Bébée; Or, Two Little Wooden Shoes

"Bébée; Or, Two Little Wooden Shoes" by Ouida is a story set in the Belgian countryside about a young woman coming of age. The story begins with Bébée happily waking up on her sixteenth birthday, living a simple life among the flowers she loves. She lives with her father figure, Antoine Mäes, a humble flower seller. The story explores themes of innocence, rural life, and the challenges of growing up. After Antoine's death, Bébée faces loneliness and a longing for independence, while also pushing back on unwanted attention from her neighbors. She focuses on keeping Antoine’s memory alive, by taking care of their garden, dealing with adult life and what society expects from her.