Plain tales, chiefly intended for the use of charity schools

"Plain tales, chiefly intended for the use of charity schools" by Anonymous is a collection of instructive stories from the late 1700s. The book is designed as a teaching tool, sharing important lessons through the everyday lives of children, with the goal of teaching young readers the value of hard work, truthfulness, and being useful. Within each short story, the tales follow different children as they go through life and demonstrate traits like kindness, working hard, and the importance of helping their families. Characters like Sukey Dawkins and Nancy Bennet perform helpful tasks for their mothers, while other characters learn the importance of saving and making smart choices when faced with difficult situations. The main idea shows the advantages of being hardworking and the happiness that comes from making a positive contribution to family and community, demonstrating that true happiness is found in being helpful and responsible. Every story ends with a lesson, reinforcing the themes shared throughout the collection.