The Water Babies ¡Ya a la venta!

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Introduction for

parents and teachers

   I’m happy to share with all the readers this story written by Charles Kingsley, published in 1863 for the first time. Since it first saw the light, it became a very popular book in the United Kingdom. It was considered a classic among children’s books from the Victorian Era and it didn’t lose popularity until well into the beginning of the 20th century.

The original story has a very rich educational content, although, all being said, it also suffers the prejudices of a man who lived immerse in that time period. Kingsley, an Anglican reverend, shows his loathing for other racial, cultural and religious groups in his book, whom he sees as inferior. All of it is in synch with Great Britain’s society during the second half of the 19th century, proud to be living the most glorious era of its colonizing empire.

Overlooking these deficiencies I just mentioned, The Water Babies gives us a vision of the very harsh living conditions in childhood, similar to the social critique Dickens makes in his books. Although times have changed and children’s problems are no longer the same in developed countries, the message regarding the recognition of their needs is still very much valid.

Tom, the story’s main character, has to face a deprivation that is unfortunately identical to that of millions of children all over the world to the shame of most developed countries.

Regarding our society, our perception of the world of a child needs an in-depth update. The problems stemming from the chaotic lifestyle we are completely exposed to, where the citizen is, above all, a consumer, has changed families into perishable, changing units, were children lack one of the parenting roles, if not both. It is precisely there where this story of children lacking physical and emotional fulfilment revives for our current society, miserable in educating and managing the intellectual and emotional needs that make up a whole human being.

This adaptation I am presenting of Kingsley’s tale leaves behind -logically– its author’s pompous British clothing, full of stale paternalism and distrust towards those who don’t believe in his queen and his god. Once the words are stripped of all this, we are left with the story’s essence, to which I’ve added –as an introduction– a free adaptation of William Blake’s poem The Chimney Sweeper (1789).

In it, Blake tells us about the unfortunate life of Tom Dacre, a boy who sweeps chimneys and -obviously– doesn’t have a future. He can only be given hope of reaching paradise after he dies.

Its author expresses, with a sarcasm that almost goes unnoticed, a sharp critique of the cultural, religious and economic structures that crush a child’s innocence in pursuit of its inhumane principles. Structures that are still in force defending their respective purposes, working conspiratorially to reach an insane environment that can only be survived by education.

At this point of mental alienation which children are especially exposed to, for all the previous reasons, we need –more than ever– to choose home education. It then makes more sense for parents and children to read together.

The Wild Key that travels with Tom –our water baby– in all his adventures, is the key that allows him to open the door to knowledge, to an independent intellectual and spiritual growth.

The key tells us a child’s efforts must be rewarded with greater responsibilities; the patient observation of our reality is basic in getting the most clear and real perspective of it; and, above all things, the love the child is going to receive in time and commitment –both strict and loving– is the essential nutrient that will turn him into a spiritually and mentally healthy adult.

No entity can efficiently perform a job that is the family’s responsibility (however it is formed) in the growth of the child. Failing to pursue these sacred responsibilities, instead of restructuring priorities, is each person’s decision. Life, through the eyes of two fairies, Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid and Mother Doasyouwouldbedoneby, is carefully watching us.