Milly, Molly, Mandy by Joyce Lankester Brisley was first published in 1928. I bought my copy of the book just a couple of weeks ago, it’s a lovely 90th anniversary edition. This is a series of books, compilations of short stories with Millicent Margaret Amanda as the main character, she’s Milly-Molly-Mandy for short. I didn’t read this series as a child and I think back in the day when my boys were youngsters they would definitely have classed Milly Molly Mandy as for girls only.
The blurb says: Milly-Molly-Mandy is always ready for some fun, whether she is going to a party, blackberry picking or running errands. Along with Toby the dog, little-friend-Susan and Billy Blunt, she can always find something to do in her tiny village in the countryside.
The stories have lovely quaint illustrations, in fact before finding this book I had only known the author as an illustrator, specifically of Adventures Of The Little Wooden Horse.
Joyce Lankester Brisley came from a talented family of artists with both of her sisters having successful careers in art too.
I suppose I’d have liked this series if I read it at the right age but I found it disappointing as an adult. I bet the granddaughters will like it, however!
Constance,
M-M-M runs around all over ‘doing messages’ (errands) for her family members, I’m wondering if it will give modern children ideas that they should be able to have as much freedom! My generation had an Enid Blyton type childhood, in other words we were off and away up the hills or just wandering until we got hungry and set off for home. That’s a thing of the past now!