
A modest but lively portrait unfolds of a curious little boy named Charles, whose days are filled with lessons in reading, arithmetic, and especially geography. Guided by his patient parents, he discovers the far‑flung origins of tea, sugar, rose‑wood and raisins, turning each fact into a story that sparks his imagination. The narrative captures the simple joy of a child eager to explore the world beyond his doorstep, while subtly reminding us of the value of a well‑rounded education.
The book also offers a gentle, humorous look at the challenges of mastering language. When Charles proudly declares “there goes two white horses,” his father uses the moment to teach the difference between singular and plural, showing how a small slip can affect how others perceive us. Warmly illustrated and narrated with a kindly voice, this early‑chapter glimpse invites listeners to share in the delight of learning, perseverance, and the tender guidance of family.
Language
en
Duration
~37 minutes (35K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1798–1875
A prolific 19th-century British writer for young readers, she turned history, geography, and everyday learning into lively, accessible books for families and schools. Her works ranged from national histories to simple early readers, showing a clear talent for explaining big subjects in a friendly way.
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