Book Review Summary: Mother Carey's Chickens

Introduction

Mother Carey's Chickens, written by Kate Douglas Wiggin, is a heartwarming story that follows the lives of a family of four children. Despite their father's absence, the Carey children learn to make the lives of others better, transforming their home life when a snobbish cousin arrives. The book explores themes of family, resilience, and the true meaning of happiness. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze readers' views on the book, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending it.

About Kate Douglas Wiggin

Kate Douglas Wiggin, born in Philadelphia in 1856, was an American children's author and educator. She is best known for her books such as The Story of Pasty, The Birds' Christmas Carol, Polly Oliver's Problem, A Cathedral Courtship, The Village Watchtoer, Marm Lisa, and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Wiggin was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education and established the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878. She also established a training school for kindergarten teachers with her sister. Wiggin's writing reflects her commitment to education and her belief in the importance of nurturing children.

Analysis of Views

Characters and their growth: Readers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, particularly the transformation of Julia, the snobbish cousin. They find the Carey children relatable and enjoy watching them overcome challenges and grow into responsible individuals.
Realistic portrayal of family life: Many readers find the book relatable because it presents a realistic portrayal of family life during that time period. They appreciate the struggles and joys that the Carey family experiences, and how they navigate their circumstances with love and resilience.
Charm and nostalgia: The book is described as charming and nostalgic, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort. Readers enjoy the warm and loving atmosphere that permeates the story, as well as the sense of community and support that the Carey family experiences.
Inspirational message: Many readers find inspiration in the book's message about the importance of family, hard work, and personal growth. They appreciate the lessons learned by the Carey children and how they develop into responsible and compassionate individuals.
Cultural references: Readers appreciate the cultural references and literary allusions throughout the book. They find it interesting how Wiggin incorporates various authors and mythology into the story, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

Uplifting story: Readers recommend this book for its uplifting story that highlights the power of love, family, and resilience. They find it inspiring to see how the Carey family overcomes adversity and creates a happy home for themselves despite their challenges.
Charming characters: The characters in the book are described as charming and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them. Readers appreciate the growth and transformation of Julia as she learns important lessons about happiness and self-discovery.
Nostalgic appeal: The book's nostalgic atmosphere appeals to readers who enjoy stories set in simpler times. They appreciate the warmth and innocence of the past, which is captured in Mother Carey's Chickens.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of realism: Some readers find that the book lacks realism in its portrayal of family life during that time period. They feel that certain aspects of the story are unrealistic or idealized, which detracts from their overall enjoyment of the book.
Predictable plot: A few readers find that the plot is predictable, with certain events unfolding in a way that they anticipated from the beginning. They feel that some elements of the story are formulaic or clichéd, which detracts from its impact.

Conclusion

Mother Carey's Chickens by Kate Douglas Wiggin is a beloved children's book that has captured the hearts of readers with its charming characters, uplifting story, and nostalgic atmosphere. While some readers find it lacking in realism or predictability, many appreciate its inspiring message about family, resilience, and personal growth. Whether you are a fan of classic children's literature or simply looking for a heartwarming read, Mother Carey's Chickens is definitely worth considering.