The WaterBabies

A classic since its first publication in 1863, The WaterBabies is the story of a little chimney sweep named Tom and his magical adventures beneath the waves. The illtreated Tom flees his dangerous toil and his cruel master, Grimes. When he jumps into a cool stream to clean the soot off himself, he becomes a waterbaby, cleaner and happier than he has ever been, in a hidden fairy world. There, Tom meets haughty dragonflies, makes friends with a slowwitted lobster, and dodges hungry otters. Eventually, he meets the other waterbabies and their clever rulers, Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby. After a long and arduous quest to the OtherendofNowhere, young Tom achieves his hearts desire.