' "Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on a rug.' So begins this all-time classic of American literature, the story of the March girls - May, Jo, Beth and Amy - and the life they create for themselves in reduced circumstances while their father is away in the American Civil War. As their mother is also often away, helping poorer families than themselves or visiting their father, the sisters dream up constant diversions and their day to day adventures create humour, entertainment as well as some fiery conflict. They also meet the boy next door, Laurie, who is rich, lonely and very interested in Jo and plays a key part in this popular novel.