When their mother dies and their father's business partner runs off to Spain with most of their money, the six intrepid Bastable children are determined to restore their family's fallen fortune.

These ever resourceful children squabble, make up, and have many memorable adventures, from publishing their own newspaper and selling wine to foiling a real burglar and even becoming kidnappers themselves. Along the way, they meet a real princess, visit a moneylender, and rescue the wealthy Lord Tottenham from a ferocious ambush. But while the efforts of the Bastables are often ingenious, their good intentions always go hilariously awry.

E. Nesbit's first novel for young readers is also one of her best. This lively, exceptionally funny story perfectly captures these children's remarkable bravery and deep sense of humor. First published in 1899, this children's classic is available again for a new generation of readers.

From the dust jacket of the 2006 Chronicle Books edition