Title page illustration from "The Story of Childe Charity"

Title page illustration from "The Story of Childe Charity"

In “The Story of Childe Charity,” the titular character is a young orphan in the care of her greedy aunt and uncle. Pyle’s ink illustration depicts her in her misfortune, a wistful look on her face as she sits on a stool and gazes at what could be bread or an implement for scouring pots in her hand. Her other hand is on the head of a shaggy dog, who is later revealed to be a prince of Fairyland. The dog looks actively at the girl, showing that he sees Childe Charity’s goodheartedness despite—perhaps even because of—her poverty.

Katharine Pyle

"The Story of Childe Charity" in Granny's Wonderful Chair and its Tales of Fairy Times by Frances Browne

E.P. Dutton & Co.

1916