Bastable Children Series by E. Nesbit

When their father's business fails, the six Bastable children decide to restore the family fortunes. But although they think of many ingenious ways to do so, their well meant efforts are either more fun than profitable, or lead to trouble...

""When we were poor but honest we always used to think that if only Father had plenty of business, and we did not have to go short of pocket money and wear shabby clothes (I don't mind this myself, but the girls do), we should be happy and very, very good."" In this second novel of the Bastables, the family fortune has been restored, but the children can't seem to help getting into adventures and trouble... more""When we were poor but honest we always used to think that if only Father had plenty of business, and we did not have to go short of pocket money and wear shabby clothes (I don't mind this myself, but the girls do), we should be happy and very, very good."" In this second novel of the Bastables, the family fortune has been restored, but the children can't seem to help getting into adventures and trouble. The children are eventually banished to the country, where they form the society of the Would-Be-Good to aid all of mankind and themselves in the bargain. less

The six Bastable children fill their free time with entertainments that don't always turn out as they plan. But whether telling fortunes at a party, unwittingly assisting an elopement, reforming their nasty cousin Archibald, or even getting arrested, it is all good fun, and usually for a good cause.

A collection of stories first published in 1905, some of which feature the Bastable children from "The Story of the Treasure Seekers."