The Box-Car Children
By Gertrude Chandler Warner
Illustrations by Dorothy Lake Gregory
This classic children’s story by Gertrude Chandler Warner has captivated young readers for generations. The book follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden—who, after losing their parents, decide to make their way in the world independently. Fearing separation in foster care, they find refuge in an abandoned boxcar they discover in the woods. The boxcar becomes their makeshift home, where they transform their surroundings into a cozy living space. They gather food, make furniture from scraps, and support each other as a loving family, showing resilience and resourcefulness in their quest for independence.
The siblings’ creativity and determination inspire them to solve everyday challenges, and the story celebrates themes of family loyalty, cooperation, and self-reliance. Eventually, the children are taken in by their wealthy grandfather, Mr. Alden, whom they had initially feared. Mr. Alden, far from the harsh figure they expected, turns out to be kind and welcoming, offering them a new home while honoring their cherished boxcar as a symbol of their journey and unity.
The Box-Car Children is a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of family, kindness, and courage. Its gentle tone and engaging plot have made it a favorite for young readers who are drawn to tales of adventure, mystery, and the enduring bonds between siblings.
This eBook edition in PDF format includes the complete and unabridged text as originally published, with a “clickable” table of contents and the original illustrations embedded in proper locations in the searchable text. This is a “free-flow” eBook, which means the text and illustrations will flow from screen to screen depending on the size and settings of your device without being broken up by page headers or page numbers.
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