Ben, the "steady-as-a-rock" boy, is the oldest of the Five Little Peppers, so it is his responsibility to see that nothing goes amiss on the first Christmas shopping expedition the Pepper children have every undertaken alone. But with such lively charges it is not surprising when, in spite of Ben's efforts, complications soon set in.

The worst mishap is Joel's encounter with awe-inspiring Madam Van Ruypen, a stately old lady in stiff black silk. But the meeting has happy consequences, for Madam Van Ruypen takes a fancy to Ben. How he and the old lady search for the red woolen tippet that ultimately brings new hope to tired Mrs. Hansell, and her tattered little brood, is one of the brightest spots in this delightful story.

The Hansell's are not the only ones to whom Ben in his quiet way offers help. To little Pip, Ben gives friendship when Pip desperately needs a friend. And when the mystery surrounding Pip is cleared up Ben finds that in befriending the little boy he has also brought great joy to someone else.

Young readers will find in this charming story a welcome opportunity to become better acquainted with the oldest of the beloved Five Little Peppers.

From the Grosset & Dunlap reprint