Page:Malot - Nobodys Boy, Crewe-Jones, 1916.djvu/17

 INTRODUCTION

"," published in France under the title "Sans Famille," has become justly famous as one of the supreme juvenile stories of the world. In the midst of its early popularity, it was crowned by the Academy, and has stood the test of time as as one of the masterpieces of French literature.

"Nobody's Boy" is a human document of child experiences that is fascinating reading for young and old. Parents, teachers and others, who are careful to have children read inspiring books of ennobling ideals, will welcome this beautiful story of Hector Malot, as among the best for them to recommend.

Such digressions in the original, as do not belong to the heart of the story, have been eliminated, so that the lost boy's experiences continue as the undisturbed interest, on through to the happy conclusion.

Loyal friendship and honest conduct are the vital ideals of this story, and the heart interest is expressed with such simplicity, directness and pathos, that the reader enters at once into fellowship with the wanderers, and shares in all their adventures to the end.

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