The Bobbsey twins series

"The Bobbsey Twins or Merry Days Indoors and Out" introduces the delightful and inquisitive Bobbsey children-Bert and Nan, eight years old and dark and thin; and Freddie and Flossie, four years old and blonde and plump-two sets of high-spirited twins living in Lakeport, USA. The first of more than eighty books in a series, The Bobbsey Twins sets up a winning formula, allowing us to share the days and nights of the four lovable Bobbsey children, times filled with sledding and boating; kite-flying and kitten-rescuing; a bit of fending off the schoolyard bully, the highly disagreeable Danny Rugg; and even some sleuthing as they try to solve a vexing mystery. With the nurturing love of their parents, the twins' imagination flourishes through their sometimes glorious-and sometimes harrowing-escapades and play, and their adventures bring back to us all the ups and downs attendant with growing up.

The Bobbseys are home from their adventure on the houseboat and now they're off to visit their cousins at Meadow Brook Farm. But they haven't even arrived before they encounter a runaway boy, a runaway dog, and a runaway ram! Meadow Brook proves even more exciting, what with wild animals, a missing twin, and even acting in a movie.

The Bobbsey twins visit Ocean Cliff, the seaside home of their cousin Dorothy. While there they enter the water carnival, play on the beach, and witness a shipwreck.

"There goes the bell! It's the letter carrier! Let me answer!" Freddie exclaimed.