Author
Amy Walton
1848-1899
Amy Walton (1848-1899) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Amy Walton
Penelope and the Others: Story of Five Country Children
"Penelope and the Others: Story of Five Country Children" by Amy Walton is a children's novel written towards the end of the 19th century. This story continues the adventures of Penelope Hawthorne and her siblings as they navigate the challenges of childhood in the English countryside, surrounded by friends and family. The main character, Penelope, is depicted as thoughtful and imaginative, hatching plans to provide happiness for others, particularly her godmother, Miss Unity. The opening of the story introduces readers to Penelope, who is devising a plan to replace a damaged china mandarin for her beloved godmother. The narrative captures her determination and the challenges she faces, including persuading her siblings to contribute to the plan. Readers witness the dynamics between the Hawthorne children, their playful and sometimes competitive nature, and the innocence of childhood as they engage with their surroundings and each other. The story sets the stage for themes of sacrifice, sibling relationships, and the ups and downs of their adventures in a delightful rural setting.
The Hawthorns A Story about Children
"The Hawthorns" by Amy Walton is a children’s novel written in the late Victorian era. It centers around a group of young siblings living at Easney Vicarage, where their imaginative adventures and life lessons unfold against a pastoral backdrop. The story primarily features Penelope (Pennie), Ambrose, Nancy, David, and their baby sister, Dickie, as they navigate their daily lives filled with curiosity, play, and familial bonds. The beginning of "The Hawthorns" introduces us to the five Hawthorn children, each with distinct characteristics and personalities, as they engage in the simple pleasures of their countryside home and the vivid adventures they weave from their surroundings. At the heart of the opening chapters, we witness their camaraderie and creative play in places like the nursery, the Wilderness garden, and even the mysterious garret of the vicarage. Pennie, the oldest, is particularly imaginative, captivating her siblings with fantastical tales, while Ambrose grapples with his fears and learns about bravery through a series of small actual challenges. The siblings' interactions with their environment, including their pet animals and seasonal activities, set the stage for the themes of childhood wonder and the importance of family.
Thistle and Rose: A Story for Girls
"Thistle and Rose: A Story for Girls" by Amy Walton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Anna, a fifteen-year-old girl who is set to leave her life in London to stay with her relatives in the countryside while her father travels abroad. Throughout the narrative, Anna navigates new relationships, especially with her estranged grandfather, and experiences the contrasts between her previous life and the new opportunities awaiting her in Waverley. The opening of the novel introduces Anna as she prepares for her journey to Waverley, filled with both excitement and apprehension about leaving her familiar London life behind. Her governess, Miss Milverton, expresses her concern about Anna's adaptation to new surroundings, hinting at the importance of recognizing and valuing the best things in life. As Anna reflects on her past interactions and her father's absence, she feels a mix of anticipation and loneliness. This emotional backdrop sets the stage for her imminent arrival in Waverley, where themes of family, personal growth, and the discovery of one's roots begin to intertwine. The interactions between Anna and her father, as well as hints of her mother's mysterious past, suggest a rich storyline filled with potential for character development and poignant moments.
White Lilac; or the Queen of the May
"White Lilac; or the Queen of the May" by Amy Walton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Lilac White, a girl raised by her widowed mother, who is trying to give her daughter a good life amidst the struggles that come with their circumstances. As Lilac grows, themes of social standing, childhood beauty, and self-acceptance emerge, particularly in her interactions with her fashionable cousin Agnetta Greenways. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the life of Mrs. White, who is determined to bring up her daughter while grappling with the loss of her husband shortly after Lilac's birth. As the narrative unfolds, we learn of a significant event: the May Day competition in which Lilac is named Queen but faces the immediate tragedy of her mother's illness and death. This sets the stage for her upbringing alone in a rural village marked by social comparisons and the struggle to find her place among peers, including the superficial expectations set by her cousins. The opening chapters establish a vivid pastoral England and a poignant coming-of-age tale that raises questions about identity and societal values.
A Pair of Clogs
"A Pair of Clogs" by Amy Walton is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. This work includes narratives that intertwine everyday life with moral lessons, focusing primarily on the experiences of children. The first story introduces a young girl named Mary, who is caught in a series of events leading to her entanglement with gypsies and her quest to understand her identity. The opening portion sets the stage by following Mary, a charming two-year-old who is cherished by her single mother, Maggie, a factory girl. However, her life takes a dark turn when she is kidnapped by gypsies, only for her to be later left behind. As Mary grows up in the vicarage under the nurturing care of Mr. and Mrs. Vallance, the truth of her origins looms ominously. She navigates conflicting emotions about her identity and her so-called “real” family while dealing with the dualities of her existence—caught between her loving adoptive family and the gypsies who may claim her as their own. The story weaves in themes of belonging, identity, and the tension between love and societal expectations.
