"Us and the Bottle Man" by Edith Ballinger Price is a captivating novel that navigates the journey of coming-of-age through the lens of friendship, adventure, and mystery. Set in a quaint small town, Price's novel follows a group of children as they embark on an unforgettable adventure with the enigmatic Bottle Man. As they traverse the landscapes of their childhood, the protagonists discover secrets hidden within their community, unlocking the power of imagination and forging lasting relationships along the way. The Bottle Man serves as a catalyst for their exploration, leading them on a thrilling journey filled with discovery and growth. Throughout the novel, Price expertly weaves a tale of childhood innocence juxtaposed with the complexities of adulthood, capturing the essence of growing up in a small town and the bonds that form between friends. As the characters unravel the mysteries surrounding the Bottle Man, they undergo profound personal growth, learning valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them. With its blend of adventure, mystery, and heartfelt relationships, "Us and the Bottle Man" is a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with readers of all ages, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the magic of childhood and the power of friendship.
Edith Ballinger Price (1897-1997) was a prolific children's book author and illustrator, well known for her innovative writings and pictures for 37 different books and stories. Price, the granddaughter of landscape painter William Trost Richards, who originally inspired her to draw, attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well as the New York Art Students League and the National Academy of Design. She was a frequent contributor to both general-interest journals like Colliers and children's periodicals like St. Nicholas Magazine. She was also a key originator of the Brownies, the junior equivalent of the Girl Scouts. Price's published works include her first novel, Blue Magic (1919), the Bottle Man (1920), Silver Shoal Light, The Happy Venture (1920), and My Lady Lee (1925). She also worked with several authors, notably Margaret C. Getchell, on the 1916 book Cloudbird, which follows the dream-like experiences of a little girl named Dorothy Ann and the animals she encounters. Price's design and illustration appeared in traditional locations at the beginning and end of chapters, as well as in more unexpected places where, depending on the content, small silhouettes of bears, roosters, herons, turtles, and other creatures jumped into small spaces within the text.
