Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue at Aunt Lu's City Home

In Short

Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue at Aunt Lu's City Home is a delightful children's book by Laura Lee Hope, following the adventures of Bunny Brown and his sister Sue as they visit their Aunt Lu in New York City. The story is filled with excitement, as the children explore the city, make new friends, and learn important lessons about responsibility, kindness, and the value of family. Their adventures include getting lost, helping others, and discovering the joys and challenges of city life. The book is a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the joy of exploration.

The Story

Bunny Brown and his sister Sue are excited to visit their Aunt Lu in New York City. The story begins with a midnight alarm, where Bunny and Sue, curious and adventurous, sneak out to investigate the commotion. They discover it's a false alarm caused by a monkey, and their parents find them, reminding them of the importance of staying safe.

The next day, Bunny and Sue explore the city, visiting a grocery store and surprising an old woman, Miss Hollyhock, with groceries they leave on her doorstep. They also encounter a grocery delivery boy, Tommie, and accidentally ride in his wagon, causing a mix-up with an order. Their mother and Aunt Lu are surprised to find them, but all ends well.

Aunt Lu invites the family to her city home, and Bunny and Sue are thrilled to meet Wopsie, a little colored girl who lives with Aunt Lu. They quickly become friends and explore the city together, including a trip to the park and a ride in Aunt Lu's automobile. However, they get lost and end up in the wrong house, causing a bit of confusion before they find their way back.

The children's adventures continue as they explore Aunt Lu's apartment building, accidentally get stuck in a dumbwaiter, and meet new friends. They also try to help Wopsie find her lost family, showing their kindness and empathy. Bunny and Sue learn about city life, including how to order dinner in a restaurant and the importance of following rules, like not bringing pets into certain buildings.

One of their most exciting adventures involves getting lost in Central Park while trying to catch a fish. They are found by a policeman and taken to the police station, where their mother and Aunt Lu come to get them. The children also meet Aunt Sallie, a kind woman who sells ice cream in the park, and they help Wopsie discover that Aunt Sallie is her long-lost aunt.

The story concludes with a happy Christmas celebration, where Bunny and Sue reflect on their adventures and the joy of being with family. They learn valuable lessons about responsibility, kindness, and the importance of family bonds, making their visit to Aunt Lu's city home a memorable and enriching experience.

How It Unfolds

The Midnight Alarm: Bunny and Sue sneak out to investigate a church bell ringing, only to find it's a false alarm caused by a monkey. Exploring the City: The children visit a grocery store and surprise Miss Hollyhock with groceries, then accidentally ride in a grocery wagon. Aunt Lu's Invitation: The family is invited to Aunt Lu's city home, where Bunny and Sue meet Wopsie and explore the city. Getting Lost: They get lost in the wrong house and are helped by a kind elevator boy. Adventures in the City: Bunny and Sue explore Aunt Lu's apartment, get stuck in a dumbwaiter, and try to help Wopsie find her family. Learning Lessons: They learn about city life, including how to order dinner and the importance of following rules. Lost in the Park: Bunny and Sue get lost in Central Park while trying to catch a fish and are found by a policeman. A Happy Reunion: They help Wopsie find her aunt, and the story ends with a joyful Christmas celebration.

The People

Bunny Brown: A curious and adventurous boy who loves exploring and helping others. He wants to have fun and make new friends but often gets into mischief. Sue Brown: Bunny's sister, who is kind and empathetic. She wants to enjoy the city and help Wopsie find her family. Aunt Lu: Bunny and Sue's aunt, who lives in New York City. She is kind and welcoming, providing the children with a memorable visit. Wopsie: A little colored girl who lives with Aunt Lu. She is friendly and becomes fast friends with Bunny and Sue. Mother Brown: Bunny and Sue's mother, who is loving and protective. She wants her children to be safe and learn valuable lessons. Aunt Sallie: A kind woman who sells ice cream in Central Park. She turns out to be Wopsie's long-lost aunt.

In Its Own Voice

"Bunny! Bunny Brown! Sue, dear! Aren't you going to get up?"

This line opens the story, showing Mrs. Brown's gentle wake-up call to her children.

"We'll give her a surprise," he whispered to Sue. "We'll make believe it's Valentine's Day or Hallowe'en, and we'll leave the things on her doorstep, and run away."

This quote highlights Bunny's playful and thoughtful nature as he plans a kind surprise for Miss Hollyhock.

"Oh, we was runned away with in the pony cart," explained Sue, "and we got spilled out, but we fell on some piles of grass and didn't get hurt a bit. And Aunt Sallie found us, and we bought ice-cream cones of her and--"

This line shows Sue's excitement and happiness as she recounts their adventure in the park.

What It's Really About

Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue at Aunt Lu's City Home is about the joys of exploration, the importance of family, and the value of kindness. The story emphasizes the excitement of discovering new places and the lessons learned along the way. It also highlights the significance of family bonds, as Bunny and Sue's adventures bring them closer to their aunt and mother. The children's kindness and empathy, especially towards Wopsie, show the importance of helping others and the rewards of friendship. The book is a heartwarming tale that teaches young readers about responsibility, curiosity, and the joy of shared experiences.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy wholesome, adventurous stories with a focus on family and friendship will love Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue at Aunt Lu's City Home. The book is a delightful read for children and adults alike, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century city life through the eyes of curious and kind-hearted children. The story's themes of exploration, kindness, and family bonds are timeless and relatable, making it a charming addition to any bookshelf. While the language and attitudes reflect the period in which it was written, the story's warmth and positivity shine through, leaving readers with a sense of joy and nostalgia. The book is a perfect choice for bedtime reading or family storytime, providing a gentle and engaging narrative that stays with you long after the last page.