The Kitchen Cat and Other Stories
"The Kitchen Cat and Other Stories" by Amy Walton is a collection of charming children's stories written during the late 19th century. The book revolves around young protagonists navigating their imaginative worlds, exploring themes of companionship, kindness, and understanding, often centered around animals. In the titular story, "The Kitchen Cat," we meet Ruth, a lonely little girl who longs for a friend and finds solace in a scruffy kitchen cat. As Ruth befriends the cat, she learns the importance of empathy and care, transforming both their lives. Other stories in the collection, such as "Sarah's Sunday Out" and "The Toad in the Hole," delve into the adventures and lessons learned by children through their interactions with animals and each other. Each tale is imbued with a sense of innocence and moral values, making this book a delightful read for young audiences and a nostalgic selection for adult readers.
Black, White and Gray: A Story of Three Homes
"Black, White and Gray: A Story of Three Homes" by Amy Walton is a fictional children's tale set during the late 19th century. The story revolves around two children, Dennis and Maisie, who live with their aunt in a small English village called Fieldside while their parents work abroad in India. Their adventure begins with the discovery of three kittens—a black one, a white one, and a grey one—who cannot be kept due to their aunt's strict rules regarding pets, thus prompting the children to find suitable homes for them. The beginning of the narrative introduces us to the simple yet idyllic life of Dennis and Maisie as they engage in playful curiosity and adventure, particularly surrounding the kittens. The children demonstrate a sense of justice when faced with the difficult decision of sending the white and grey kittens away, revealing their internal struggle as they navigate their feelings about the fate of the animals. As they explore their environment and their relationship with the kittens, the story paints a rich picture of their close-knit community and the responsibilities that come with caring for living beings, ultimately setting the stage for a heartwarming journey about discovery and compassion.
Our Frank and other stories
"Our Frank" by Amy Walton is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on themes of morality and childhood experiences, particularly revolving around the central character, Frank Darvell, who grapples with the harsh realities of life and the consequences of running away from home. The opening of the story dives into Frank's troubled relationship with his father, which pushes him to flee his home. The narrative unfolds on a mild spring evening when Frank's mother, Mrs. Darvell, returns from market only to discover her son's absence. As she and her husband express concern over Frank's fate, we witness the contrasting dynamics of their parenting, highlighting Frank's sensitivity against his father's harsh expectations. Ultimately, these early scenes depict a poignant and morally rich tale of a young boy's quest for belonging and self-worth against the backdrop of 19th-century rural England.
Susan A Story for Children
"Susan" by Amy Walton is a charming children's novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story follows an 11-year-old girl named Susan, who is left in the care of her Great-Aunt Hannah while her mother takes her chronically ill brother, Freddie, to a warmer climate for the winter. Set against the backdrop of her relocation to Ramsgate, the narrative explores Susan's experiences as she adjusts to life away from home and navigates new relationships, particularly with her peculiar cousin Sophia Jane. At the start of the story, Susan's mixed emotions about being separated from her family are palpable as she prepares to leave London. The opening introduces her shy nature and her sense of wonder about the seaside, contrasting it with her anxieties about her unknown aunt and the girls she will meet. As she arrives at her aunt’s home, she is immediately enveloped in the unusual dynamics of her new surroundings and the character of Sophia Jane, who is equally curious and somewhat unsettling. The beginning sets the stage for the unfolding adventures and lessons in friendship, loyalty, and personal growth that Susan will experience throughout her time in Ramsgate.
The Kitchen Cat, and other Tales
"The Kitchen Cat, and other Tales" by Amy Walton is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book revolves around themes of companionship, empathy, and the innocent adventures of children and their pets. Throughout the stories, readers are invited into the lives of young protagonists who develop friendships and discover deeper understandings of their surroundings, particularly seen through the eyes of an imaginative child. The collection features three main stories. The first tale follows Ruth, a lonely "poor little rich girl," who finds solace in befriending a thin kitchen cat living in her home, leading to a heartwarming exploration of care and companionship. The second story centers on Sarah, a beloved toy dog, who recounts her unexpected adventures when she goes missing. Finally, the last story introduces two girls near a pond who learn valuable lessons about the differing comforts of life through a conversation with a toad. Each story encapsulates childlike wonder, the importance of love and friendship, and moral lessons woven into their narratives, making this collection resonate with both young readers and adults alike.