Lessons for a Child
Lessons for a Child is a collection of short stories by George MacDonald that teaches moral lessons to children. The book includes tales about honesty, kindness, and forgiveness, among other virtues.
By George MacDonald · First published 1857 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 961 words
First lines
I. There breathes not a breath of the summer air But the spirit of love is moving there; Not a trembling leaf on the shadowy tree, Flutters with hundreds in harmony, But that spirit can part its tone from the rest, And read the life in its beetle's breast.
When the sunshiny butterflies come and go, Like flowers paying visits to and fro, Not a single wave of their fanning wings Is unfelt by the spirit that feeleth all things.
What this Textopian page supports
Lessons for a Child is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1857 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Religious, Nature Writing
- Length: 961 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lessons for a Child by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lessons for a Child?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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- Eagles And Little Girls by Frank R. Stockton
Genres
- Children's Literature — The text is written in a style and language accessible to children, with themes and imagery that appeal to a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, rhyme, and vivid imagery.
- Fantasy — The text includes imaginative elements and personification, creating a sense of wonder and magic.
- Religious — The themes of divine care and love are central, reflecting religious and spiritual undertones.
Tags
children · morality · education · imagination · fantasy · wisdom · growth · parenting · stories · life lessons · values · narrative