Clematis

"Clematis" by Bertha B. Cobb and Ernest Cobb is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Clematis who is found lost and alone in a big city, subsequently taken to a Children's Home where she begins to learn about care, friendships, and the responsibilities of life. As Clematis navigates her new environment, her experiences connect to her dreams of going to the countryside, where magnificent flowers and animals abound. The opening of the story introduces readers to Clematis, a little girl dressed in tattered clothing, sitting on a city sidewalk. A kind policeman discovers her and learns she has no known home or family, leading to her being taken to the Children's Home. Here, Clematis is introduced to the routines and rules of her new life, grappling with obstacles such as learning how to conform to communal living and the importance of work, while also finding solace in her beloved kitten, Deborah. The beginning sets a tone of innocence and resilience, showcasing Clematis's journey toward stability and belonging amid the challenges she faces.