Randolph Caldecott

The Babes In The Wood Randolph Caldecott

BABES IN THE WOOD - Illustrated EditionThis tale was published in 1879 with illustrations by Randolph Caldecott, a morality tale that displays life and death in the raw language of the times. The story tells of two small children left in the care of an uncle and aunt after their parents' death. The uncle gives the children to ruffians to be disposed of in order to acquire their inheritance, telling his wife they are being sent to London for their upbringing. The murderers fall out and the "milder" of the two take the children into the woods telling them he will return with food, but he never returns. The children, wandering alone in the woods, eating berries, lie down and die, where they are covered in leaves by the robins. As with other morality tales, it will lead to many questions of life and death and retribution for the mean uncle. Did the children go to heaven, etc. Recommended for children 8 and older. This is the same theme used in Hansel and Gretel. Recommended by The Gunston Trust. Ages: 8-12+