The Boxcar Children - by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Audio Book CD
Brand New (2 CDs - 2 Hours):
About The Boxcar Children
The first book tells the story of four children: Henry James Alden, 14; Jessie Alden, 12; Violet Alden, 10; Benny Alden, 6; and their dog Watch. Upon the death of their mother and father, their grandfather assumes custody of the children, but they run away because they believe him to be cruel. Finding an abandoned boxcar, they start a new life of independence. They furnish their boxcar with items retrieved from a local dump while Henry works for a young doctor, in order to earn money for food. The young doctor, Dr. Moore, who lives in a nearby city, hires Henry to do jobs around his home, such as mowing the lawn and organizing his garage. He also does gardening for Mrs. Moore. (In one case, Mrs. Moore let him take home some parsnips and carrots he had picked because they were too small) The children's lives are pleasant and simple until Violet becomes ill and they must go to Dr. Moore for assistance.
Earlier in the novel, Dr. Moore has read in the newspaper that a man named James Alden was offering a ,000 reward for anyone who can locate his four lost grandchildren. When Violet is taken ill, Dr. Moore finally contacts James Alden, who arrives just after the children bring in Violet for treatment. Not wanting to frighten the children into running away again, their grandfather referred to himself as Mr. Henry (Henry being his middle name). Not knowing that the man was their "cruel" grandfather, the children warm to his kindness and are surprised but delighted when Dr. Moore reveals to them that he is their grandfather. After moving in with their grandfather, Mr. Alden moves the boxcar to his backyard for their enjoyment.
About Gertrude Chandler Warner
(From Wikipedia) Gertrude Chandler Warner (April 16, 1890 - August 30, 1979) was an American author, mainly of children's stories. She was most famous for beginning the popular Boxcar Children book series.
Born in Putnam, Connecticut, Warner dreamed of being a famous author from the age of five. Her favorite book was Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Being in a musical family, she was almost predisposed to play an instrument; in her case, she chose the cello, and her father bought her a cello kit at a young age. However, because of her frequent illness, Warner never finished high school. After leaving in her sophomore year, she learned from a tutor and finished her secondary education. In 1918, while she was teaching Sunday School, Warner was called to teach first grade, mainly because male teachers were being called to serve in World War I. She thought up the Boxcar Children while at home, sick. The stories were perfect for children, especially the majority (at least in her class) who did not speak English very well. She was criticized for displaying children with little parental supervision; her critics thought that this would encourage child rebellion. Her response was, however, that the children liked it for that very reason.
The series was originally published by Scott Foresman, starting in 1942. Today, Albert Whitman & Company publishes the extremely popular series of 19 stories. Other authors have contributed to the series, adding approximately 90 books to the series. In her later life, before she died at age 89, Warner became a volunteer for the American Red Cross and assisted other charitable organizations.
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