25 DECEMBER 1897, Page 26

Little Ivan's Hero. By Helen Milman (Mrs. Caldwell Crofton) (E.

Nister.)—The most characteristic thing in this story is the reality with which in the child's belief the continued presence of the dead with those who are left behind is invested, till what the child believes the man comes to believe also. Nothing could be better managed, too, than the way in which this conviction is strengthened. Ivan's mother has left unexpressed what was the last and chief wish of her heart. She has written in her diary that such a wish there was, and then left it. Unconsciously the husband fulfils it. Altogether this is a very touching and in- structive story. The illustrations, by E. Stuart Hardy, are full of spirit.