The Wouldbegoods: Being the Further Adventures

“The Wouldbegoods: Being the Further Adventures of the Treasure Seekers” is a classic children’s novel by E. Nesbit, first published in 1901. It is a sequel to Nesbit’s earlier work “The Story of the Treasure Seekers” and follows the further adventures of the Bastable children, who are now called the “Wouldbegoods” due to their well-intentioned but often misguided attempts at good deeds.

The novel is set in the late Victorian era and is notable for its portrayal of the lives of middle-class children at the time. Nesbit’s writing is characterized by her ability to create relatable and believable child characters, with all their quirks, flaws, and innocence. The Bastable children are endearing in their enthusiastic desire to do good, even when their efforts often result in comical mishaps.

As with many of Nesbit’s works, “The Wouldbegoods” has a strong emphasis on the power of imagination and creativity. The children’s adventures are often driven by their own imaginations and desire for excitement, as they create elaborate scenarios and games to entertain themselves. This emphasis on imaginative play and creativity has made the novel a popular choice for children, even over a century after its original publication.

The novel also touches on themes of morality and responsibility, as the children learn the consequences of their actions and strive to make amends for their mistakes. Through the characters’ struggles and triumphs, Nesbit emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, as well as the value of learning from one’s mistakes.

Nesbit’s writing style is noted for its wit and humor, which can be seen throughout “The Wouldbegoods.” The novel is full of charming and humorous moments, from the children’s attempts at “restoring” a neglected garden to their misguided attempts to help a poor family. Nesbit’s writing is also marked by her attention to detail, as she vividly describes the characters and settings, bringing them to life for readers.

Overall, “The Wouldbegoods” is a beloved classic of children’s literature that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Nesbit’s charming and relatable characters, emphasis on imagination and creativity, and themes of morality and responsibility have made the novel a timeless favorite for generations of readers.