Once Upon a Time, and Other Child-Verses

by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman

"Once Upon a Time and Other Child-Verses" by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman is a collection of children's verses likely written in the late 19th century. The book captures the enchantment of childhood through playful and whimsical poetry, offering a variety of themes ranging from fairies and adventures to moral lessons. Each verse weaves a rich tapestry of imagery that is likely to resonate with both children and adults who appreciate nostalgia and the innocence of youth. At the start of the collection, the author introduces readers to a meadow filled with fairies, vividly painting a picture of delightful scenes where children discover a fairy nest. The verses describe the fairies flitting among the violets until they vanish, leaving the children to seek them in vain. This opening sets the tone for the remaining poems, which explore themes of innocence and wonder through charming characters, such as a little girl yearning for a doll, a sick fairy, and an enchanted tale of bravery. The whimsical imagery and simple, rhythmic language invite readers to reminisce about their own childhood experiences and the magic of storytelling.