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Cover of The New-Year's Bargain

The New-Year's Bargain

Written by Susan Coolidge

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Children's storiesSiblingsFairiesCatsGrandfathersBearsChristmas

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About this book

"The New-Year's Bargain" by Susan Coolidge is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two young children, Max and Thekla, who live in a secluded cottage in the Black Forest. As the Old Year prepares to depart, they encounter a mysterious old man named Old Time, who introduces them to the months personified, setting the stage for a whimsical adventure centered on time and seasonal tales. At the start of the tale, on a wintry day, the children gather firewood in the forest when they come upon Old Time and his clay figures representing the twelve months. After a conversation with Old Time, Max steals some of the "sand of time," leading to a comical and chaotic encounter with the personified months who demand restitution. Max proposes a bargain where each month would visit them, share a story, and present gifts in exchange for their moments. This charming setup promises further adventures that intertwine lessons about time, the seasons, and the importance of gratitude and responsibility, making it an engaging read for young audiences.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The New-Year's Bargain, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • whimsical
  • imaginative
  • gentle

Susan Coolidge's "The New-Year's Bargain" is a whimsical children's novel set in the Black Forest, where two imaginative children, Max and Thekla, encounter the personified Old Time. Their mischievous theft of 'sand of time' leads to a unique agreement: each of the twelve personified months will visit them throughout the year, sharing stories and offering gifts. This charming premise unfolds into a series of episodic adventures, blending fantasy with gentle moral lessons about the passage of time, the beauty of the seasons, and the importance of responsibility and gratitude. The narrative creates a magical world where time itself becomes a teacher, guiding the children through a year of discovery and growth.

“"Ah, little ones, time is a precious thing, not to be stolen or wasted, for every grain of sand holds a moment that cannot be reclaimed."”

Key themes

The Passage of Time and Seasons
Central to the narrative, this theme explores the cyclical nature of time, the distinct characteristics of each season, and the inevitability of change. The personification of Old Time and the twelve months directly embodies this theme, allowing for a tangible exploration of an abstract concept. Each month's visit highlights the unique gifts and lessons inherent in different periods of the year.
Responsibility and Consequences
This theme is immediately established by Max's mischievous act of stealing the 'sand of time' and the subsequent need for restitution. The entire 'bargain' with the months serves as a prolonged lesson in taking responsibility for one's actions, understanding their impact, and fulfilling obligations. It teaches that every action, no matter how small, has a ripple effect.
Imagination and Wonder
The entire premise of the story—encountering personified time and months—is an ode to the power of imagination. The narrative encourages readers to see the world through a lens of wonder, transforming abstract concepts and natural phenomena into vibrant, living characters. It celebrates the imaginative capacity of children and the magic that can be found in everyday life and the natural world.

Worth discussing

How does the personification of Old Time and the months enhance the story's themes?

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