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Caddie Woodlawn #2
Magical Melons
Fourteen tales relate the further adventures of ten-year-old Caddie and her six siblings living on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s.
193 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1939
55 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ryrie Brink
65 books178 followersBorn Caroline Ryrie, American author of over 30 juvenile and adult books. Her novel Caddie Woodlawn won the 1936 Newbery Medal.
Brink was orphaned by age 8 and raised by her maternal grandmother, the model for Caddie Woodlawn. She started writing for her school newspapers and continued that in college. She attended the University of Idaho for three years before transferring to the University of California in 1917, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1918, the same year she married.
Anything Can Happen on the River, Brink's first novel, was published in 1934. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Idaho in 1965. Brink Hall, which houses the UI English Department and faculty offices, is named in her honor. The children's section of the Moscow, ID Carnegie public library is also named after her.
Brink was orphaned by age 8 and raised by her maternal grandmother, the model for Caddie Woodlawn. She started writing for her school newspapers and continued that in college. She attended the University of Idaho for three years before transferring to the University of California in 1917, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1918, the same year she married.
Anything Can Happen on the River, Brink's first novel, was published in 1934. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Idaho in 1965. Brink Hall, which houses the UI English Department and faculty offices, is named in her honor. The children's section of the Moscow, ID Carnegie public library is also named after her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 18, 2012
Caddie Woodlawn has the unfortunate distinction of coming across as a Laura Ingalls Wilder wannabe, sort of Laura-without-the-lyricism, but award-winning regardless. The books, written by Woodlawn's granddaughter, are okay and fill a readalike need...but I can't believe even in the 40s someone thought it would be innocuous to name a book "Magical Melons." The copy from my middle school library hadn't gone out in more than 10 years, not least because the off-focus, off-color permabound cover depicted a young girl holding a hat flat over her chest. Whoever designed that paperback had a sense of humor for sure.
Here's where I get fiesty about the "reading level" obsession of current educators. This book is fine fine fine for middle elementary kids, say 2nd-6th grade. However, the reading level would likely be deemed too high for those younger kids, so the book ended up in my middle school library at some point. Of course the content (and the embarassing title/cover art!) isn't of interest to any but a historically-interested middle schooler. Where I work, kids are being discouraged from reading what used to be children's classics because the language is deemed too difficult. I read Treasure Island, Heidi, Anne of Green Gables ravenously in the fourth grade. I cannot get a fourth grader to pick them up, not because they're not interested, but because they are too Hard, have too high a Lexile/AR Level/etc., or their teacher won't give them credit for them because they are "out of their range." They are not to read things that they won't comprehend sufficiently for a test/report/project. Never mind the extent to which our previous knowledge informs our reading comprehension, or that one can enjoy a story without understanding all the author meant with it. Never mind that people can learn to read from the King James Version of the Bible. We must all progress neatly from reading level to reading level because the goal of reading is, of course, to get good at reading, not to enjoy literature or learn philosophy or psychology or anything else. ARGH. Rant off.
Here's where I get fiesty about the "reading level" obsession of current educators. This book is fine fine fine for middle elementary kids, say 2nd-6th grade. However, the reading level would likely be deemed too high for those younger kids, so the book ended up in my middle school library at some point. Of course the content (and the embarassing title/cover art!) isn't of interest to any but a historically-interested middle schooler. Where I work, kids are being discouraged from reading what used to be children's classics because the language is deemed too difficult. I read Treasure Island, Heidi, Anne of Green Gables ravenously in the fourth grade. I cannot get a fourth grader to pick them up, not because they're not interested, but because they are too Hard, have too high a Lexile/AR Level/etc., or their teacher won't give them credit for them because they are "out of their range." They are not to read things that they won't comprehend sufficiently for a test/report/project. Never mind the extent to which our previous knowledge informs our reading comprehension, or that one can enjoy a story without understanding all the author meant with it. Never mind that people can learn to read from the King James Version of the Bible. We must all progress neatly from reading level to reading level because the goal of reading is, of course, to get good at reading, not to enjoy literature or learn philosophy or psychology or anything else. ARGH. Rant off.
September 11, 2019
Again, I think Laura Ingalls Wilder is a stronger writer than Brink. These stories are fun, but they lack a 'spark.' Of course, I'm not the target audience, and I do think I would have liked this book when I was a child.
Why do publishers use 'people pictures' on the cover?! I prefer something that captures the time, place, and/or content. This image does not match my impression of Caddie.
Why do publishers use 'people pictures' on the cover?! I prefer something that captures the time, place, and/or content. This image does not match my impression of Caddie.
September 27, 2025
Such a delightful and precious book! I can't help but admire the loving family and how they all grew up, their adventures, the lessons they learned, and thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories. What a tremendous slice of pioneer life indeed. :) This was a wholesome and uplifting book with many of spiritual and faith references throughout. I should have read this sequel long ago but better late than not at all as I did read the first again as well.
A worthwhile gem for any kids (or us adults sure too actually) as it was a pleasure.
A worthwhile gem for any kids (or us adults sure too actually) as it was a pleasure.
