Stories from the Peterkin Papers

by Lucretia P. Hale, Lisl Weil (Illustrator)

kids book

90 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Lucretia Peabody Hale, sister of Edward Everett Hale wrote two noted books, The Peterkin Papers (1880) and The Last of the Peterkins (1886), for children.

After attending school, this United States journalist and author, a member of the Boston school committee for two years, devoted to literature.

Hale published numerous stories in periodicals and newspapers, some of which were collected in books.

Parents reared Lucretia Peabody Hale with her ten siblings. Nathan Hale, nephew and namesake of the patriot hero, a lawyer, edited and owned the Boston Daily Advertiser while her mother, also an author, was a sister of Edward Everett, a Unitarian minister and politician.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently found this book among some childhood books. I remember thinking this was the funniest book ever. I also thought it was Dickens’ Pickwick Papers! These episodes were so stupid that I must have been dumber than I thought. For example, someone finally suggested that Mrs. Peterkin make a new cup of coffee after she accidentally put salt in it. She spent a chapter going from chemist to grocer etc. trying to add ingredients to the coffee to make it taste right. Good Lord!

[Zuska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved this book as a child. I own the 1964 Scholastic Book edition (probably bought in grade school from the little book order sheets we used to receive periodically - Tab, Paperback Book Club, etc. How I loved those!) It is a collection of tales that, a forward by the author's great-niece tells us, were already 100 years old at the time of publication. These are an absolute delight, and would surely please children still today, I think. I adore the kind patience of the "lady from Philadelphia" who solves so many troubles for the Peterkin family with her great wisdom. And yet, the Peterkins figure out an important lesson (especially for winter days) all on their own, in "The Peterkins Snowed Up" : " 'It is a good thing to learn,' said Mr. Peterkin, 'not to get up any earlier than necessary.' "

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book! This contains only some of the stories from 'The Peterkins Papers' which is the full length book. There are parts that make me cringe for the poor (slightly less than smart) Peterkins family. My favorite story is 'Elizabeth Eliza's Piano'. I recommend this book entirely!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

So thought this was hilarious and a fun read. I actually DNF because the humor was getting a little old as I went on but I wish I had the patience to finish. I might have if I read this when I was younger.