Mabel Leigh Hunt (1892–1971)

A biography for kids of Charles Stratton (a.k.a. General Tom Thumb), who was groomed from a young age into an traveling attraction by P.T. Barnum. For its subject matter, this Newbery Honor Book could have been really interesting. Reader, it wasn't.

Eight-year-old Benjie was the third boy in his Quaker family, and used to getting hand-me-downs like his hat, but one day a letter came from Grandmother, inviting Benjie to stay with her and be a "manbody" to keep her company. Now if he could just find a way to get a real boys' cap.

This Newbery Honor Book from 1950 is a biography of Johnny Appleseed for kids. It's not bad, but the language hasn't aged well and I suspect it wouldn't go over too well with the kiddos today.

I do love the illustrations in old books. (copyright 1936) Nice story as well. Mother getting herself a clock after Father says no.