
In a bustling New England farmstead, a sprightly three‑year‑old named Willy delights everyone with his bright eyes and boundless energy. Dressed in a miniature suit of green breeches, red rocco shoes, and a fur hat sent from Boston, he proudly asks his mother if he looks “most white.” His mother’s tender embrace shields him from the teasing of his older brother Stephen, while his sisters—Seth, Love, and the ever‑watchful maid Lydia—dot his world with affection and guidance. The Parlin household, a lively mix of siblings, a diligent housekeeper, and a kindly ranch hand, forms the warm backdrop for his early adventures.
Every day brings new discoveries: from helping Caleb the ranch hand tend the sheep to watching the mischievous dog Fowler chase shadows across the yard. The occasional visits of Grandfather Cheever, who arrives with stories from Boston, stir Willy’s imagination and set the stage for gentle mischief. As the seasons turn, listeners will follow Willy’s bright spirit as he learns the values of family, kindness, and the simple joys of childhood.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (141K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards, Josephine Paolucci and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
Release date
2008-05-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1833–1906
Remembered for lively, warmhearted stories for children, this 19th-century American writer helped shape early popular fiction for young readers. Writing as Sophie May, she became especially beloved for the Little Prudy books and other tales filled with family life, humor, and everyday adventures.
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