Frequently Asked Questions: About The Boxcar Children

How can Gertrude Chandler Warner still be writing the Boxcar Children® Mysteries?
Gertrude Chandler Warner wrote the original 19 mysteries before she died in 1979. Fans of the series wrote many letters to Albert Whitman & Company, asking us to publish more Boxcar Children books, so in 1991 we began to add to the series. The Albert Whitman editors ensure that the new manuscripts match Warner's original stories in tone and style. We also try hard to maintain the most important themes of the original series—the children’s independence and their care and concern for others.

Where can I find biographical information on Gertrude Chandler Warner?
We have information about Ms. Warner available at our Boxcar Children® pages, and we have also recently published a book about her life.

How are The Adventures of Benny & Watch® related to the Boxcar Children® Mysteries?
The Boxcar Children Mysteries are just right for good readers in second or third grade, ready to tackle their first chapter books. But librarians and teachers often asked us for a series that beginning readers could enjoy as well. Albert Whitman & Company decided to publish The Adventures of Benny & Watch, a Boxcar Children Early Reader series. This series focuses on Benny, the youngest of the Alden children, and his dog, Watch. It's just right for children ages 6-8. The first book retells the story of the Boxcar Children. The following books focus on Benny and Watch in brand new adventures. This new series holds wide appeal for children who have heard about the Boxcar Children, but who are not quite old enough to tackle the original series.