The Christmas Penny

As the summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to indulge in heart-warming stories that inspire kindness and generosity. “A Christmas Penny,” written by Maxwell Grantly, is a beautiful tale that reminds us of the joy of giving, no matter the season. This short story is set in a bustling city during the Victorian era, and takes us on a journey of hope and compassion that can be appreciated all year round.

I hope that you may enjoy this excerpt. If you want to read the entire story, you can download the eBook for free. It is available for download on various platforms and is the perfect addition to your summer reading list. Don’t miss out on this uplifting story that reminds us of the power of generosity and kindness.

“It’s Christmas and I’m skint,” Jack moaned.

The two of us ambled through the streets of New Babbage, kicking small furrows of snow into the gutter with the toes of our shoes. My empty stomach rumbled as the smell of freshly baked pastries wafted from a nearby bakery, through the crisp winter’s air.

“It’s been a whole day since I’ve eaten,” I confessed, “and I’m famished! Let’s return to Canal Street and see if we can beg for some scraps there.”

The corner of Canal Street and Emerson Way, outside the old Imperial Theatre, was a good location for a couple of street urchins to gain sympathy from the many passers-by. Occasionally, some rich gentleman would drop a farthing or ha’penny into our upturned caps, enough for a crust of bread or a slither of cheese, and we would relish every mouthful of our cache.

Jack and I turned and we headed back from the docks, towards the centre of New Babbage, through the shivering winter winds that funnelled their way down the long narrow streets. As we passed the shops, hanging turkeys, plucked pheasants and all sorts of other festive delights teased our senses and created dreams of lavish Christmas feasts in our impoverished minds.

Jack halted abruptly and pointed down into the gutter.

“Good grief!” he exclaimed. “I don’t believe our luck. Look at that!”

There, nestled within the folds of snow and grit, shone a single penny like a precious jewel. Jack glanced around quickly and then stole the moment, diving down and retrieving the treasure from its freezing roadside prison.

“A whole penny!” he exclaimed. “What luck! That’s a ha’penny each. Perhaps this Christmas might not be so miserable after all!”

Jack rubbed the coin onto the folds of his grubby shirt and the penny caught a sparkle from the weak December sun, causing faint glints of light to flash and dance within his hand.

“Let’s get something to eat,” he suggested and he pulled my arm towards a nearby alleyway.

The two of us headed through a narrow passage between two imposing buildings, into a grubby cluster of miserable-looking shops and grimy terraces. Jack strode out confidently into one dingy bakery and, within seconds, he reappeared with a crust of warm bread and the change of a ha’penny coin. He broke an edge from his meal and handed it to me, with the coin too.

“Have a bite of this,” he suggested cheerfully, “and here’s your half of our loot. What do you want to buy with this?”

I smiled, scoffed the scrap of warm bread into my mouth and looked down at the treasure that laid within my palm. It was Christmas and I really wanted to do something special with my half of our loot.

“Let’s wander further along,” I suggested. “I can think what to spend it on as we pass these shops.”

I curled my fingers around the coin and thoughts of childhood delights danced in my mind. Perhaps I might buy a glass marble: the coloured swirls of glass within each orb had often tempted me in my dreamtime desires. Maybe I might buy a small bag of hot roasted chestnuts and share my Christmas treat with Jack. The endless possibilities seemed delightful to my innocent mind.

At the far end of the shops, a small crowd had began to gather around an upturned crate. A man (holding a suitcase and dressed in a dark top hat) climbed up upon its upper surface and he began to call out to the assembling throng of people.

“Roll up – Roll up! Come and witness the greatest little show in New Babbage. I’ll show you delights and marvels that will captivate and fascinate you!”

My fingers tightened around my ha’penny and I turned to face my friend.

“Come on, Jack,” I exclaimed excitedly. “Let’s see what’s happening there.”

The two of us raced across to the forming crowd and we pushed our way to the front of the adults, easing ourselves through the forest of legs and bodies. We wiggled our way to the front, just as the top-hatted gentleman stepped down from the crate and took up his position behind, laying his suitcase flat upon its surface.

“Allow me to introduce myself,” continued the man. “My name is The Amazing Professor Jiggers and I have made my way here to New Babbage this Christmas, to show you a delight that will mesmerize and intrigue you. Within this suitcase, I have the greatest little show in New Babbage, nay, the greatest little show upon the very face of this earth!”

He pounded the palms of his hands upon the surface of the case and a drone echoed around the crowd, like a reverberating drum roll.

“Behold! The Amazing Professor Jiggers’ Performing Flea Circus!”

Introducing Maxwell Grantly!

Welcome to the amazing children’s author: Maxwell Grantly. He is a master storyteller who has captured the hearts of many young readers with his charming and entertaining tales.

