The Water-Babies is one of the great Victorian children’s classics—part moral tale, part fantasy, part social commentary.
 
First published in 1863, the story follows Tom, a young chimney sweep who escapes a harsh, exploitative life and enters a magical underwater world after a transformative, dreamlike journey.
 
In this richly imaginative realm, Tom encounters talking animals, underwater creatures, fairies, and the famous Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby and Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid. Through these encounters, the story explores themes of innocence, redemption, compassion, and social justice, while also satirising Victorian science and society.
 
This 1952 Seagull Library edition presents Kingsley’s timeless tale in an accessible, compact format designed for young readers, maintaining all the classic charm of the original text.