Acclaimed illustrator Wendy Anderson Halperin celebrates Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic, a tale of two dollhouses, just in time for its 100th anniversary. When Tidy Castle arrives, brand-new and grand in every way, the Racketty-Packetty House has never looked shabbier, and it is shoved in the corner of Cynthia's nursery. But the Racketty family still dances, sings, and laughs louder than all the fancy dolls combined. When a real-life princess visits the nursery, the Rackettys learn that the humans are planning to destroy their house. Only a miracle -- or some very unusual magic -- can save them now!

Since its publication in 1906, the story of how Queen Crosspatch and her band of fairies rescued the Racketty-Packetty House has inspired dreamers and readers of all ages in the tradition of The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Now Wendy Anderson Halperin's illustrations, brimming with whimsy and wonder, unlock the magic of two dollhouses -- one posh and one proud -- to a whole new generation of readers.

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was born in Manchester, England, but moved to America as a teenager. Little Lord Fauntleroy was published in 1886 and was dramatized during Burnett's lifetime. The story lives on today in videos and movies. Though she began writing novels for adults, she gained lasting success writing for children. She is best known for Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess (1905), and The Secret Garden (1911).

Photograph courtesy of the author

Wendy Anderson Halperin

Wendy Anderson Halperin is an acclaimed artist who has illustrated dozens of books for children, including Let’s Go Home by Cynthia Rylant, Soft House by Jane Yolen, and Turn, Turn, Turn! by Peter Seeger. She lives in South Haven, Michigan.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (October 2006)
Length: 96 pages
ISBN13: 9780689869747

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"The Racketty-Packetty House is a beautifully illustrated charmer. It should bring great satisfaction to children with happy spirits but messy rooms!"
-- Gail Carson Levin, author of Ella Enchanted

"If you believe in fairies -- and if your dolls have adventures when you leave the room -- then Frances Hodgson Burnett has written a book for you. With brilliant storytelling and intriguing characters, she pulls readers into the world of the haves and have-nots -- only in this case the two classes both happen to be dolls. Burnett's old-fashioned, charming tale has been given beautiful new clothing for its 100th anniversary edition. Now it can delight the next generation of readers."
-- Anita Silvey, 100 Best Books for Children