
In a sun‑washed Belgian village, eight‑year‑old Jan and Marie Van Hove spend their days helping parents in the harvest, caring for chickens, and exploring the fields with their loyal dog, Fidel. Their simple, rhythmic life—building mouse nests, splashing in the canal, sharing a midday snack under a shady tree—captures the quiet joy of rural childhood just before the world turns upside down.
When the distant echo of war reaches the fields, the twins find themselves thrust into a sudden, perilous journey as refugees. Their quick thinking and fierce devotion to each other lead them to hide a treasured locket, a small token that becomes a beacon of hope amid the chaos. Along the way they encounter an enigmatic eel‑woman and a determined mother, figures drawn from real lives of courage, whose stories inspire the twins to keep moving forward.
Through vivid description and heartfelt resilience, the tale offers a moving portrait of youthful bravery set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil, inviting listeners to share in the twins’ unforgettable first steps toward safety.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (123K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Lynn Hill. Dedicated to Betty Sheridan. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2003-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1937
Best known for the beloved Twins series, this American writer and illustrator created lively stories that introduced young readers to everyday life in many different countries. Her books paired simple, welcoming storytelling with artwork of her own, helping make world cultures feel close and real to children.
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