Little Tora, The Swedish Schoolmistress and Other Stories

A pair of oversized shoes prompts little Tora to seek a way to earn money. She arrives at a doctor's dinner table with a songbook, inspired by the example of Jenny Lind. Her performance brings encouragement and an offer of help towards becoming a teacher. Sarah S. Baker then moves forward to Tora's departure as a qualified schoolmistress, while her brother Karl prepares for university and plans to support himself through teaching and writing.

This collection of children's stories sets education alongside family duties and religious faith in Swedish life. Another excerpt follows Karin as she grieves for her mother and receives sympathy from Elsa, the girl in her care. Their conversation connects personal loss with a growing awareness of other people's feelings. Readers interested in older stories about childhood and responsibility will find domestic scenes in which practical help, affection and lessons in consideration shape the characters' choices.