These Little Ones by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around a person's conversation with God about their responsibility towards the garden and a child entrusted to them. The narrator proudly describes their care for the garden, keeping it clear of thorns and nettles, and nurturing its flowers. However, when questioned about the child, the narrator reveals the child's suffering, hunger, and cold, implying neglect. The narrator claims the child has no flowers in its soul, suggesting a lack of hope, joy, and truth. God responds by calling the narrator a fool.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1909 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 307 words
First lines
"WHAT of the garden I gave? " / God said to me; / "Hast thou been diligent to foster and save / The life of flower and tree? / How have the roses thriven, / The lilies I have given, / The pretty scented miracles that Spring / And Summer come to bring?
"My garden is fair and dear," / I said to God; / "From thorns and nettles I have kept it clear.
What this Textopian page supports
These Little Ones is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 307 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for These Little Ones by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative primarily focuses on the experiences and adventures of children.
- Fantasy — The story incorporates magical elements and fantastical creatures.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of exciting events and challenges that the characters must overcome.
Tags
Children's Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Supernatural · Psychological Thriller · Suspense · Ghosts · Haunted Houses · Family Secrets · Child Protagonist · Orphanage