The Paradise of Children (From: "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys")

"The Paradise of Children" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an enchanting tale that imagines a world where children exist in a state of pure bliss, untouched by the burdens of adulthood. This story follows Epimetheus and Pandora, two children living a life of carefree play in a magical realm where their every desire materializes effortlessly. Their idyllic existence is disrupted when Pandora's curiosity gets the better of her, leading her to open a forbidden box. This act unleashes a flurry of troubles upon their once-perfect world, introducing them to pain, sorrow, and hardship. However, amidst the chaos, Hope emerges from the box, offering solace and the promise that even in difficult times, optimism will endure, teaching the children about the balance between joy and sorrow in life.