Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, and Aunt Lavender

In a sunny little town there was a neat yellow house with a green gate. Inside lived three aunties who were as different as their dresses. Aunt Green wore green from hat to shoes and loved everything that grew. Aunt Brown wore brown and kept the house warm and busy with baking and mending. Aunt Lavender wore soft purple and liked pretty things, gentle manners, and good tea.

Two children lived with them—Peter and Lotta. When Peter and Lotta were very small, the aunties took them in and loved them as if they were their own. The children always called them Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, and Aunt Lavender, because those were the colors they wore.

There was also Uncle Blue. He had a smart blue coat, shiny buttons, a tall hat, and a walking stick that clicked on the street. He spoke kindly but firmly and looked after everyone, especially Peter and Lotta.

One bright morning, Aunt Green showed Peter and Lotta how the roses opened to the sun. “Plants like gentle hands,” she said, giving them little watering cans. They sprinkled the peas and beans, and Aunt Green smiled when the water glittered like tiny stars.

In the kitchen, Aunt Brown kneaded dough for buns. “Push, fold, and pat,” she told the children. Peter’s dough turned into a lumpy bear. Lotta’s looked like a plump bird. Aunt Brown laughed and put them on the tray. “Buns taste best when hands have helped.”

In the parlor, Aunt Lavender opened a drawer that smelled of flowers. She showed Peter and Lotta her lace, her ribbons, and a small, sweet-sounding music box. She taught them to say please and thank you, to bow and curtsy, and to carry cups without spilling. “Soft hands and soft voices,” she reminded them.

Before noon, Uncle Blue tapped his stick. “Hats on! Boots laced! We are going to town.” Aunt Brown picked up her big basket. Aunt Green took a small bag of seeds. Aunt Lavender tied a new violet ribbon at her throat.

Down the street they went. Everyone knew them. “Good day, Aunt Green! Good day, Aunt Brown! Good day, Aunt Lavender! Good day, Uncle Blue!” called the baker, the postman, and the lamplighter.

At the market, Aunt Brown bought flour, sugar, and a little honey. Aunt Green chose seed packets: carrots, marigolds, and peas. Aunt Lavender found a spool of pretty thread. Uncle Blue bought two peppermint sticks and tucked them into Peter’s and Lotta’s pockets with a wink.

By the fountain a small girl cried beside a doll’s pram. “My wheel wobbles,” she sobbed. Peter crouched down. Lotta held the pram steady. Uncle Blue tied the wheel tight with a bit of strong string. “There!” he said. The little girl stopped crying and smiled. Aunt Lavender smoothed her hair. Aunt Brown slipped her a bun. Aunt Green showed her how to push the pram gently so it wouldn’t tip. Helping felt warm and happy.

On the way home, a scruffy dog followed them, sniffing Aunt Brown’s basket. “You poor thing, you are hungry,” said Aunt Brown. She broke a bun in two and shared it. The dog wagged his tail and trotted away, satisfied.

Back at the yellow house, they had tea in the garden. The table stood under the apple tree. Aunt Brown brought the warm buns and jam. Aunt Green set a jug of flowers in the middle. Aunt Lavender poured tea into the best cups. Peter and Lotta passed the plates very carefully. Sparrows hopped near their feet, and the children crumbled a little bread for them.

Later, Uncle Blue played a tune on his flute. Peter and Lotta danced in a ring while the three aunties clapped. The sun slid lower, the shadows grew longer, and the air smelled of roses and fresh bread.

When evening came, Aunt Green drew the curtains and checked the sleepy geraniums on the windowsill. Aunt Brown tucked Peter and Lotta into bed and smoothed their quilts. Aunt Lavender kissed their foreheads and whispered, “Sweet dreams.” Uncle Blue set his hat on the chair and said, “Sleep well, little ones. Tomorrow will be a good day.”

Peter and Lotta closed their eyes. They dreamed of green gardens, warm buns, and a violet ribbon fluttering in the breeze, while the yellow house with the green gate rested quietly, watched over by Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, Aunt Lavender, and Uncle Blue.