Once Upon A Time When I Was Young Quiz

Answer: Aunt Izzie

Written by Susan Coolidge, "What Katy Did" was published in 1872. Katy Carr is a headstrong tomboy who lives with her family somewhere in Ohio. Aunt Izzie is her father's sister who moves in with the family and looks after them following the death of Mrs. Carr. Katy injures her back after falling from a swing and is then an invalid.

The book follows her growth from bitterness to being what the book describes as "the heart of the home". There were two sequels, "What Katy Did at School" and "What Katy Did Next". Two further books, "Clover" and "In The High Valley", look at the lives of the younger members of the Carr family

Answer: The Abbey

Written by Elsie J. Oxenham between 1914 and 1959 this series of books is often called "The Abbey School" series. There is however no Abbey School as such. The abbey referred to is a romantic ruin situated in the same village as the school. Joan and Joy Shirley are the original "Abbey Girls" and they, and their friends, feature in all 38 books of the series, even if only peripherally. As the series progresses the early characters are all married and it is the adventures of their daughters, who all attend the same school that their mothers did, that come to the fore.

Elsie J. Oxenham based the Abbey itself on Cleve Abbey in Somerset, although she moved it to rural Oxfordshire.

Answer: Frederick Marryat

After their home is burnt to the ground by Cromwell's forces the children of Colonel Beverley, a Cavalier officer killed in the Battle of Naseby, are believed dead. Instead they have escaped into the New Forest where they are given shelter by gamekeeper Jacob Armitage.

He tells everyone they are his grandchildren. When Armitage dies Edward Beverley leaves his home, and eventually joins the army of Charles II. After defeat at the Battle of Worcester he is forced into exile in France. Eventually however the Restoration comes and he is reunited with his brother and sisters.

Answer: The Bobbsey Twins

All the books were credited to Laure Lee Hope, although in fact there were at least six separate authors over the years. "The Bobbsey Twins" were Bert and Nan, who were perennially twelve years old, and Flossie and Freddie who were six. The books were in the same format as the "Nancy Drew" and "Andy Hardy" stories, with the twins solving various mysteries and crimes.

In 1960 many of the early books in the series were re-written to bring them up to date. Around 16 books did not receive this treatment as they were deemed too dated to be up-dated and retain any semblance to the original.

Answer: Just William

"Just William" is the first book by Richmal Crompton to feature schoolboy William Brown. The series has been adapted for film and television several times. In 1962 Dennis Waterman played William, and in 1976 Bonnie Langford was a memorable Violet Elizabeth Bott.

Enid Blyton was one of the most prolific and best loved of children's authors. From "Noddy and Big Ears" for very young readers, through to her "Secret Seven" and "Famous Five" adventures for her older readers, it is estimated she produced around 800 books in a 40 year career. The books have been translated into around 90 languages and worldwide sales exceed 500 million.

Answer: Lorna Doone

Written by R. D. Blackmore this historical novel is set in the seventeenth century. John Ridd, a farmer on Exmoor, meets and falls in love with Lorna Doone. She is destined to marry Carver Doone, a man she cannot stand. Despite the fact that his father was murdered by one of the Doones, John helps her escape and hides her at his farm. Through various twists and turns they eventually marry, but Carver shoots Lorna on her wedding day. After a fight with John Ridd he is eventually trapped in a bog and drowns. Lorna survives her injuries and she and John live happily ever after.

Answer: Madge Bettany

This series, written by Elinor Brent-Dyer, was set in a girls boarding school. The school was founded by Madge Bettany as a source of extra income, and a way of looking after her younger sister, Joey (Josephine) who is not always in good health. The series starts in Austria, then the school moves to Guernsey when World War Two breaks out, from there to Wales, and eventually to Switzerland. A common theme throughout the books is new girl arrives with rebellious attitude or other problems, but eventually reforms and becomes a true "Chalet School" girl.

All the incorrect answers are characters appearing in the series.

Answer: Five Children and It

This delightful tale was written by E. Nesbit, who also wrote "The Railway Children". When the children uncover the sand fairy it is obliged to grant them a wish a day. Every day the effects of the wish will last until sunset. The fairy is a grumpy fairy and the effects of the wishes are not always what the children want.

When they wish for beauty they are shut out of their own house as no-one recognises them. When they wish to be able to fly they end up stuck at the top of a tall tower. Eventually the fairy helps them to find some missing jewellery and in return they promise not to ask it for any more wishes.

Answer: Pollyanna

Written by Eleanor Porter, "Pollyanna" has become a term for an incurable optimist. "The glad game" consists of being able to find something good in any situation. When, as an orphan, she is sent to live with her strict Aunt, Polyanna soon teaches the whole town how to play. Even her aunt eventually unbends and joins in. Badly injured in a motor accident Pollyanna finds little to be glad about, but the various people she has helped rally to her side and her optimism soon returns. Hayley Mills won an Oscar for her performance in the 1960 Disney film.

Answer: The Lake District

Written by Arthur Ransome and published in 1930, this book follows the adventures of two sets of children. The Walker children sail in a dinghy called 'Swallow' and the Blackett children sail a dinghy called 'Amazon'. Over the course of a long summer holiday they have various adventures, including joining forces against the Blackett's uncle, who they christen 'Captain Flint' after a character in "Treasure Island".