Live toys : or, Anecdotes of our four-legged and other pets

This charming volume gathers a series of true anecdotes about the many animals that kept a brother‑and‑sister duo company during their early years. From a fluffy white rabbit named Moppy, rescued on a seaside promenade, to the lively goldfinch and brown bird that the children saved from a wandering seller, each story captures the simple joys and occasional mishaps of pet ownership. The narrator recalls goat‑drawn carriages, improvised rabbit beds, and the tender negotiations with caretakers that brought each creature into their lives.

Illustrated with delicate drawings, the book offers a vivid picture of Victorian childhood, where imagination turned everyday errands into adventures. Listeners will hear the gentle humor of a rabbit’s stubborn kicks, the excitement of buying a bird with pocket‑change, and the quiet affection that blossoms between children and their four‑legged friends. It’s a nostalgic tribute to the bond we share with animals, told in a voice that feels both intimate and timeless.