Laura Valentine

Aunt Louisa's Nursery Favourite Laura Valentine

Aunt Louisa's Nursery Favourite: Comprising Diamonds and Toads, Dick Whittington, Lily Sweetbriar, and Uncle's Farm Yard With Full-Page Illustrations From Original Designs. In the story, "Diamonds and Toads" a Fairy appearing as an old woman bestows a gift on a poor young girl so that every time she speaks there drops from her lips a rose, a diamond, and a pearl. Her evil sister meets the same Fairy appearing as a rich lady but because the evil sister is rude the Fairy punishes her so that every time she speaks a toad and a viper fall from her lips. In the poem, "Dick Whittington", his Cat rids the kingdom of rats and Dick Whittington is rewarded with a ship full of gold. "Lily Sweetbriar" has a birthday party where she learns"They talk of the gifts of the Fairies, The presents Queen Mab often brings; But, to me, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Are by far the more sensible things." And "This is but one day in a life; For twenty of feasting and pleasure, There are hundreds of struggle and strife." also "Where presents and parties come seldom, And happiness is not the rule. Strive first to be useful, then happy," And on "Uncle's Farm Yard" you get to visit a farm.