Who could believe a dirty street urchin is as precious as fine china?
“‘Beautiful’? ‘Valuable’? ‘Pay a lot of money’?”
Derby could not suppress the loud guffaw that burst from him. “That sounds very nice, it does, but it don't sound nuffink like me!”
Young Derby can take care of himself. An orphan for as long as he can remember, he has survived Victorian London’s harsh streets by working as a crossing sweeper, brushing mud out of the way for gentlefolk—and occasionally lifting valuables from their pockets. He depends on no one, and lets no one depend on him.
But when Mr. Carp the rag-man comes rolling by in his cart, Derby’s life takes an unexpected turn. Intrigued by the peculiar old man’s fantastical songs and stories, Derby accepts the offer to join him in his trade of collecting rejected things. As an unlikely friendship takes root, self-reliant Derby might just find himself transformed by the kindness of someone who believes a dirty, thieving crossing sweeper is more precious than the finest china.
“She saw for a moment, not a poor baby in a dark London alley, but a poor baby in a dark Bethlehem stable… She knew in that instant what she must do…”
One Christmas Eve, on London's busy cobbled streets, a little girl discovers what it means to give a true gift...
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It is Christmas Eve, and London’s cobbled streets are filled with people, noise, and chaos. As young Priscilla struggles through the crowds with her determined Aunt Aggie, there is nothing on their minds but the scramble to buy everything they need—or think they need—to have a merry Christmas. Little do they know that chance encounters with a street preacher and a poor beggar family will completely change their perspective on Christmas and what it means to give a true gift.
This charming and heartwarming tale of generosity and selfless love is sure to become a Christmas favorite!
About Jessica Albano
Jessica Albano began writing stories before she even knew how to write. Her first stories were picture books she drew herself, and she has been telling stories ever since. Her passion for stories continues in her work as an educator, author, playwright, and actress. She is a graduate of Davidson College and enjoys reading (especially old Victorian novels), Broadway musicals, tea, and Christmas decorating.