For readers who wondered over the past seven decades what happened to the parents of Gertrude Chandler Warner’s Boxcar Children, Newbery Medalist MacLachan supplies the answer in this partially satisfying prequel. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny live with their loving parents on Fair Meadow Farm. Times are hard, but the Aldens make do: father Ben works as a carpenter, and mother Kate sells baked goods. The Alden children continue to epitomize resourcefulness, putting on a circus and creating a barn hideaway. They do chores without complaint. Perhaps it’s in character, then, that the untimely death of their parents is taken completely in stride; the children barely grieve. When Henry hints to a neighbor that they will flee rather than risk being sent to an orphanage, he is reminded he will miss his parents’ funeral. “I know that you will say good things about them,” Henry says. And then they’re off. Fans will enjoy this picture of life “before,” but it feels like a missed opportunity to make the Alden children a little less perfect. Ages 7–10. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, East West Literary Agency. (Sept.)
"Indulging occasionally in foreshadowing and artfully incorporating details that will figure in later events, MacLachlan chronicles encounters and minor adventures on the farm in simple, straightforward language…An approachable lead-in that serves to fill in the background both for confirmed fans and readers new to the series."—Kirkus Reviews
"The innocence of children is well captured through their straightforward dialogue, and each child has a distinct personality that will appeal to old fans and new readers of the series. Gently written, and harkening to a simpler time, this story will be an enjoyable family read and will serve as an easy-to-understand chapter book for emerging readers."—School Library Journal
"Fans will enjoy this picture of life 'before.'"—Publishers Weekly
"Series fans will like this glimpse into the Aldens' previous life."—Booklist
"The tone echoes the old-school charm of the original series, while short sentences, a straightforward plot, and plenty of dialogue make it an obvious choice for readers just transitioning into chapter books. Fans of the series will be pleased by this gentle addition, and others may very well be inspired to discover what lies in store for Henry, Violet, Jessie, and Benny."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Sketchlike pencil illustrations throughout depict the many highs and lows of the siblings' tale and nicely complement MachLachlan's smooth, accessible narrative."—The Horn Book Magazine
Gr 2–4—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny have a place in the hearts and on the bookshelves of so many families, and this perfectly positioned prequel will delight fans of the Alden children who have always wondered what happened before the Boxcar Children became the Boxcar Children. During the Great Depression, the family is living at Fairweather Farm. When the Clarks lose their home and are on their way to live with relatives, they become stuck during a blizzard, and the Aldens take them in. Many weeks go by until the part arrives to fix their car. The Alden and Clark children become good friends and attend school together, and when the Clarks leave, the children deal with their sadness. When the sheriff comes to give the Alden children the news that will change their lives forever, the Boxcar Children's journey truly begins. The innocence of the children is well captured through their straightforward dialogue, and each child has a distinct personality that will appeal to old fans and new readers of the series. Gently written, and harkening to a simpler time, this story will be an enjoyable family read and will serve as an easy-to-understand chapter book for emerging readers. Doubtlessly, the series will see reinvigorated interest from this title by an author whose talent for historical fiction will not be lost on young readers.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL
This prelude slips neatly into the classic series with a rural idyll that comes to a sudden, tragic end. Spring brings not only fresh rounds of games and chores ("Chores are fun," says Meg) for the four Alden children, but new friends too after the Clark family--fleeing frequently mentioned "hard times" in the city--arrives in a storm to stay until their car can be repaired. Indulging occasionally in foreshadowing and artfully incorporating details that will figure in later events, MacLachlan chronicles encounters and minor adventures on the farm in simple, straightforward language. The season changes, the children put on a summer circus, and the Clarks depart at last with a fond "[n]ot good-bye." Then comes an offstage auto accident that orphans Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny and forces them to flee the farm even before the funeral lest they be separated. "The four lambs were on their way." Interest in the classic Boxcar Children Mysteries remains strong, and this prequel should find eager readers. An approachable lead-in that serves to fill in the background both for confirmed fans and readers new to the series. (finished illustrations, afterword and resource list not seen) (Historical fiction. 8-10)
Tim Gregory narrates this touching prequel to The Boxcar Children series. Gregory’s narration is complemented by numerous sound effects, such as the family dog barking and the family cow mooing, which assist in adding levity and conveying aspects of the Alden family’s life on the farm. Gregory’s lively narration brings out the personalities of the individual children, evoking the joy and ingenuity of their activities and interactions with one another. Through his controlled timing, Gregory also communicates the children’s vulnerability and heartbreak in this tender story about treasuring love and family. M.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
DECEMBER 2012 - AudioFile
