The Parent's Assistant by Maria Edgeworth

Maria Edgeworth's The Parent's Assistant is a thoughtful collection of short stories crafted to develop character and instill lasting values in young readers. With warmth, wit, and a deep understanding of children's minds, Edgeworth creates engaging characters and realistic situations that illustrate the rewards of honesty, kindness, and perseverance. Rather than moralizing, each story shows the consequences of choices and the strength of everyday virtue-encouraging reflection, empathy, and a growing sense of personal responsibility. From the mischievous Rosamond to the humble and steadfast Simple Susan, Edgeworth's characters are memorable guides through moral growth. Ideal for families and educators seeking character-rich literature, The Parent's Assistant remains a timeless resource-offering engaging stories that both challenge and inspire, helping young readers grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals.

A prolific Anglo-Irish writer of adults' and children's literature. She was one of the first realist writers in children's literature and was a significant figure in the evolution of the novel in Europe (<a href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Edgeworth>Wikipedia</a>).