Bimbi: Stories for Children

"Bimbi: Stories for Children" by Ouida is a collection of tales that opens with the story of August Strehla, a young boy living in a small, beautiful town in Austria, who shares a powerful bond with an extraordinary stove called Hirschvogel, made by the renowned potter Augustin Hirschvogel. This initial story is all about love, family, what people give up, and how art and skill can be a big deal in life. We learn about August's life, his troubles and happiness as he grows up with his siblings in a family that doesn't have much money, but they are all moved by how beautiful everything is around them and by the awesome stove. As they get warm and cozy around it when it's cold out, August looks up to the stove and wishes he could be a great artist himself, just like the potter who made it; everything changes when August's father decides to sell the stove to take care of some debt, making August super sad, because he feels like selling the Hirschvogel means losing everything. This story grabs you right away with how detailed it is and how strong the relationship between the boy and the stove is, making you ready for a ride full of adventure and feelings.