“To help mother”: that was the goal of each and every one of the five Pepper children. Yet even as “Mamsie” struggles hard to feed and educate her brood, she still manages to fill the house with joy. The adventures of this poor but loving family—Ben, Polly, Joel, Davie, and the adored youngest, Phronsie—have charmed young readers for more than a century. Overflowing with warmth, suspense, and many delightful surprises, this classic remains as compelling as ever.