
A snowy January day frames the lively world of three cousins—Ethel “Blue,” her brown‑eyed namesake, and Dorothy—who turn a simple afternoon into a celebration of curiosity and kinship. Their grandmother’s invitation to a grand New York outing has set the tone for adventure, but it’s the quiet wonder of giant snowflakes and a magnifying glass that truly captures their imagination. Through playful banter and youthful questions about cells, microscopes, and the hidden life in even the tiniest specks, the story weaves together family traditions, budding scientific fascination, and the magic of ordinary moments.
As the cousins explore the mysteries of nature—from snow‑shaped ferns to the microscopic rooms of a plant stem—they begin to see the world as a collection of marvels waiting to be examined. Their shared curiosity sparks dreams of future discoveries, hinting at a path where friendship and inquiry go hand in hand. The opening promises a warm, light‑hearted tale that celebrates both the bonds of family and the endless possibilities that lie hidden in the smallest details.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (313K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Kevin Handy, Dave Maddock, Garrett Alley, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2004-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1864–1942
Known for lively early-20th-century fiction for young readers, this writer brought North Carolina settings and everyday adventures to life in an approachable, warm style. Her books, including entries in the Ethel Morton series, mix family feeling, humor, and a strong sense of place.
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