Classic Children’s Books: Little Women

Many stories explore the theme of sisterly love, but very few do it as sweetly and nicely as ‘Little Women’ – and this was when the concepts of ‘chick-lit’ and ‘teen-lit’ did not even exist. Not surprisingly, the book became an overnight bestseller and the author received piles of letters from readers asking for a sequel!

Little Women (1868-69)

Author: Louisa May Alcott

The story was thus published in two parts that were combined into a single volume in 1880. If you are looking for a heart-warming, coming-of-age tale for your daughter, this book is probably your best bet.

The Plot

‘Little Women’ is the story of the March sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, who belong to a humble but closely-knit family. Meg and Jo, the elder two, have jobs, Beth studies at home and helps mother Marmee while Amy goes to school. Their father has left to fight the Civil War.

The movie version of this heart-warming classic starred Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon

The story is set in New England and traces the girls’ journey from childhood to womanhood. Each one of the sisters is highly individualistic, and this leads to interesting dynamics in their relationships.

Meg is a delicate beauty, while Jo is a tomboy who loves to write but never wants to marry; Beth is a shy, but loving, girl, while Amy is the silly one who can’t stop fretting over her beauty.

Tragedy befalls when the family is affected by a life-threatening disease. Will the family be able to hold their own in the face of adversity? Will they ever get to see their father again? The story describes the girls’ lives, loves and relationships as they pass through various phases of their lives.

Why The Kids Will Love It

‘Little Women’ is a simple, affable book that makes for a pleasant read every time you go through it. The characters are so well-etched that they actually seem real and believable more than a century after the book was written.

Modern-age girls can easily connect to the feelings and dilemmas of the four sisters, as they are very universal in nature. Even though the story is fraught with tragedies, the narrative somehow shows a promise of hope.

Kids as young as eight can understand and enjoy the book. The story is more about a journey than a destination – this is probably what makes it so charming.

Why You Will Love It

On the literary front, the story is written in a simple style that is easy to follow and appropriate for a wide age range. The story beautifully brings out the fact that for ultimate happiness, love scores over money anytime.

Though that sentiment may seem like candy floss in our times, it just feels good to reunite with old-fashioned values – even if only momentarily. This one leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Copyright © Shuchi Kalra

Shuchi Kalra is a freelance writer based in India. Her works have been published several online and print publications- both in India and abroad. She also writes content for websites, businesses and portals. She is currently working on a short-story anthology.

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Image Source Amazon.com