
Four spirited siblings reunite for a bright September morning on their sprawling family estate, where endless lawns, orchards, and a grand swing become the backdrop for grand adventures. Led by the inventive older brother and his equally imaginative sister Marjorie, they concoct elaborate games—today’s choice a shipwreck on a “desert island” fashioned from a swing and a sturdy gangplank. Their play blurs the line between imagination and reality, turning everyday objects into a steamer, a captain, and distant horizons.
The story captures the carefree rhythm of childhood in a genteel early‑20th‑century setting, highlighting the kids’ boundless creativity, their close‑knit camaraderie, and the subtle guidance of a world that encourages exploration within safe boundaries. Listeners will be drawn into the lively banter, the vivid garden scenery, and the infectious joy of children who turn a simple afternoon into an unforgettable voyage.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (294K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Ian Deane and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-11-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1862–1942
Best known for witty verse, lively children’s books, and clever mystery stories, this remarkably prolific American writer published more than 170 books. Her work ranged from nonsense rhymes to detective fiction, all marked by a playful style and an obvious love of words.
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