Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building, Volume I (of 17) / Fun and Thought for Little Folk

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25359

Title

Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building, Volume I (of 17) / Fun and Thought for Little Folk

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A curated collection of entertaining and educational material for young readers, featuring classic fairy tales, playful poems, and health advice. Designed to foster character building through fun, this volume offers stories of adventure, whimsical alphabetics, and practical lessons on childhood well-being.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume I of the *Boys and Girls Bookshelf*, titled *Fun and Thought for Little Folk*, serves as the first installment in a comprehensive seventeen-volume series dedicated to character building for children. Compiled by the Editorial Board of the University Society, this collection aims to provide a balanced educational experience by weaving fiction, fact, and moral instruction into a single, accessible volume. The book is designed to awaken young minds, offering tools for intellectual and moral development that are as essential as physical nourishment. The volume opens with the classic tale of Little Red Riding-Hood, a timeless narrative where a naive girl encounters a cunning wolf in the woods. The story highlights the dangers of naivety and the importance of wisdom, culminating in a dramatic rescue by woodmen. Following this, the collection presents "Dolly's Doctor," a humorous poem that playfully depicts a sick child and a witty physician, using verse to engage young readers with themes of care and recovery. The anthology also features Hans Christian Andersen's poignant fairy tale of Thumbelina. This narrative follows a tiny girl's magical journey from a flower to the perils of a toad family, her escape aided by fish, her companionship with a butterfly, and her eventual survival through the harsh winter with the help of a field-mouse. These stories illustrate themes of resilience, the value of friendship, and the transition from vulnerability to strength. Beyond fiction, the book offers significant educational content through Edward Lear's playful alphabet poems, "Past History" and "Who's Who in the Zoo." These sections teach letters and historical figures through imaginative descriptions of animals and historical personalities, fostering a love for learning through entertainment. Additionally, the volume includes a child-friendly health alphabet that emphasizes nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of a balanced diet, alongside various jingles and poems designed to instill good habits. By combining entertaining stories with practical advice, *Fun and Thought for Little Folk* fulfills its mission to guide children toward honorable success, ensuring they are well-equipped with the knowledge and character necessary to navigate the world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

data/epubs/pg25359.epub

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Categories

• Children's Literature