Mary Louise in the Country

Name: Mary Louise in the Country
ISBN: 9781492164050

by L Frank Baum, L. Frank Baum

Mary Louise moves to the countryside with her grandfather, where she discovers that their new home holds more secrets and mystery than she ever expected.

About This Book

"Is this the station, Gran'pa Jim?" inquired a young girl, as the train began to slow up. "I think so, Mary Louise," replied the handsome old gentleman addressed. "It does look very promising, does it?" she continued, glancing eagerly out of the window. "The station? No, my dear; but the station isn't Cragg's Crossing, you know; it is merely the nearest railway point to our new home." The conductor opened their drawing-room door. "The next stop is Chargrove, Colonel," he said. "Thank you." The porter came for their hand baggage and a moment later the long train stopped and the vestibule steps were let down. If you will refer to the time-table of the D. R. & G. Railway you will find that the station of Chargrove is marked with a character dagger ( ), meaning that trains stop there only to let off passengers or, when properly signaled, to let them on. Mary Louise, during the journey, had noted this fact with misgivings that were by no means relieved when she stepped from the sumptuous train and found before her merely a shed-like structure, open on all sides, that served as station-house.

Concepts

Love & Family Curiosity & Wonder Anxiety & Worry Loneliness & Belonging Moving Family & Siblings

Wonderlit Review

This early chapter book by L. Frank Baum introduces Mary Louise, a young girl traveling by train with her grandfather, Gran'pa Jim, to their new home in the country. The narrative opens with Mary Louise's observations and slight apprehension about their destination, a remote station in Chargrove. The language is somewhat formal, suggesting a historical setting, and the focus is on the gentle interaction between the child and her grandparent, and her internal processing of a new experience. The emotional arc is subtle, moving from mild apprehension to a sense of quiet observation and the promise of a new beginning. This book is for children who are experiencing a move, or those who enjoy quiet, character-driven stories about family bonds and adjusting to change. A parent might reach for this when their child is feeling nervous about an upcoming relocation or a visit to an unfamiliar place. There are no sensitive topics requiring preview, making it a gentle read. Younger children (ages 6-7) will appreciate it as a read-aloud, while older early elementary readers (ages 8-9) might enjoy reading it independently. Its historical feel and focus on internal experience set it apart from more action-oriented contemporary stories about moving.