The Fairy Godmothers and Other Tales

** "The Fairy Godmothers and Other Tales" by Alfred Gatty is a compilation of enchanting stories created for young readers, designed to spark thought about right and wrong as well as the meaning of a joyful life, published in the 1800s. With whimsical grace, each story features fairy godmothers who offer special presents to children, bringing a mix of fun and deep talks about what makes people truly happy. The collection commences with fairies meeting in a peaceful spot in Fairy Land, where they talk about the presents they will give to human children at baptisms soon. They look into the pros and cons of different qualities, such as beauty and wealth, and openly examine the complex issues involved. The fairies’ discussions show that they are thoughtful of what creates happiness and are cautious about the ripple effects from their gifts that may bring surprising difficulties. Starting with distinct characters like Ianthe and Euphrosyne, each fairy brings their own colorful opinion to these conversations. Thus, the scene establishes central questions about morality explored throughout. **