September 18, 2025
A lovely addition to the first, Caddie Woodlawn.
December 30, 2015
Just unpacked this to put in my new bookshelves and remembered again how much I loved these stories. One of the most memorable is Warren's remake of the Song of Hiawatha! ("Minne-haha' said the pine trees/'Muddy Oshkosh' said the water/Saw the firefly, wah-wah-wah-wah") ...I have laughed aloud more than once for those. And when "Nero Plays Cupid" for seventeen-year-old sister Clara, and Caddie is amazed...and the fair where they enjoy good old-fashioned greased poles and log jumping contests...
This cover is so cute, and the ink drawings inside are just as dear. I wish books were still illustrated this way! My copy is a retired library book, but I love it anyway!
This cover is so cute, and the ink drawings inside are just as dear. I wish books were still illustrated this way! My copy is a retired library book, but I love it anyway!
October 3, 2015
What a wonderful read! I so enjoyed getting to spend more time with the Woodlawn family--it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I do think "Caddie Woodlawn" has more of a plot with Caddie's character arc and the excitement with the Native Americans, etc. and is stronger than this collection of vignettes but I thoroughly enjoyed these stories. Some of them focus on other Woodlawn children, too, including one of my favorites "The Christmas Costume" featuring Henrietta. Also published under the title "Magical Melons"
December 30, 2017
A sequel to the Newbery title Caddie Woodlawn. Not quite as good since the stories don't flow as smoothly but still excellent. I would suggest reading this after Caddie Woodlawn.
February 17, 2020
Really enjoyable. Wholesome family stories. Each chapter is a short story about the family.
August 8, 2018
I found this book at a church op shop amongst the romance novels and, although the title did fit the theme, the book itself didn't. The book is a fictionalised version of Carol Ryrie Brink's grandmother's childhood in 1860s Wisconsin. Each chapter is a short story focusing on an event in the family's life, some are touching, some are amusing, some are tedious.
My favourite story was Mrs Nightingale's House and the story that followed it, The Christmas Costume, but the opening story Magical Melons was quite boring and not a good introduction for the characters.
I could see this book being read to girls between 5 and 10, although some of the themes are quite old fashioned for modern children.
My favourite story was Mrs Nightingale's House and the story that followed it, The Christmas Costume, but the opening story Magical Melons was quite boring and not a good introduction for the characters.
I could see this book being read to girls between 5 and 10, although some of the themes are quite old fashioned for modern children.
November 3, 2020
3.5***
This sequel to the popular Caddie Woodlawn book was originally titled “Magical Melons”
Set in the late 1800s, in Western Wisconsin, the books chronicle life in the Woodlawn family, primarily from the perspective of Caddie, who is almost 13 in this episode. She and her five siblings have great fun in and around their farm and the land surrounding it. They enjoy school, visit with neighbors, marvel at the stories told by traveling preachers and peddlers. A rare trip to town fills them with wonder and joy.
There are some vignettes that made me cringe … chiefly dealing with the prejudices against the native Indian tribes in the area. But, like the “Little House on the Prairie” series, these books provide a reasonable look at life in those pioneer days.
This sequel to the popular Caddie Woodlawn book was originally titled “Magical Melons”
Set in the late 1800s, in Western Wisconsin, the books chronicle life in the Woodlawn family, primarily from the perspective of Caddie, who is almost 13 in this episode. She and her five siblings have great fun in and around their farm and the land surrounding it. They enjoy school, visit with neighbors, marvel at the stories told by traveling preachers and peddlers. A rare trip to town fills them with wonder and joy.
There are some vignettes that made me cringe … chiefly dealing with the prejudices against the native Indian tribes in the area. But, like the “Little House on the Prairie” series, these books provide a reasonable look at life in those pioneer days.
July 26, 2015
Lovely to be back with the Woodlawn family again! I enjoyed these simple yet engaging and warm tales. A thumbs up!
August 19, 2022
This one wasn't exactly like a story, more like different events in one book. I definitely prefer the first book, but this one was alright too. I did like the family values. This is a sweet book
November 24, 2025
Wonderful continuation of Caddie's story! this book has more variety of ages and stages in her siblings since the stories are from throughout her growing up years, unlike the first book in the series, which follows a year in her life.
October 18, 2022
I thought it was good. It took me a while to get into it, but once I finally did it was good. I did like the original Caddie Woodlawn book better though.
August 10, 2020
Really good, similar sort of type of story to Little House on the Prairie series, but still different and interesting.
October 5, 2021
This book is a great classic! It isn’t a true “sequel” as the characters really are all of the Woodlawn members and not just Caddie. Charming stories, fantastic writing and great characters.
June 2, 2015
This book is sheer fun! It straddles the first book, 'Caddie Woodlawn', and provides extra views of the bouncy red-head and her family and friends.
You hear more about the appealing Robert Ireton, the Irish farm hand who not only can work the farm, play the banjo, sing, and tell stories, but can also get aboard a log and...well, you'd better read it.
There are additional stories featuring the shy and sweet Katie(Tom's little sweetheart), and what lengths Tom will go to in impressing her with his grandness when he wears Father's...well, you'd better read it.
