The Family on Wheels

by J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) Oxley

"The Family on Wheels" by J. Macdonald Oxley is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Tamby family, a group of young siblings and their beloved elephant, Nalla, as they navigate the challenges of life as traveling performers. Their adventures include amusing escapades, encounters with various characters, and the struggle for survival in a world that often overlooks them. The opening of the book introduces us to the boys of Morainville in their excitement for an upcoming military parade. They play as pretend soldiers, but their plans are quickly changed when they encounter the Tamby family, who are performing with their elephant, Nalla. As curiosity overcomes them, the children abandon their military drill to form a guard of honor for this remarkable troupe. Nadine, the eldest sister of the Tamby family, soon becomes a central figure as she seeks permission from the local mayor to perform publicly, showcasing her maturity and determination. This early setup signals a blend of adventure, humor, and the theme of resilience as the children rely on one another and their unique talents to face obstacles.