The Water-Babies cover art

The Water-Babies

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The Water-Babies

By: Charles Kingsley
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

A classic since its first publication in 1863, The Water-Babies is the story of a little chimney sweep named Tom and his magical adventures beneath the waves. The ill-treated 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 water-baby, cleaner and happier than he has ever been, in a hidden fairy world. There, Tom meets haughty dragonflies, makes friends with a slow-witted lobster, and dodges hungry otters. Eventually, he meets the other water-babies and their clever rulers, Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby. After a long and arduous quest to the Other-end-of-Nowhere, young Tom achieves his heart’s desire.

Public Domain (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Linguistics Social Sciences Classics

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Critic reviews

“Everyone who has an interest in the exuberant, eclectic, ecological, and erotic aspects of Victorian literature should know this book…[A] delightful and important work of Victorian children’s literature.” (Naomi Wood, Associate Professor of English, Kansas State University)
All stars
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I found the book blended into the background. nothing much really happens and there isn't really much character development.

Nothing really happens in the story!

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I had this book as a child, I loved it for the beautiful glossy pictures, but never actually read it. I still have this book at age 52, so decided it was time to give it a listen. The narration was great. The story, well to say its strange is an understatement. I guess for a child there are lots of hidden lessons within the different chapters, but I actually thought Charles Kingsley was probably taking drugs whilst writing the second half! yes, I'm aware it's a fairly tale, but a very bizarre one at that. I'm glad at last I know the story.

A bizarre story

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Editing us a bit sloppy but if you can allow yourself to overlook a few instances of casual racism the intentions of the story are good.

Good story but with a few bits of antique racism

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I’ve not heard this lovely classic since I was a child. It is still magical and well worth listening to as an adult.

Delightful

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I enjoyed this but found it a bit weird!

My best bit was when he stole the sweeties from the water fairy.

weird!

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