Carroll Watson Rankin
The Adopting of Rosa Marie
(A Sequel to Dandelion Cottage)
"The Adopting of Rosa Marie" by Carroll Watson Rankin is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This charming sequel to "Dandelion Cottage" features four young girls—Jean Mapes, Marjory Vale, Mabel Bennett, and little Bettie Tucker—who establish a close friendship while playing in their beloved cottage. Their summer adventures take an exciting turn when they decide to care for a little Indian girl named Rosa Marie, navigating the trials of childhood imagination, responsibility, and unexpected challenges. The opening of the story introduces the four friends as they relish their carefree days at Dandelion Cottage, where they play games like "Mother" and deal with the humorous trials of borrowing babies from their neighbors. Mabel's initiative to bring home Rosa Marie, a foundling girl, sets the stage for a series of heartfelt adventures filled with laughter, mischief, and the occasional chaos typical of childhood. However, Mabel soon realizes the challenge of keeping Rosa Marie's presence a secret from the adults, leading to dilemmas that explore themes of belonging, friendship, and the innocence of youth.