A lovely little gem of a book about the Ruggles family, old Jo and Rosie and their seven children, Lily Rose, Kate, James, John, Jo, Peg and William.

I can't recall reading this as a child, although I have owned the book since childhood, so was really surprised that I enjoyed it so much. The Ruggles having nothing, certainly be today's standards, but they are fundamentally happy. It is a very up-lifting and charming book. ( )

I read this book many times as a child, borrowing it repeatedly from the local library. I was happy to re-read it and discover my golden memories were true. The Ruggles family live a happy hectic life, and the stories are a window onto working class lives in the early 20th century based on the things Eve Garnett saw when developing illustrations for a book on children in London. From my childhood reading of the book, I remember loving the adventures the Ruggles children got up to, particularly Jim and John and the Gang of the Black Hand. As an adult, re-reading the book, I appreciate the stability their parents try to bring them and the struggles they have financially. I also appreciate how well written the book is, and found it as absorbing as many of the novels I have read as an adult. ( )

I read this as a child nut all I remembered was that it was about children in a poor family and that I liked it. Looking at it now, I see the father was a dustman, the mother a washerwoman, the daughter won a scholarship, the son joined the Black Hand (not the real one), and the baby won a prize in the children's show. illustrated with charming line drawings by the author.It won the Crnegie medal in 1937. ( )

British working class family. Really good stories. Realistic and fun. I'm delighted to have found this author.

I loved it again upon a second reading for my book group. We read it because I bought everyone copies. They couldn't say no. I hope they liked it too.

Turns out everyone liked it. Sparked lots of discussion of the way things were. Remembering our childhoods and made us think of the documentary series 7-Up. ( )

Delightful stories about a poor but happy family, told matter of factly and humorously without sentimentality. I remember enjoying this as a child when I borrowed it from the library. It makes a nice change from the middle class children in most mid 20thC stories. The author's cheeky, cheerful drawings are perfect.