Careless Kate: A Story for Little Folks

"Careless Kate: A Story for Little Folks" by Oliver Optic is a children's novella written in the late 19th century. The book addresses the themes of carelessness and the importance of personal responsibility, particularly focusing on its impact on relationships and others’ well-being. Set in a framework that educates young readers, it conveys moral lessons through the experiences of its protagonist, Kate, whose thoughtlessness leads to significant consequences. The story revolves around Kate, a young girl who often acts carelessly, resulting in various mishaps that provoke both emotional distress and reprimands from her parents. When she carelessly crushes her mother’s prized flower and later spills milk intended for a sick neighbor and her children, Kate's actions lead her down a path of guilt and deceit. Struggling with her conscience after lying to avoid punishment, she ultimately confesses to her parents, leading to lessons in accountability, the importance of truthfulness, and the desire to improve her behavior. By the end of the novella, Kate learns valuable lessons about caring for others and the significance of being responsible, marking her journey towards personal growth and maturity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Taylor Adams, pseudonym Oliver Optic, was an academic, author, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.