ben is wrongly accused of stealing something.
Miss Celia also gets hurt, and Ben takes a wild ride on her horse, Lita. The friends also have an archery competition. Ben wins, but Bab almost beats him!
A Happy Family Reunion
In the end, there is a big surprise. Ben's father is revealed to be alive! He comes home, and they are reunited. Ben and his father then settle down together, finding peace and happiness.
