
The Pepper family sets sail for the first time, trading the familiar hum of their little brown house for the creak of a steamer’s deck. Polly, Jasper, and their younger siblings tumble through the ship’s corridors in a lively game of hide‑and‑seek, their curiosity sparking both comedy and a touch of worry when a beloved sister disappears into the maze of cabins. Their spirited banter and close‑knit bond turn the cramped vessel into a stage for the lively, heart‑warming chaos that defines their everyday life.
As the ocean rolls beneath them, the Peppers encounter a colorful cast of passengers—a sleepy gentleman with oversized spectacles, a mischievous boy eager to rouse him, and a host of strangers who add flavor to the voyage. Through these encounters, the children learn to navigate new customs, unfamiliar foods, and the gentle challenges of sea travel, all while keeping their optimism afloat. The story captures the excitement of first‑time travel, the comfort of family teamwork, and the simple joy of discovering the world beyond their doorstep.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (448K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1844–1924
Best remembered as the creator of the beloved Five Little Peppers books, this American writer built a long career telling lively, warmhearted stories for young readers. Writing under the pen name Margaret Sidney, she also helped preserve literary history through her work connected to The Wayside in Concord, Massachusetts.
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