R.I.P. Bonnie Bess Worline, 92 (in 2006, author of "The Children Who Stayed Alone," 1956)

[Lenona]

She lived in Brawley, California.

"Originally entitled Sod House Winter. Hartley and Phoebe are left to
watch their young brothers and sisters while mom visits a sick
neighbor and dad goes into town for supplies. They are all alone when
an unexpected blizzard strikes leaving the snowbound with the stock
animals and their siblings to watch. Will they be able to take care of
everything until the storm lets up and their parents can come home?"

And then, during the blizzard.......there's a strange knock on the
door!

Lenona.