This was a cozy-feeling book that was gentle and sweet, and the kids were all likeable, but it didn't get to the next level like Nesbit's Five Children books do. Maybe she just works better when there's magic involved.

Growing up with The Boxcar Children, I figured the kids would be orphans or live at a railyard or something, but they were just somewhat poor (but labor was cheap enough they still had domestic help) and lived near a railroad.

Whenever I think about 20th century Britain, the World Wars play a huge part, so it was interesting to read something written before then.

As many rescues as the kids did, I was surprised that their Dad being released happened basically totally offscreen.

It was funny that Phyllis's main character trait was being a screwup.

It got surprisingly meta at the end, considering the era and audience.