Books published by publisher Curiosmith

Jane Squibb, a twelve year old, attended Saturday afternoon instruction at Rev. Legh Richmond’s house. He used the graves in the churchyard and the beauty of nature to teach the children about God. Jane was little noticed until she became sick, then Rev. Richmond decided to visit her constantly. Little Jane’s spiritual maturity exhibited an affectionate seriousness and a knowledge of the Scriptures. “He not only called her as a child to show, by a similitude, what conversion means, but he also called her by his grace to be a vessel of mercy, and a living witness of that almighty power and love by which her own heart was turned to God.”—Legh Richmond. This extended edition includes rich scenery descriptions and three illustrations. The appendix includes reports of two visits to the Isle of Wight years afterward.

Six neighborhood girls were in the same Sunday-school class. They cared about dressing well and spent their time discussing clothes. Maynie wanted to witness more and to be like Jesus, so she decided to spite Satan by including the poor girl, Rachel, to be a part of their show. When she had a sore throat and had to miss Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma’s, she was in for a real surprise. An important Scripture verse is: James 2:5—“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”

The children ventured down to Brook Runaway and found three red-headed boys who were brothers. Rosa and Kitty decided that they would start a school to teach the unschooled boys to read. Soon many other neighborhood children joined them. Kitty had to learn to teach for the sake of doing good and not to receive their thanks. The school went well until patience and perseverance wore thin. The story demonstrates teaching with patience and principal and not to be motivated by mere feelings.

Kitty Brown had many adventures when her city cousins visited for the summer. The children were delighted to watch bird nests, to see fish in the stream, and to spot all the fruit and berries of the country. In the midst of the fun many moral lessons were taught.They learned to see God in nature, to pay attention in Sunday-school, to overcome selfishness, to obey parents, not to be vengeful, not to tell lies, to learn Bible verses, not to complain, to be kind to the poor, to ask God for forgiveness and a better heart, and to be kind to each other. God’s providence is honored when everything works out “just right.” This is one volume of the four-part Kitty Brown series.

Kitty Brown, six years old, grabbed her sled and went to school where she and her schoolmates learned many lessons. While building a snowman the boys argued but learned “a soft answer turns away wrath.” When Kitty disobeyed her mother, she learned a new verse for children to “obey their parents.” One Sunday the snow was so deep they could not get out to go to church. When the neighbors all pulled together to make a path to church, the service was especially blessed by God. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Kitty Brown loves Bible verses. All twelve chapters have a different bible verse that is exemplified in the story. This is the first book in the four-part Kitty Brown series.

Mrs. Simpson believed that “the honor of God was dearer to her than her own credit, and her chief desire was to turn all events to his glory.” And also “her chief care was to convince herself and others, that however great might be her sufferings, and however little they could be accounted for at present, yet that the Judge of all the earth could not but do right.” Betty, her friend, simply gave up hope over tragedies. The moral is to trust in God’s providence. An important verse is Psalm 118:23—“This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”

Three very rambunctious orphan children were presented to a new governess, Miss Falkner, who brought “thoughts of God” to the children. Jill’s red bag was used to collect money to build a church, but people laughed, and dismissed her idea as only a child’s fanciful dream. The theme of the book is about the virtue of giving to the work of God. An important verse is Genesis 28:22—“And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”

The fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, etc. are exemplified throughout the book, one to a chapter. Angus Tarlton was a sixteen year old boy who was a prideful, disagreeable person that had lost his enthusiasm for life because of a crippling accident. The story shows how he learned to be a comfort and companion to others. He was able to accomplish a brave, heroic deed which exemplified many fruits of the Spirit. Also contained in this book is the short story “Don’t Be Too Sure” by A.L.O.E., which is about trusting in God’s Providence instead of your own plans and abilities.

Arthur and Asahel embark on a happy search after treasure in an old mine. The physical darkness makes them aware of their spiritual darkness as they go exploring. Asahel is a Jew and knows Old Testament history, while Arthur thinks himself a Christian but his heart does not embrace it. Arthur proclaims “You had love without knowledge; I knowledge without love. Yours was ignorance—mine was sin!”

“The Little Woodman” is similar to the Biblical story of Joseph and his brothers. Little William was left alone in the woods and he prayed to God for help. He was so tired he fell down and thought a wolf would eat him. The story demonstrates humility, thankfulness, and forgiving others. Little William became the center of family unity and displayed his trust in God during unknown circumstances. This edition has 12 twelve full page illustrations by Joseph Knight.