A wealthy lady in London cares for five children, four siblings and an orphan named Charles. While the other children are excited about a wishing-cap that the lady promises to create, Charles refuses to participate, believing that one should seek God's blessings rather than material desires. The lady, perplexed by Charles's behavior, dismisses him as foolish. The other children make their wishes using the cap, receiving toys and gifts, but their joy quickly turns to chaos when a fight breaks out, resulting in broken toys and punishment from the lady. Meanwhile, Charles remains steadfast in his beliefs, finding comfort in his faith. As time passes, the children fall ill with a fever. Charles, however, becomes gravely ill and ultimately dies. In his final moments, he expresses happiness and peace, knowing he is going to be with his Saviour. His words about seeking love and blessings from God resonate with the lady, who reflects on her previous actions and decides to change her ways. Inspired by Charles's faith, she begins to prioritize spiritual over material wealth, teaching the other children to remember his example and to avoid the folly of wishing for superficial things. The story concludes with a moral lesson against the pursuit of earthly desires, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine blessings instead.
By Mary Martha Sherwood · First published 1838 · Genre: Children's Literature, Moral Tale, Fantasy