Lob Lie-By-The-Fire, The Brownies and Other Tales

by Juliana Horatia Ewing

"Lob Lie-By-the-Fire, The Brownies and Other Tales" by Juliana Horatia Ewing is a collection of children's stories written in the late 19th century. The tales blend folklore with moral lessons, revolving around characters like the whimsical Lob Lie-by-the-fire and the endearing John Broom, a boy found abandoned and taken in by two elderly sisters. Ewing's stories explore themes of kindness, home, and the importance of character, making them both entertaining and educational for young readers. The opening of the collection introduces Lob Lie-by-the-Fire, a mythical brownie known for helping in various household tasks. The narrative then shifts to two elderly sisters, Miss Betty and Miss Kitty, who are described as kind-hearted heiresses living in a cozy, old home at Lingborough. With a mix of sentimentality and humor, the sisters engage in charitable acts, believing in the virtues of helping others like their community's poor. As the story unfolds, it hints at experiences of loss and the pursuit of benevolence, ultimately creating a blend of whimsy, nostalgia, and moral inquiry that invites readers into the charming world Ewing has crafted for them.