A Tale of Mud and 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.

This heartwarming tale demonstrates the power of love, sacrifice, and an undeserved gift to soften hard hearts and redeem broken lives. Perfect for children and grown-ups alike, A Tale of Mud and Fine China combines the Christian allegory of C.S. Lewis and Max Lucado with the Victorian London atmosphere of Charles Dickens. 

Other Books in the Truest Gift Victorian Christmas Series: The Truest Gift