Ben Pepper

Ben Pepper is the steady heart of the Pepper household, the eldest son who quietly holds his family together after their father's passing. Known in Badgertown as “steady‑as‑a‑rock,” he blends dependable responsibility with a playful spirit that only a true Pepper can muster. The story opens in the bustling kitchen of the Little Brown House, where his mother’s love and the community’s chatter set the stage for his gentle heroism.

When Christmas approaches, Ben is asked to accompany his sister Polly on a shopping expedition for the town’s children. Together they navigate crowded streets, festive stalls, and the occasional adult worry, all while keeping the younger kids safe and delighted. Their adventure reveals Ben’s quiet courage, his knack for turning simple errands into memorable moments, and the warm, neighborly spirit that defines their close‑knit New England world.