Verses for Children, and Songs for Music

** "Verses for Children and Songs for Music" by Juliana Horatia Ewing is an enchanting compilation of poems and songs crafted for young minds, probably around the end of the 1800s. Full of charm, the collection explores topics like the beauty of the outdoors, the simple joys of being a kid, and the power of make-believe. Written with smooth rhymes, the work intends to both entertain and guide, delivering valuable lessons and whimsical stories reflecting how children see the world. Setting the stage, it begins with a preface discussing artwork initially featured in "Aunt Judy's Magazine" that complement the verse. The book then opens with "The Burial of the Linnet," a touching poem about the pain of losing a garden bird that showcases teamwork and kindness. Following that, "Master Fritz" introduces the fun-loving pair of Fritz and Grethel, as they get lost in imaginative games of building houses and making up stories. Altogether, these early poems set a pleasant tone, encouraging young readers to think about love, loss, inventiveness, and the pleasures discovered in nature and friendship. **