
Frank and Fanny Lee are young orphans raised by their kindly grandparents in a quiet New England village. Their modest cottage, shaded by a sprawling elm and surrounded by a garden bursting with roses, currants, and wildflowers, becomes a haven where the children learn the rhythms of the countryside. With little money for toys, they fill their days wandering the woods, gathering forget‑me‑not bouquets, and listening to their grandmother’s nightly readings from the family Bible.
The story follows their simple pleasures—watching butterflies dance among tiger‑lilies, helping with garden chores, and sharing the bounty of nature with one another. Through these gentle episodes, the narrative celebrates patience, kindness, and the quiet beauty of rural life, inviting listeners to experience the charm of a world where everyday tasks become small adventures. The vivid illustrations of birds, squirrels, and village scenes further bring this tranquil setting to life.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (61K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Internet Archive Children's Library; University of Florida, PM Children's Library, Laura Wisewell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2005-06-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1824–1899
A Philadelphia philanthropist and writer, she moved from Civil War relief work into reform causes and later became known for books on spirituality and scientific speculation. Her life joined social activism, literary work, and a strong curiosity about the unseen.
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