The Parent's Assistant; Or, Stories for Children

by Maria Edgeworth

"The Parent's Assistant; Or, Stories for Children" by Maria Edgeworth is a collection of children's stories published in 1796. This pioneering work features moral tales like "Lazy Lawrence," "The Purple Jar," and "The False Key" that captivated young Victorian readers, including Queen Victoria herself. Edgeworth's influential stories blend entertainment with instruction, establishing a template for children's literature that would inspire generations. The collection grew through multiple editions, adding new tales and even a play for children.