Maxwell Grantly has written many books that are perfect for children of all ages. His stories are full of adventure, fun, and magic. Each book takes you on a new journey where you get to meet exciting characters and learn important life lessons.

One of his most popular books is “Fingers and the Dream Thief,” a magical story about a boy named Fingers who must use his imagination to outsmart a mysterious thief who steals dreams from children. This book encourages imagination in young readers, teaching them the importance of using their minds to solve problems.

Another one of his wonderful books is “Albert’s Wiggly Tooth,” a heart-warming story about a boy named Albert who is confused about losing his first tooth. Who delivers the silver sixpence placed beneath his pillow and where do the missing teeth end up?

Finally, “Jack and the Space Pirates” is a thrilling space adventure with a young boy named Jack, who must use his wit and bravery to save a golden cargo from a group of space pirates. This exciting book promotes problem-solving and courage in young readers, encouraging them to be brave and face their fears head-on.

In addition to his engaging stories, Maxwell Grantly also includes beautiful illustrations that bring his tales to life. His vibrant and colourful pictures capture the essence of each character and setting, making it easy for young readers to imagine themselves in the story.

In conclusion, Maxwell Grantly is a talented children’s author who has created many wonderful books that are perfect for young readers. His stories are full of adventure, fun, and magic, and each one teaches important life lessons that will stay with children for years to come. So, if you’re looking for a new book to read, be sure to check out Maxwell Grantly’s collection of stories. You won’t be disappointed!

Fingers and the Dream Thief (AI Version)

This is me, Edward Croydon, but you can call me Eddy. Or maybe not, since you’re a stranger and I’ve learned not to trust anyone too quickly on the streets of New Babbage. I was abandoned here when I was very young, left to fend for myself in a city that chews up and spits out even the toughest of souls. I don’t remember much about my parents, just a vague feeling of warmth and safety that’s long since faded into the cold, damp air of the alleys and sewers where I’ve spent most of my life. But I’ve learned to survive, to keep my wits about me, to defend myself against the gangs and the corrupt constables who patrol these dark, winding streets. So, if you’re looking for a lost puppy to take in, to feed and care for, you’ve come to the wrong place. But if you’re looking for someone who knows how to navigate the treacherous waters of this city, someone who can help you find what you’re looking for, then maybe we can do business.

I must shine shoes to earn my keep, but that’s not the only thing I do to survive. Sometimes, when the crowds are thick and their pockets are full, I’ll slip my nimble fingers into someone’s purse or coat, feeling the satisfying weight of a coin or a watch in my hand. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s what I have to do to stay alive in this city. And that’s why my close friends call me “Fingers,” a name that’s both a nod to my skill at pickpocketing and a warning to anyone who crosses me. But my friends aren’t just fellow thieves and beggars, they’re also the only family I’ve ever known. We watch each other’s backs, share our meagre meals and recount our stories of how we ended up on the streets of this sprawling metropolis.

At night, when the cold, damp air of the streets becomes unbearable, I retreat to the only place I can call home: the attic of an old deserted theatre on Canal Street. It’s not much, just a few wooden beams and a threadbare blanket, but it’s safe and dry and that’s all that matters. The theatre used to be a grand old dame, with plush seats and a glittering chandelier, but now it’s just a shell of its former self, abandoned and forgotten by the city and its people. Sometimes I like to explore the dusty old corridors and imagine the ghosts of actors and audiences past, but mostly I keep to myself, huddled under my blanket and listening to the sounds of the city beyond.

During the day, I stand on the bustling street corners and ply my trade, shining shoes for the rich gentlemen who pass by. Some of them barely acknowledge me, placing their shoes at my feet without a word and hurrying off to their next appointment. But others are more friendly, striking up a conversation as I work my brushes and polish over their expensive leather boots. They ask me about my life, my family, my dreams, and I tell them what I can, careful not to reveal too much of my true self. Sometimes they offer me a bit of extra money or a meal and I accept with gratitude, knowing that every coin and every bite counts in this unforgiving city. But mostly I keep my head down and my hands busy, watching the world pass by in a blur of shiny shoes and hurried footsteps. And when the sun starts to sink low and the streets empty out, I pack up my brushes and my rags and make my way back to the theatre, eager for the safety and solitude of my attic hideaway.

One day, as I was standing on my street corner, a rich elderly gentleman passed me by. He was dressed in a fine suit and hat. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, not daring to hope that he would stop and offer me work. But to my surprise, he did.

Filled with adventure, fantasy and energy, “Fingers and the Dream Thief” is a thrilling tale of friendship, justice, and the power of dreams. Perfect for young readers who love a good mystery and a heroic underdog.

(Important Note: This story was written with the use of AI to enhance the text.)

