Little Button Rose

About this book

"Little Button Rose by Louisa May Alcott" is a children’s short story from the late 19th century. It centers on a tender, spirited girl who becomes a peacemaker, mending a neighborhood feud through kindness, courage, and tact. Rosamond—nicknamed Button-Rose—comes to stay with her cousins: gentle Miss Penelope, proud Miss Henrietta, and vain but charming Cicely. Next door lives Mr. Thomas Dover, a widower and former missionary, estranged from the cousins over a petty dispute about a garden gate, hens, and an old summer-house. With fearless warmth, Rosy befriends Mr. Dover (after her cousins’ cat is flung over the wall for killing his chicks), opens a secret “button-hole” gate, ferries cherries and flowers, and gently “missionaries” at home by reading to Miss Penny and winning over Cicely with an amber necklace and a kiss “for a blow.” When Rosy falls ill with scarlet fever, the household unites; Mr. Dover returns, helps guide her through the crisis, and her recovery seals the reconciliation. The story closes with pride and gratitude as the adults finally put aside their stubbornness, their peace earned by the little peacemaker’s love.