The Rackety-Packety House concerns a family of Dutch jointed dolls, whose shabby, old house gets relocated to an "unfashionable neighborhood" (2) in the far corner of the nursery when their owner gets a sparkling new dollhouse, called Tidy Castle. Next to the new "neighbors" the old dolls look especially scruffy in their crumbling home and patched-up clothing. Despite their down-at-heel circumstances, the residents of Rackety-Packety House manage to make the most of what they have. According to our narrator, Queen Crosspatch, they

Their jovial nature makes them popular with the other nursery creatures, so everyone worries when they hear that Rackety-Packety House and all its occupants are headed for the trash bin. For the moment, however, it is hidden behind a chair so it "won't disgrace the castle" (19). Relieved to be forgotten, the old dolls carry on with their fun and dancing. Although they are content in their shabby home, spying on the snobby castle dolls provides the Rackety-Packetys with plenty of entertainment. When Lady Patsy arrives at the castle (after having a leg mended), the Rackety-Packety dolls become enamored with the pretty girl who "neither turned her nose up, nor looked down the bridge of it, nor laughed mockingly" (40). She, in turn, becomes enamored of the Rackety-Packetys, especially cheerful Peter Piper. In no time, Patsy happily ensconces herself with the shabby dolls, whom she finds so much more exiciting than her own relations.

When scarlet fever hits Tidy Castle, its inhabitants have no choice but to rely on the low bunch at Rackety-Packety House. They prove their worth to the snooty gentry, and reap a delightful reward. The Rackety-Packety House sends its message loud and clear: If you're kind and good, you will always be happy regardless of your circumstances.

Francis Hodgson Burnett writes brilliantly, bringing to life a whole slew of fun characters. Her words sing with a charming, old-fashioned cadence that will enthrall anyone (even a 9-year-old boy). It's simply a beautiful, fun story that carries an important (if a bit transparent) moral. Didacticism be darned, I love this enchanting tale.

Grade: A+