Old Wonder-Eyes, and Other Stories for Children

In a sun‑dappled English garden, a grand house brims with roses, lilies and a tinkling fountain, while an assortment of lively pets—greyhounds, parrots, pheasants and even a shy white kitten— frolic about. Amid this cheerful scene sits a surly gray owl in a lone cage, its beady stare unsettling anyone who tries to befriend it. Curious visitors are rebuffed, yet the bird’s presence hints at a story waiting to unfold.

Enter Minnie, a gentle child whose kindness seems to tame even the most fierce creatures. When the owl finally slips from its cage, it is drawn to her calm voice and warm hand, becoming her unusual companion, affectionately dubbed “Old Wonder‑Eyes.” Their budding friendship reveals a quiet magic, as the once‑gruff bird settles onto her shoulder, watching her lessons with a solemn, scholarly gaze. This tender tale invites listeners to discover how compassion can bridge the gap between the ordinary and the mysterious.