Two Festivals

"Two Festivals" by Eliza Lee Cabot Follen is a collection of children's moral stories written in the early to mid-19th century. The book captures the celebrations and values surrounding two important festivities—May Day and New Year's Eve—focusing on themes of kindness, courage, and community spirit. The tales provide both entertainment and life lessons that are timeless and resonate with the ideals of family and friendship. The first story, "May Morning and New Year's Eve," depicts a group of children celebrating May Day amidst unforeseen rain, illustrating their resilience and joy in the face of disappointment. As they gather in an old barn, the story highlights moments of camaraderie, shared dreams, and the importance of looking out for one another. The second story, "The Birthday," narrates the heartfelt celebration of Grace Darling's birthday, ultimately pivoting to a heroic act of selflessness during a storm. The final tale, "A True Story," recounts a young boy's perilous experience at sea and emphasizes themes of bravery, love, and the strength of human connection. Overall, "Two Festivals" beautifully encapsulates lessons in empathy, courage, and the significance of celebrating communal bonds amidst life's challenges. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Eliza Lee Cabot Follen was an American writer, editor, and abolitionist. In her early life, she contributed various pieces of prose and poetry to papers and magazines. In 1828, she married Prof. Charles Follen, who died on board the Lexington in 1840. During her married life, she published a variety of popular and useful books, all of which were characterized by her Christian piety. Among the works she gave to the press are, Selections from Fénelon, The Well-spent Hour, Words of Truth, The Sceptic, Married Life, Little Songs, Poems, Life of Charles Follen, Twilight Stories, Second Series of Little Songs, as well as a compilation of Home Dramas, and German Fairy Tales. Holding an interest in the religious instruction of the young, she edited, in 1829, the Christian Teacher's Manual, and, from 1843 to 1850, the Child's Friend. She died in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1860.