Timeless Stories for Children

The Star Child - by Oscar Wilde

Robin Kermode Season 1 Episode 7

Robin Kermode reads this wonderful short story for children and adults by Oscar Wilde. 

A beautiful child is found in the forest and brought up by a shepherd. He grows into a cruel and selfish boy.  When he rejects his true mother, his beauty vanishes and he becomes as ugly as a toad. It is a story that underlines the pitfalls of pride and vanity and the redeeming qualities of humility and love.

It was first published in 1888 in the anthology 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' which, in addition to its title story, also includes "The Devoted Friend" and "The Selfish Giant".