"Smiles": A Book of Recitations for Girls

In Short

This book is a carefully curated anthology of poems and short narratives designed for young girls to recite at school, home, or community gatherings. Spanning topics from the seasons and holidays to the trials of housewifery and the mischief of siblings, the collection aims to provide children with "some piece to speak." While it functions as a pedagogical tool for public speaking, it is also a deeply personal tribute, capturing the simple, idealized world of childhood as viewed through the lens of early 20th-century family life.

The Story

The collection begins with a dedication from a mother to her daughter, Laila Myrtle, establishing a tone of warmth and guidance. The verses that follow act as a series of snapshots, reflecting the daily rhythms of a child’s life. We meet various little girls—Dot, Emma, Marion, and Hazel—each navigating the minor crises of growing up. Some poems explore the wonder of nature, such as the return of a robin or the blooming of spring flowers, while others address the social realities of the time, such as a child’s realization of poverty when she encounters a girl who receives nothing from Santa Claus.

As the reader moves through the book, the arc shifts from the playfulness of "dolly days" to the sobering responsibilities of adulthood. We see characters like Mabel Gray, who is praised for her industry and her transformation into a "busy little woman," and others like Hazel, who finds that keeping house is far more difficult than a game. The narrative voice shifts between the perspective of a child—sometimes sweet, sometimes saucy—and the perspective of an adult observing the fleeting nature of youth. The progression includes the seasonal cycle, moving from the cold, snowy months of January and February through the hopeful blooms of April and May, finally arriving at the "balmy" freedom of June.

The ending is reflective, focusing on the inevitable passage of time. The collection touches upon the sadness of loss, acknowledging that some things, like a favorite "crib bed," are eventually outgrown. There is a recurring theme of the "old" giving way to the "new," as children turn into adults and "dolly days" are set aside for the duties of life. The book concludes with a celebration of the cycle of the year, emphasizing growth, maturity, and the bittersweet memory of childhood joys. It leaves the reader with a sense of completion, having witnessed a series of lessons that equate being "good" and "busy" with a happy, well-lived life.

How It Unfolds

The opening invitation The author introduces the work as a resource for children, emphasizing its utility for every occasion. She frames the act of recitation as a fundamental part of a girl’s development, from her first words to her maturity.

The domestic landscape The poems turn to the home, highlighting the relationships between sisters and brothers, the care of dolls, and the expectations of chores. These beats show a clear contrast between the idealized "busy little housekeeper" and the realistic frustration of dealing with a teasing brother.

The moral and social sphere Stories of charity and lessons learned, such as the "little Santa" who shares her toys with the poor, introduce the moral weight of the collection. The book uses these moments to teach empathy, framed within the context of a child’s limited but sincere understanding of the world.

The seasonal transition The collection follows the calendar, using the changing weather as a metaphor for the child's development. Each month is given a dedicated verse, marking the passage of time from winter to the joyous arrival of summer vacation.

The transition to maturity In the final sections, the poems shift toward the future, reflecting on what it means to be a "big girl." The book closes by encouraging the reader to look back on childhood memories with fondness, acknowledging that growth is a natural and expected transformation.

The People

The book is populated by a cast of archetypal young girls who serve as moral exemplars or cautionary tales. Laila Myrtle, the dedicatee, is the silent presence for whom these verses were composed, representing the innocence the author seeks to preserve. Dot is the relatable student who struggles with the discipline of school, choosing play over study, while Mabel Gray represents the ideal, industrious girl who embraces her duties with a "loving heart." Hazel provides a touch of realism, discovering that domestic labor is not the carefree pastime she imagined.

There are also the "others"—the siblings and figures of authority. The "naughty brother" is a recurring, exasperating figure, described by his sister as a source of constant mischief who teases her and pulls the cat’s tail. Grandma and Grandpa stand as the gentle, patient anchors of the family, often providing the backdrop for holiday gatherings. Finally, there is the "little Santa," a girl who takes the initiative to correct the perceived injustices of the world, demonstrating the capacity for moral agency in children. Each character ends up slightly different, either through the acquisition of a new responsibility or the quiet acceptance that childhood is a transient state that must eventually be outgrown.

In Its Own Voice

The author captures the essence of a child's early, imaginative faith in the divine.

When we're singing of the flowers, / And of springtime and the showers / That doth make the grasses grow; / When our songs are all of praises / For the lilies and the daisies, / How I wonder! does Jesus know?

The collection also features a skeptical, humorous take on holiday myths as a child matures.

You may tell the story o'er and o'er / Just the way 'twas told to you; / And I've listened to it often, / But I've learned it isn't true.

The text emphasizes the importance of a bright, cheerful demeanor in social interactions.

Give a smile to all you meet, / Keep your temper nice and sweet.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book is an argument for the cultivation of character through performance. It suggests that by reciting lines about kindness, duty, and industry, a child might internalize those values. The themes are strictly domestic and traditional, focusing on the importance of obedience, the virtues of hard work, and the significance of familial bonds. It poses the question of how to bridge the gap between childhood play and the responsibilities of the adult world. Ultimately, it argues that childhood is a fleeting, precious state that should be filled with "sunny smiles" and moral preparation before the realities of the adult world take hold.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of childhood, Victorian-era pedagogy, or the evolution of family life will find this book a valuable relic. It is a gentle, earnest read that evokes a specific, idealized version of the past where manners and moral development were front and center. However, today’s reader should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes that permeate the text, particularly the rigid gender roles and the occasionally patronizing tone toward children’s "mischief."

The language is rhythmic and simple, making it accessible even when it relies on archaic phrasing or dialect. Some may find the moralizing repetitive, but others will appreciate the warmth of the motherly intent behind the verses. What stays with you is the sincere effort of the author to provide her daughter—and by extension, all young girls—with a map for navigating the challenges of growing up. It is a quiet, modest book that asks to be read not as a literary masterpiece, but as a tender, historical artifact of a mother’s love and the expectations placed upon the children of a different age.