Bessie and the squirrels: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Bessie and the squirrels: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Bessie and the squirrels is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Leslie, Madeline (1815–1893).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
Bessie and the squirrels by Madeline Leslie is a didactic children’s story written in the late 19th century during the Victorian era. Centered on a farm family at “Corwin’s Nest,” it uses everyday adventures with animals and neighbors to teach charity, obedience, gratitude, and Christian home life. The story follows Bessie and her little brother Jamie as they watch the lively squirrels on their property, visit the barn, and then join their mother in aiding the destitute Bell family—bringing food, clothing, a stove, and eventually arranging a safe cottage and work for the father. Mamma tells a parable about a naughty young squirrel, Bob, who learns that harmony comes from each one giving up a little. The household is tested by guests—the McIntires—and their spoiled son Lewis, whose recklessness endangers others, destroys property, and mocks prayer, prompting an early departure and a sober contrast in child-rearing. Seeking cheer, the Corwins enjoy a day’s ride (with their little dog Flossy secretly stowed under the seat), and later confront “thieving” squirrels raiding apple barrels; a gentle talk explains that animals lack moral knowledge, while people must act with wisdom and kindness. The book closes with Bessie resolving to pray and trust God to set things right.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Bessie and the squirrels
- Author credits: Leslie, Madeline (1815–1893)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Children -- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction
- Christian life -- Juvenile fiction
- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction
- Families -- Juvenile fiction
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.



