St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, January 1878, No. 3

A lively assortment of stories, poems, riddles and sketches fills this early‑year issue, offering young listeners a glimpse into the imagination of 19th‑century readers. From daring adventures and clever animal fables to cheerful verses and practical how‑tos, each piece invites curiosity and a touch of wonder. The pages also hold friendly letters, seasonal greetings and tiny puzzles that encourage minds to think and play together.

Among the highlights is a tender medieval tale set beside a grand cathedral, where a stone‑carver’s widow, Magdalis, struggles to keep her family fed and hopeful after her husband’s death. She teaches her children, Gottlieb and Lenichen, the value of humility, hard work and compassion amid the cold streets and echoing choirs. Their simple shelter, a former hermit’s shed, becomes the backdrop for quiet lessons about kindness to all creatures—whether feathered or human—while the world outside sings its own, sometimes contradictory, hymns. The story’s gentle rhythm and heartfelt themes make it an enduring comfort for listeners of any age.