When their elderly neighor Mrs. Marden reports that some of her valuables have gone missing, the twins investigate. The book gives an opportunity for readers to glimpse life in the early 1960's. It also reminds parents of how much children are capable of and the independence society gave children at that time (for example, two 12-year-olds and a six-year-old go camping together--on a school night, no less-- and two six-year-olds freely roam their neighborhood), as well as the way children can rise up to the responsibilities given

Originally published in 1904 as The Bobbsey Twins, or Merry Days Indoors and Out.