Originally published as Caldicott Place (1967) ( )

It's many years since I last read this book, another of my childhood favourites. I'd pretty much forgotten the plot. Three children don't realise how happy they are until their father is in a nasty car accident. He recovers, physically, but remains in an emotional fog for many months. Struggling financially, the family move to a small flat, which really doesn't work out.. then a totally unexpected event thrusts them into a completely new lifestyle in the countryside, with some temporary additions to the family.

Great characterisation, some very moving moments, and while part of the plot is a little unlikely, the story works well. Officially recommended for children of eight and over, but I found it very enjoyable as an adult; ideal to read aloud to any child who's ready for chapter books. ( )