This book contains the following story:
'This is the story of one of the most far-reaching and influentially naughty things we ever did in our lives. We did not mean to do such a deed. And yet we did do it.' After being banished to the countryside for creating even more mayhem than usual, the Bastable children vow to mend their ways. Establishing 'The Society of the Wouldbegoods', their first rule is: 'every member is to be as good as possible'. But sometimes it's just not possible to be good - no matter how hard you try.
The Wouldbegoods" is a children's novel written by British author E. Nesbit, first published in 1901. It is the third book in the Bastable series, following "The Story of the Treasure Seekers" and "The Would-Be-Goods." Here's a plot summary of "The Wouldbegoods":
Introduction: "The Wouldbegoods" is narrated by Oswald Bastable, one of the older siblings in the Bastable family. The story continues to revolve around the daily lives and imaginative adventures of the Bastable children, who are known for their knack for getting into amusing scrapes and quests.
The Setting: The Bastable children are now living in a new location, The Moat House, during the summer holidays. The Moat House is owned by their father's employer, Mr. Blake, who has allowed the family to stay there while he is away. The children view it as an opportunity for exciting adventures.
The Formation of the "Wouldbegoods" Society: Inspired by their desire to be good and to help others, the Bastable children form a society called the "Wouldbegoods." They make a pledge to do one good deed every day, but their attempts often lead to unintended consequences and humorous situations.
Various Adventures and Mishaps: Throughout the novel, the children embark on a series of entertaining adventures, including:
The Ugly-Wuglies: The children create a secret society called the Ugly-Wuglies and engage in pranks and mischief around the neighborhood. Their actions, though well-intentioned, sometimes cause trouble for others.
The Pigs-Nay, the Treasure: The children discover a hidden treasure, which turns out to be an ancient Roman pig. They are initially disappointed but later come to appreciate its historical value.
The Trouble at the Tower: The children become involved in the affairs of Mr. Snooks, a neighbor, and find themselves in a series of amusing predicaments while trying to help him.
The Trial of Albert Next-door: The Bastable children hold a mock trial for their friend Albert, leading to a lively courtroom drama.
Friendship and Lessons Learned: As the children navigate their various escapades, they learn important lessons about friendship, cooperation, and the consequences of their actions. While their attempts at doing good often result in chaos, they remain determined to be better and make amends for their mistakes.
Conclusion: "The Wouldbegoods" is a humorous and heartwarming portrayal of childhood adventures and the well-intentioned, if somewhat misguided, efforts of the Bastable children to be good and helpful. Like other works by E. Nesbit, the novel captures the spirit of youthful imagination, humor, and resilience, making it a delightful read for young readers and those young at heart.
