At the time of the novels original printing it would seem that children did not engage in ‘stranger-danger’ training with their children. Mary Jane goes to the corner store alone at the age of four, and her neighbour Doris hops into the family car with Mary Jane and her father without informing her parents. In our culture we must vigilantly warn our children against such behaviours. Some of the incidents depicted in Mary Jane led to further discussion and instruction regarding child safety while explaining that some periods in the past were safer for small children.
Based upon my children’s enthusiastic reception of Mary Jane and her family into our home, I hope to make them regular guests on our family’s bookshelves. Well, let’s be honest – I look forward to reading more of her adventures myself!
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