The Cricket on the Hearth

This third novella in Dickens’s famous Christmas series presents a charming Victorian fantasy drama of love, deceit, and stunning surprises.

It’s Christmastime and the Peerybingle home is bustling. Mr. Peerybingle, his wife ,Dot, and their baby boy are joined by the nanny, Tilly, as well as the chirping cricket on the hearth who watches over them all. But when a mysterious traveler comes to stay with them, his presence sets off a cascade of trickery and misunderstandings. Though jealousy and distrust threaten the Christmas cheer, friendly faces from near and far will come together in the spirit of the season.

John Peerybingle, a carrier, lives with his young wife Dot, their baby boy and their nanny Tilly Slowboy. A cricket chirps on the hearth and acts as a guardian angel to the family. One day a mysterious elderly stranger comes to visit and takes up lodging at Peerybingle's house for a few days.