Based on a True Story
There are 2 stories, one in Rhyme for younger children, and on with more history for older children.
This story is based on the real childhood of my Great Aunt Madeline, who grew up along the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s.
At that time, families used canal boats to carry coal and wood to the cities. The boats were pulled by strong, steady mules who walked along the towpath beside the water. Children often helped with this hard work during spring, summer, and fall, and went to school in the winter when the canal froze.
Life was not easy without electricity, phones, or cars, but families worked together to make it through. Madeline really did walk with the mules at only eight years old, and she truly had a kind and courageous heart.
The part about Mr. Pip the monkey has been passed down as one of our family’s favorite stories—about compassion, bravery, and the difference even a small child can make.
📚 Ages 3–8 (Kindergarten to 3rd grade) — ideal for read-alouds and early readers who love rhythmic, heartwarming stories.
Step back in time to the days of canal boats, mule paths, and coal barges along the Delaware River.
In the early 1900s, young Madeline Free lived with her family in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Her father, John, was a hardworking canal boatman, guiding barges filled with coal and wood to markets in Philadelphia and New York. Life was not easy—there was no electricity, no phones, no cars, and even children had important jobs to do.
At just eight years old, Madeline walked barefoot beside the mules, Jack and Jenny, helping to guide the boats along the towpath. The journey was long and tiring, but it also led her to an unlikely friendship.
Along the canal lived a cruel man with a chained monkey named Mr. Pip. While others laughed at the poor animal’s suffering, Madeline’s kind heart couldn’t ignore him. With patience, courage, and determination, she found a way to set him free—and changed both of their lives forever.
Filled with history, family stories, and a brave little girl’s compassion, “Madeline Saves a Monkey” is a heartwarming tale about life on the canal and the power of kindness.
“A good tale of courage, compassion, and the power of kindness.”
