Mother Carey’s Chickens

Kate Douglas Wiggin (1856 - 1923)

“When Captain Carey went on his long journey into the unknown and uncharted land, the rest of the Careys tried in vain for a few months to be still a family, and did not succeed at all. They clung as closely to one another as ever they could, but there was always a gap in the circle where father had been….. The only thing to do was to remember father's pride and justify it, to recall his care for mother and take his place so far as might be; the only thing for all, as the months went on, was to be what mother called the three Bs -- brave, bright, and busy."


From the author of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, this book tells the story of a widow and her four children, forced to leave their home due to financial difficulties, and move to the “Yellow House” in turn of the century Beulah, Maine. The Disney movie “Summer Magic” starring Hayley Mills was loosely based on this book. (Summary by Maria Therese – with quotes from the book)

Genre(s): Family

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 01 - Mother Carey Herself Maria Therese
00:07:19
Play 02 02 - The Chickens ashleighjane
00:09:36
Play 03 03 - The Common Denominator Joyce Martin
00:06:35
Play 04 04 - The Broken Circle ashleighjane
00:06:47
Play 05 05 - How About Julia? Amy Benton
00:14:04
Play 06 06 - Nancy's Idea Amy Benton
00:14:27
Play 07 07 - "Old Beasts Into New" ESFJ Girl
00:08:04
Play 08 08 - The Knight of Beulah Castle Joyce Couch
00:12:58
Play 09 09 - Gilbert's Embassy Joyce Couch
00:15:28
Play 10 10 - The Careys' Flitting Joyce Couch
00:14:03
Play 11 11 - The Service on the Threshold Joyce Couch
00:11:34
Play 12 12 - Cousin Ann ESFJ Girl
00:12:06
Play 13 13 - The Pink of Perfection Joyce Couch
00:12:37
Play 14 14 - Ways and Means Joyce Couch
00:12:43
Play 15 15 - Belonging to Beulah Joyce Couch
00:10:04
Play 16 16 - The Post-Bag Joyce Couch
00:11:38
Play 17 17 - Jack of All Trades Joyce Martin
00:14:35
Play 18 18 - The House of Lords Joyce Martin
00:12:24
Play 19 19 - Old and New ESFJ Girl
00:12:39
Play 20 20 - The Painted Chamber Joyce Martin
00:12:40
Play 21 21 - A Family Rhomboid ESFJ Girl
00:12:47
Play 22 22 - Cradle Gifts Joyce Martin
00:12:53
Play 23 23 - Nearing Shiny Wall Joyce Martin
00:11:24
Play 24 24 - A Letter From Germany Joyce Martin
00:21:56
Play 25 25 - "Following the Gleam" Joyce Martin
00:15:27
Play 26 26 - A Zoological Father Joyce Martin
00:13:19
Play 27 27 - The Carey Housewarming Joyce Martin
00:12:16
Play 28 28 - "Tibi Spendet Focus" Joyce Martin
00:08:46
Play 29 29 - "Th' Action Fine" Joyce Martin
00:18:56
Play 30 30 - The Inglenook Joyce Couch
00:18:38
Play 31 31 - Grooves of Change Joyce Martin
00:15:39
Play 32 32 - Doors of Daring ESFJ Girl
00:08:28
Play 33 33 - Mother Hamilton's Birthday Joyce Martin
00:13:58
Play 34 34 - Nancy Comes Out Joyce Martin
00:11:03
Play 35 35 - The Crimson Rambler Joyce Martin
00:17:56