Five Little Peppers and How They Grew (Version 2) by Margaret Sidney (1844 - 1924)

The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew tells the story of how the Peppers live, learn, and play in their little brown house. They are poor, and Mamsie must work constantly to keep the wolf from the door but they do it with gaiety and spirit that would not be expected. The Peppers make due with whatever they have and the elder children try to make things special for the younger. Though tragedies often befall them, they bear it as best they are able and make the most of the good. (From Wikipedia)