Fingers and the Dream Thief (AI Version)

Fingers is a young shoeshine pickpocket boy who lives in the bustling city of New Babbage. He’s quick-witted and street smart, always on the lookout for his next score. But one day, Fingers stumbles upon a dark secret that shakes him to his core. Mr. Snude, the owner of the local orphanage and a passionate photography enthusiast, is not what he seems.

As Fingers investigates further, he discovers that Mr. Snude is not only a thief, but also a Dream Thief. With his camera and mystical powers, Mr. Snude steals children’s dreams and keeps them locked away in his secret room. But Fingers won’t stand for it.

Joined by a group of orphans, Fingers sets out to stop Mr. Snude and his evil plans. They’ll have to use all their wits and courage to outsmart the Dream Thief and set the stolen dreams free.

Filled with adventure, fantasy and energy, “Fingers and the Dream Thief” is a thrilling tale of friendship, justice, and the power of dreams. Perfect for young readers who love a good mystery and a heroic underdog.

(Important Note: This story was rewritten using AI to enhance the text.)

Merry Christmas

Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. I trust that you may have a festive and safe end to 2021 and I wish you and your family all the very best for the forthcoming year.

The above image was taken from a children’s project that I have been working with: Christmas Badge Hunt (1867)

If you are interested, you may visit this Roblox game by clicking upon the following link:

https://www.roblox.com/games/3497015163/Christmas-Badge-Hunt-1867

If you are keen to see more, but unable to visit, perhaps these screenshots may interest you instead. Merry Christmas!

Fingers and the Dream Thief

Edward Croydon (also known as “Fingers”) was abandoned and left on the streets of New Babbage by his uncaring parents. Fate forced him to work to survive, shining shoes and picking pockets of rich passers-by. Finally, the kindness of one sympathetic customer encouraged Fingers to consider moving into the local orphanage, financed by the town’s wealthy photographer: Mr. Snude. Fingers found that the children of the home were very well-cared for and had all the toys that they could ever dream of. The orphanage looked like a paradise for homeless street children! However, despite these toys, Finger discovered that these children lacked any imagination or playfulness and he soon discovered that the children’s home had a dark and dreadful secret: Mr. Snude was a dream thief!

Discover how Fingers saved the children from a life devoid of dreams and how he was able to teach Mr. Snude a lesson that he would never forget.

The Incredible Adventure of Fingers and Boston

Abandoned by his parents and forced by fate to work on the streets of New Babbage shining shoes, Edward Croydon (also known as “Fingers”) has to pick the pockets of rich gentlemen in order to survive. However, his life takes an unexpected turn of events when he discovers a stray Boston terrier wandering alone on the streets: a stray dog with the most peculiar-shaped dog tag hanging from her collar. Unfortunately, it’s not only Fingers who is interested in finding out the meaning of this curious dog tag; a gang of local criminals are searching for this dog and her tag too. They will do anything to seize the dog tag for themselves, within the Law or not.

Fingers and the Pocket Watch

Meet Edward Croydon (known by his friends as “Fingers” due to his pick pocketing skills.)

As an infant, Fingers was abandoned by his parents in the town cemetery one winter’s day. He was left alone, to fend for himself on the streets of New Babbage.

Rescued by a strange guardian angel and taken to the sanctuary of an attic, he soon settled down to an impoverished life on the streets, shining shoes for rich gentlemen during the day and picking their pockets whenever he could. Fate bought him into contact with one strange man, wearing a beautiful pocket watch. When Fingers deceitfully gained possession of the watch, his life was to change in the most unexpected way. The theft of the watch bought him all sorts of new and confusing dilemmas and led him through the streets of New Babbage, in a futile attempt to make sense of his tragic past.

• Who was the stranger who became Finger’s guardian angel?
• What effect would the pocket watch have on Finger’s life?
• Will Fingers ever find closure with his grim upbringing?

This steampunk story by Maxwell Grantly has been composed in a lively comic format and has many beautiful illustrations that will enchant and captivate your child.

Children’s Quiet Space

To complement the online virtual church, the 1867 team have also constructed a similar online experience but in a format that is more accessible to children.

(This clip has explanatory subtitles, that can be activated, whilst watching the video.)

Anyone, especially children – who may be more familiar with the Roblox platform, is welcome to simply visit this church and its peaceful surroundings at any time, if they wish to find some peace and solitude at this time of international crisis.

Click on this link to locate the virtual Pfaffenthal church.

Visit an Online Church this Sunday

If you missed this week’s service within Sansar, you are welcome to come next week instead. This is a little of what you missed.

You are always welcome to simply visit the church and its surroundings at any time, if you wish to find some peace and solitude at this time of international crisis.

Click on this link to locate the virtual Pfaffenthal church.