The Mislaid Uncle

About this book

"The Mislaid Uncle" by Evelyn Raymond is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Josephine Smith, who is sent on an unexpected journey from her home in San Diego to seek her Uncle Joe in Baltimore after her mother departs for a distant place. Through her adventure, the narrative touches on themes of family, companionship, and the trials of childhood, as Josephine navigates her new world with innocence and curiosity. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a warm scene in a cottage where Josephine is preparing to leave her mother temporarily due to her father’s illness. Her mother, Mrs. Smith, is distressed about sending her daughter away and decides to send her via express delivery to her Uncle Joe, whom Josephine has not met before. The beginning depicts a series of emotional farewells and explains Josephine's thoughts about her journey as she travels alone for the first time. We also glimpse her personality as she interacts with her mother, the kind Doctor Mack, and her beloved doll, Rudanthy. Josephine's journey begins with uncertainty, but her resourcefulness and charm pave the way for memorable encounters and the forging of new relationships.