A Wonder Book For Girls And Boys

An Armenian folktale about two robbers courting the same girl.

The Paradise of Children, has been considered important throughout human history. In an effort to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to secure its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for both current and future generations. This complete book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not scans of the authors' original publications, the text is readable and clear.

Inspired by the life of pioneering female baseball player Alta Weiss, and dramatized by Terry Widener’s bold illustrations, Girl Wonder tells the unforgettable story of a true American original. Alta Weiss was born to play baseball, simple as that. From the age of two, when she hurls a corncob at a pesky tomcat, folks in her small Ohio town know one thing for sure: She may be a girl, but she’s got some arm. When she’s seventeen, Alta hears about a semipro team, the Independents. Here’s her big chance! But one look at Alta’s long skirts tells Coach all he needs to know—girls can’t play baseball! But faster than you can say “strike out,” Alta proves him wrong: Girls can play baseball!

The snow-storm lasted another day; but what became of it afterwards, I cannot possibly imagine. At any rate, it entirely cleared away, during the night; and when the sun arose, the next morning, it shone brightly down on as bleak a tract of hill-country, here in Berkshire, as could be seen anywhere in the world. The frost-work had so covered the windowpanes that it was hardly possible to get a glimpse at the scenery outside. But, while waiting for breakfast, the small populace of Tanglewood had scratched peepholes with their finger-nails, and saw with vast delight that—unless it were one or two bare patches on a precipitous hillside, or the gray effect of the snow, intermingled with the black pine forest—all nature was as white as a sheet. How exceedingly pleasant! And, to make it all the better, it was cold enough to nip one's nose short off! If people have but life enough in them to bear it, there is nothing that so raises the spirits, and makes the blood ripple and dance so nimbly, like a brook down the slope of a hill, as a bright, hard frost.

In 'The Gorgon's Head,' Nathaniel Hawthorne reimagines one of Greek mythology's most enduring tales for a young audience, part of his larger collection 'A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys'. With the delicate craft of a master storyteller, Hawthorne breathes new life into the ancient story of Perseus and Medusa, employing a Victorian prose style that both respects the source material and makes it accessible to children. The narrative, rich in allegory and symbolism, captures the essence of Greek philosophy, delivering a deeply moral tale that transcends its mythological roots to convey timeless lessons about bravery, wisdom, and the human condition. While preserving the grandeur and tragedy of the original myth, the text's adaptation is nuanced, ensuring relevance and comprehension for juvenile readers without compromising the story's complexity and literary merit. Nathaniel Hawthorne's intrigue with Greek philosophy and the culturally rich tapestry of classical myths led him to create a doorway for children to explore these ancient stories. Best known for his darker works like 'The Scarlet Letter,' Hawthorne's foray into children's literature highlights his versatility and depth as a writer. His intention was not merely to simplify, but to illuminate, allowing young minds to grapple with profound ideas within the safety of a well-crafted narrative. This commitment to intellectual and ethical storytelling marks 'The Gorgon's Head' as not just a retelling, but a thoughtful expansion of the cultural conversation around the power and potential of mythology. 'The Gorgon's Head' is recommended to those who wish to introduce the younger generation to the grandeur of Greek mythology through a lens that is both refined and considerate of youthful imagination. This story, and indeed all of Hawthorne's 'A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys', serves as an excellent medium for parents and educators to bridge the gap between literary classicism and the engaging storytelling that resonates with children. It is an essential addition to the library of any young person beginning their journey into the rich world of literature and moral parables, and for those adults who wish to accompany them with insightful and beautiful prose that has stood the test of time.