The Parent's Assistant

he Parent's Assistant is the first collection of children's stories by Maria Edgeworth, published by Joseph Johnson in 1796. The first edition (Part I) had five stories: Lazy Lawrence, Tarlton,  The Little Dog Trusty,  The Orange Man and 'The False Key. 'Barring Out was included in the second edition of Part I published the same year. In later editions more material was added, most notably,  The Purple Jar, and a play for children,  Old Poz.