"The Children of the House" is an elegant piece of writing, sad but at times wryly humorous…. The four children are alive and individual; their exploits, under Tom the heir, those of imaginative, country-loving children. Philippa Pearce has given this chronicle, which is a tragedy in muted tones, shape, form, and meaning. Her sense of period is exact, enhanced by an extraordinary flair for dialogue; her love of fun is much in evidence in this [story].

Mrs. E. D. Moss, "Historical Fiction: 'The Children of the House'," in Children's Book News (copyright © 1968 by Baker Book Services Ltd.), Vol. 3, No. 4, July-August, 1968, p. 205.