The Adopting of Rosa Marie

In a sleepy lakeside town where autumn has lingered far longer than usual, four spirited girls—Jean, Marjory, Mabel and little Bettie—have claimed the ramshackle Dandelion Cottage as their secret haven. Their days are filled with sunshine‑soaked adventures, and the favorite pastime “Mother” lets them imagine bustling families of their own, even though their real homes offer none. The cottage’s creaky floors and drafty windows only add to the charm of their make‑believe world.

Yet the game soon reveals a deeper longing: while Jean and Bettie can borrow infants from generous neighbors, Mabel and Marjory find themselves empty‑handed. When a mysterious baby named Rosa Marie appears, the girls are faced with a chance to care for a child who may never be returned. Their summer of endless play turns into a gentle lesson in responsibility, friendship, and the unexpected ways a family can form.