The Boxcar Children Beginning: The Aldens of Fair Meadow Farm

Illustrated by Tim Jessell
Before they were the Boxcar Children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden lived with their parents at Fair Meadow Farm. Although times are hard, they're happy—"the best family of all," Mama likes to say. One day, a blizzard hits the countryside, and a car is stranded on the road near their farm. The family in the car needs shelter, and when the Aldens take them in, the strangers soon become friends. But things never stay the same at Fair Meadow Farm, and the spring and summer bring events that will forever change the lives of the Alden children. Newbery-Award winning author Patricia MacLachlan pays loving tribute to the classic novel by Gertrude Chandler Warner in this story of the Alden children's origins and the challenges they faced before their boxcar adventures.
© John MacLachlan
Patricia Maclachlan, the author of numerous picture books and novels for children, is best known for her Newbery Medal–winning novel Sarah, Plain and Tall. Her other works include JourneyBabyWaiting for the Magic, and Kindred Souls. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she attended the University of Connecticut and now lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, with her husband. View titles by Patricia Maclachlan
TIM JESSELL'S work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibitions, receiving the Society's Gold Medal Award. He is also the winner of AdWeek Magazine's Illustrator of the Year. His work can be seen in the bestselling series Secrets of Droon, Superhero Christmas (written by Stan Lee of Marvel Comics), and covers for the reissue of Zilpha Keatley Snyder's Newbery Honor Books. Tim has been a guest speaker to professional graphic communication groups and enjoys speaking to student groups as well. View titles by Tim Jessell

About

Before they were the Boxcar Children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden lived with their parents at Fair Meadow Farm. Although times are hard, they're happy—"the best family of all," Mama likes to say. One day, a blizzard hits the countryside, and a car is stranded on the road near their farm. The family in the car needs shelter, and when the Aldens take them in, the strangers soon become friends. But things never stay the same at Fair Meadow Farm, and the spring and summer bring events that will forever change the lives of the Alden children. Newbery-Award winning author Patricia MacLachlan pays loving tribute to the classic novel by Gertrude Chandler Warner in this story of the Alden children's origins and the challenges they faced before their boxcar adventures.

Author

© John MacLachlan
Patricia Maclachlan, the author of numerous picture books and novels for children, is best known for her Newbery Medal–winning novel Sarah, Plain and Tall. Her other works include JourneyBabyWaiting for the Magic, and Kindred Souls. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she attended the University of Connecticut and now lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, with her husband. View titles by Patricia Maclachlan
TIM JESSELL'S work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibitions, receiving the Society's Gold Medal Award. He is also the winner of AdWeek Magazine's Illustrator of the Year. His work can be seen in the bestselling series Secrets of Droon, Superhero Christmas (written by Stan Lee of Marvel Comics), and covers for the reissue of Zilpha Keatley Snyder's Newbery Honor Books. Tim has been a guest speaker to professional graphic communication groups and enjoys speaking to student groups as well. View titles by Tim Jessell