Then you get more chuckles at the adorably boyish Warren, who as usual can't seem to quite achieve his goals when it comes to literature, not even when it admonishes him to "Go, my son, into the forest; shoot for us..." well, you'd better read it!
You get an even better glimpse of Hetty(the newspaper on two feet) and the smallest sister Minnie; in fact, they manage to make unlikely friends who change Christmas for the whole family when the little girls decide to make...well, you'd better read it.
And of course through it all you will find Caddie - active, compassionate, interesting Caddie as always; and as usual she manages to nearly spoil Independence Day when she ruins yet another...
Oh, dear! You'd better go and read it right away!!!
You hear more about the appealing Robert Ireton, the Irish farm hand who not only can work the farm, play the banjo, sing, and tell stories, but can also get aboard a log and...well, you'd better read it.
There are additional stories featuring the shy and sweet Katie(Tom's little sweetheart), and what lengths Tom will go to in impressing her with his grandness when he wears Father's...well, you'd better read it.
Then you get more chuckles at the adorably boyish Warren, who as usual can't seem to quite achieve his goals when it comes to literature, not even when it admonishes him to "Go, my son, into the forest; shoot for us..." well, you'd better read it!
You get an even better glimpse of Hetty(the newspaper on two feet) and the smallest sister Minnie; in fact, they manage to make unlikely friends who change Christmas for the whole family when the little girls decide to make...well, you'd better read it.
And of course through it all you will find Caddie - active, compassionate, interesting Caddie as always; and as usual she manages to nearly spoil Independence Day when she ruins yet another...
Oh, dear! You'd better go and read it right away!!!
March 18, 2011
Caddy Woodlawn's Family, a.k.a. Magical Melons, is a loosely connected book of short stories, Woodlawn mini-adventures. Not all the stories are about Caddie; the most beautiful and moving story in the collection is "The Christmas Costume, " a lovely tale starring Hetty, Caddie's tattle-taling younger sister (I shed a few tears over this one; it's incredibly moving). "Nero Plays Cupid" about the shy older sister Clara and her budding romance with a neighbor boy is also a good snapshot of 1840's pioneer life. "The Willow Basket," "Caddie Gets a Bargain," and "Go, My Son, Into the Forest" are all quite good as well.
November 9, 2011
There's always room for more magic, even after the amazing main course which is Caddie Woodlawn. This light dessert is served in the form of slightly more disjointed stories, based on events before, during and after the Caddie Woodlawn year; TRUE events from the life of Brink's own grandmother. 4 stars instead of 5 because, well, Caddie Woodlawn HAS to be the pi`ece de r`esistance.
November 29, 2009
My boys and I enjoyed the continuing stories of Caddie and her family. For those of you who read and enjoyed "Caddie Woodlawn", you have to read this one too! One of my favorite stories was about Cousin Lucy and the mystery of whether she wore a wig or not. Very funny!
July 28, 2016
I'm old enough to have read this book when it had a different name (Magical Melons.) Always sweet to catch up with Caddie Woodlawn, although this one is more a collection of short stories than the unified tale of the first.
January 1, 2010
Very nice. A girl grows from tomboy to embrace her future as a pioneer woman - neither tomboy nor refined and delicate lady.
July 29, 2011
I really liked this book, it is full of sweet, innocent stories. Just plain, old-fashioned fun. A pet sheep, "magical melons" appear, and a trip to a medicine show (a magic show) are part of the fun!
March 31, 2017
Great childhood book.
October 15, 2019
I was not the biggest fan of the first book, but this one was really sweet with some very heartwarming stories with good morals. This would be a great book to read with your children.
March 27, 2022
My kids really enjoyed the first Caddie Woodlawn book (we read it as part of our homeschool curriculum, and it makes a really good alternative to the even more problematic "Little House" books), so I picked up the sequel and we read it too. It's less of a coherent novel than the first book, more like a series of independent short stories and vignettes about the same people, but it was also really good.
September 26, 2025
This is the 2nd book about Caddie Woodlawn (although when I read it years ago, it was called Magical Melons) and is very similar to the 1st book, although there are few chapters that focus on other characters in the town. As before, it's a sweet story but because it was written so long ago (80 years or so!) parts of it are quite dated. Still Carol Ryrie Brink was one of my favorite authors growing up and I'm enjoying rereading her books.
December 11, 2025
Yes, there IS a sequel to Caddie Woodlawn, famous Newbery Winner! It's also published as Magical Melons, which is the name of one of the stories in this book. This book is a collection of short stories that Caddie told her granddaughter at various times. The author's introduction is very helpful for placing the stories. A few of them tend toward moralism, probably appropriate to the time. Overall very enjoyable.
September 24, 2019
What a wonderful sequel to the book Caddie Woodlawn. It was our first read aloud in our homeschool year for 2019-2020. Each chapter has a different story of things that happened to Caddies family and friends. Lots of fun animal stories, neighbors helping neighbors, siblings helping siblings. They were great stories and very engaging! I recommend to anyone .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews