You will love this story about young William and Libby traveling to meet their father and stepmother. On the way, they meet a special young lady in a long, red robe who gives them some valuable and much-needed advice. Excerpt: The last half hour had seemed endless to Will'm, almost as long as the whole four years of his life…

Annie Fellows Johnston (1863–1931) was an American author best known for her children's and young adult novels. Born on May 15, 1863, in McCutchanville, Indiana, she spent much of her life in the American South, particularly in Pewee Valley, Kentucky. Johnston's literary style often encompassed themes of traditional values, moral growth, and the coming-of-age journey, which endeared her to readers across the nation. Her works frequently drew on regional settings and characters, enveloping them in a warm, narrative embrace that reflected her own upbringing and personal values. A notable work by Johnston is 'Miss Santa Claus of the Pullman' – a tale that infuses the spirit of Christmas with the industrious world of the Pullman train car workers, showcasing her ability to intertwine sentimental storytelling with social observation. Johnston's 'Little Colonel' series remains her most celebrated body of work, often being compared to Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' for its emphasis on the domestic lives and moral challenges of young girls. Annie F. Johnston's writings continue to be celebrated for their heartfelt narrative and enduring charm, encapsulating the gentle spirit of turn-of-the-century American literature. Her legacy remains not only through her writings but also through the Little Colonel stories which were adapted into films, securing her place in both literary and popular culture.